Chichilianne - Bénevise via the Pas de l'Essaure and the Vallon Combau

(S) Leave from the Maison du Parc, located on Place Louis Thiers, and head south to Rue Passiere Jansonnière, which runs eastwards until it reaches the Combe Chaude stream. Turn right and follow the path for 500 metres, which runs alongside the stream between copses and meadows reserved for cattle grazing.

(1) At a place called Verzelle, turn left and head south until you reach the wide torrential bed of the Ruisseau des Arches.

(2) Cross the ford, but only when the water level is low, then continue in the same direction until you reach a forest track 200 metres further on, at Les Fauries, which climbs the wooded slope parallel to the ridge.
Follow the yellow and green markings and the signs indicating the direction of Pas de l'Essaure, without paying too much attention to the distances indicated, which are sometimes incorrect.
The path crosses a forest road almost horizontally, before winding its way back towards the pass, narrowing more and more into a trail, sometimes in the form of steps, but without any real difficulty in passing. Before reaching the pass, marked only by a large cairn, the path winds through open countryside, presenting no danger and no real risk of going wrong, but the route is uncertain (several possible passages). Reach the Pas de l'Essaure.

(3) Turn right towards the west to reach the gentle slope opposite the Pas de l'Essaure. Look for the path and a large cairn. On the left-hand side, note the presence of marmot burrows. Pass the rounded ridge to descend to the main Combau valley, which is well below. There is no real path, but this does not present any major difficulty as the landscape is open.

(4) Near the valley, there are again numerous marmot burrows. If they have not been disturbed, you may encounter them at any time, but they are more numerous at the beginning and end of the day. Descend in the direction of the valley. Pass the Cabane de l'Essaure, then continue until you reach a large cattle shelter nestled on a flat area.

(5) Pass the large barrier and continue downhill on the right bank of the Vallon de Combau along the stony forest road. Descend to the Fontaine des Prêtres car park, which marks the end of the D515 departmental road.

(6) The route now follows the small road that descends along the river, first on its left bank, whose natural meadows are renowned for their rich flora, which is especially beautiful in June, set against a stunning mountain backdrop. This part of the valley is very popular with the inhabitants of the Diois region, who come here to walk in all seasons and often picnic.

(7) You may wish to stop at the lodge, which is open all year round for refreshments, then continue along the road on the right bank of the stream, which becomes increasingly deep. The mountain walls narrow into a wooded gorge dominated by the mighty Rocher de Combeau, which forms a natural barrier. The route allows you to appreciate it from almost all angles, in all its diverse forms and sunlight.
Continue along the path, which passes through a much more open and rocky area, interspersed with large scree slopes, to finally reach the old village of Bénevise, which has merged with other municipalities under the name of Treschenu-Creyers (E).

Hiking should only be undertaken in good weather conditions, outside of periods of torrential flooding and without fog. The vast karst plateau is reassuring in good weather as it allows you to see very far, but the only markings are cairns, which are numerous due to the many possible routes. If fog or bad weather sets in, there is a real risk of getting lost in this cliff-lined territory. As a precaution, bring a compass and a map or a GPS device that does not require a permanent internet connection for the map background, as there is no mobile phone signal on the plateau.

Dogs, except those belonging to authorised breeders, are prohibited throughout the reserve, even if kept on a leash. Respect the fences and move around quietly, as this will improve the quality of your observations.

As a reminder, the regulations of the Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors nature reserve impose the following main prohibitions:
- Dogs are prohibited, even on a leash
- Flying is prohibited within 300 metres (i.e. drones and paragliders are prohibited)
- Fires are prohibited
- Deliberately disturbing wildlife is prohibited (be careful not to disturb marmots and ibex, among others!)
- Picking is prohibited
- Camping is prohibited, but bivouacking is permitted from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
- Littering is prohibited (including in the shelters, which are open to all!)
These strict regulations are necessary to protect the species and environments that inhabit this wild and unspoilt territory!