Bouvante walks

A beautiful hike along the ridges of this summit. Very clear view of almost the entire Vercors and the Alps in the background.

Almost entirely through undergrowth and forest, this pretty, fairly challenging hike offers beautiful views of the Vercors and the Romans valley on a clear day. The ridge route, passing by the Rocher de Chantemerle where the Beauregard TV transmitter is located, is a succession of ascents and descents, sometimes close to or far from the cliffs, sometimes over rocks or sharp limestone pavement.

A variation on the classic hike via the Col des Marchand (which it avoids), less demanding in terms of difficulty and duration than the usual routes, this loop takes you along good paths and trails to the Pré de Cinq Sous, returning via the Ravin des Goulets and the luminous Ravin de Tête d'Homme.

This is a relatively easy hike in the Léoncel National Forest, mostly on cross-country ski or snowshoe trails. It is a very pleasant walk in warm weather, as almost the entire route is in the shade.

After passing through the Col de la Bataille, take an aerial walk along the ridges of the Sausse rocks to the pass of the same name at an altitude of 1,440 metres, with beautiful views. After the Pas de Chovet, discover a double stone arch in the Bois de Ruclas, an extraordinary place with a promontory and a magnificent view of the Léoncel valley. Return to the Auberge du Grand Échaillon, which is also a cross-country skiing centre in winter, with the Col de la Bataille road, which is closed at this time of year, serving as a ski trail.

The Frochet caves are a cavity where a small lake has formed. Be sure to bring a headlamp to enjoy them. This hike is quick, the lower part of the route is easy, but the end of the route is quite steep on a narrow path.

This route offers wonderful views of the Grand Veymond. It takes you through forests, over ridges and across rolling plains known as "Pelouses".

Out of curiosity, I mapped out this route when I discovered that a karstic cave bears the same name as me. This route winds through the Lente forest and offers beautiful views of the Vassieux en Vercors valley and the Grand Veymont. And for those with a sweet tooth, you can enjoy wild raspberries, wild strawberries and, more rarely, blueberries along the way.

A "wild" route at the start, two caves to visit and a magnificent panorama to admire from the Montagne de Mussan, covering a large part of the Vercors, make this hike well worth the effort.

The Ambel Plateau, divided between pastures and forests, covers an area of 1,231 hectares. The view of the surrounding peaks and mountains is superb, with the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors and the Grand Veymont to the east, and the Tête de la Dame (1,506 m), from where you can see the Diois and the Baronnies, to the west the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors and the Grand Veymont, to the west, the Tête de la Dame (1,506 m), from where you can see the Diois, the Baronnies and the Omblèze valley with its cliffs below, and to the south, the Saint-Julien-en-Quint valley.

An outpost of the Vercors on the western side, Roc de Toulau is a 1,581-metre peak offering views of the Ambel Plateau and the peaks of the Vercors, Diois, Drôme Provençale and, on a clear day, Mont Ventoux.

A lovely spring walk, partly off the beaten track, with the added bonus of discovering two beautiful arches.

The Tête de la Dame offers a magnificent 360-degree panorama. Although it is accessible to experienced hikers from the village of Omblèze, it is also easier to get there from the Col de la Bataille. Ideal for a picnic!

A relatively easy short hike on the Font d'Urle plateau. Magnificent scenery on the Ambel plateau, the Quint valley, the Trois Becs, the Glandasse, the Vercors mountain range and the whole of southern Drôme.

This short, pleasant walk takes you to the ruins of the feudal castle of Rochechinard and offers a magnificent view of the Royans valley. There is a short steep section of 15 metres.

A short walk around the Combe de Saint-Genis with the cliffs of Musan, Épenet and Pierre Chauve and the Romanaise plain in the background.

A very pretty loop from the hamlet of Les Ducs, crossing the Pas de Bouvaret and then the Pas de la Pierre, offering superb views of the Rhône valley, the Vercors and the Ardèche.

A very pretty and long hike around the Combe d'Oyans with beautiful panoramic views of the cliffs of Musan, Pierre Chauve and L'Epenet. The ruins of Rochefort-Samson Castle offer a beautiful view of the valley. Information board at the summit.

Enjoy a change of scenery on the rugged limestone plateau and meadows. Then take a leap into the history of the Resistance.

From Léoncel via the Pas du Grand Échaillon to the Col de la Bataille, then Gampaloux and the Grand Échaillon, a walk through the forest in the footsteps of the Cistercian monks of Léoncel Abbey.

A magnificent hike that subtly combines forest and meadow passages. You walk and pass easily from one path to a forest track, or vice versa, thanks to the numerous signposts. As for the views, you can choose between the entrance to the Pelouse de Bournette, the bird's eye view of the Scialets Royer, the view of the Combe de Loscence and the fabulous 360° view from the summit of Serre Plumé. This is an easy hike, with only the start of the climb to the summit of Serre Plumé reminding you that you are on a mountain hike.

Ascent to Serre Plumé in the forest, with splendid views of the Vercors peaks, from Grand Veymond to Grande Moucherolle. Descent along the ridge path, then return walk through alpine grasslands.

A very beautiful hike in the Monts du Matin. No particular difficulty except for the steep climb in the first part of the circuit. Dogs are strictly prohibited in this area.

This is an easy walk that can be done with young children. Picnics are possible in a shaded area.

A lovely, varied loop, alternating between tracks, trails and a few roads, with breathtaking views of Vassieux-en-Vercors and the surrounding area from the Crête des Gagères. Lots of forest sections, including a crossing of the Chaud Clapier ski resort.

Between small country roads and forest paths, this short route allows you to discover the surroundings of Meymans.

A walk in the hills above Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans offering beautiful views of the whole Royans region. Much of the route is through forest with some fairly steep slopes.

A magnificent short hike on the Vercors plateaus, with a 360° view of the Valence plain and the village of Léoncel.

From Les Cerisiers, the hike follows the GRP® Tour du Vercors Dromois, then the GR®93 to the village of Font d'Urle. The climb up to Puy de la Gagère takes you through a pretty deciduous forest. Near the village of Font d'Urle, the route takes the Sentier du Karst (not very well signposted) and climbs up to the viewpoint: the GPX track will be very useful, as there are many paths with no signposts. The hike continues along the edge of the cliff via the Pas du Follet. After a final, slightly steep climb, head back towards Puy de la Gagère to return to the starting point, following the same path in reverse. With a bit of luck, you may spot marmots and eagles on the Font d'Urle plateau, as well as sheep, cows and horses grazing in the pastures.

The Trois Châteaux viewpoint offers a bird's eye view of Pont-en-Royans. From the Serre-Cocu orientation table, there is a beautiful panorama of the eastern ridges of the Vercors, from Grande Moucherolle to Grand Veymont. This hike takes place partly in the forest and follows roads to avoid private property.

Walk around Mont Baret with access to two waterfalls. At the start of the hike, enjoy the view of the hanging houses of Pont-en-Royans. Passing through the Petits Goulets, a series of four tunnels on a narrow and very busy road, it is advisable to bring torches so that you are visible to motorists.

This hike is accessible to all and offers a 360° view of the Vercors and Pont en Royans. Ideal before dinner to whet your appetite!

Very nice hike without any difficulty, with stunning views of the Pas des Voutes, Pas de la Charmate and Pas de l'Allier.