High plateaus of the Vercors by Archiane

Date of your route : Apr 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Fantastic. The cirque is breathtaking, especially with the clouds playing with the sun. The climb up to the cirque is tough, with a 600m elevation gain over 3.5km, but when you reach the flat cliffs, it's amazing.
Well signposted up to the four paths, but after that it's a free-for-all once you reach the plateau, especially as there was snow up to your knees and sometimes even mid-thigh due to the sharp limestone pavement (thank goodness for walking sticks).after 1.5 km at the top, following the tracks of a walker, I was unable to enjoy Mont Aiguille and Grand Veymont, but on the way back, I took the viewpoint and discovery trail, which was well worth the detour. The hike was 19 km long.

Be careful, the ground was dry until Cirque Archiane, with dry leaves everywhere, making the descent extremely slippery.

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Date of your route : Jul 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The Archiane cirque is majestic, imposing and undoubtedly unique. Walking at the foot of these cliffs to finally reach the high plateaus is enchanting. But beware, the hike is indeed difficult: there is a significant elevation gain and some passages are a little tricky at the foot of the cliffs or in the last scree slopes, but there is no real danger. You just need to be fit and somewhat accustomed to hiking. The descent on the way back can be slippery in places if it rains, so take care. A good idea is to spend the night before your hike at the Archiane refuge so you can set off early and have the chance to spot vultures and other ibex.

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Date of your route : Oct 27, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This hike follows on from the Grand Veymont hike the day before. It's much steeper, but absolutely magnificent!

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Date of your route : Jul 19, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent canyon. Quite a steep climb, but the view from the top is superb. Hike done at the end of June. Arnica flowers, etc. Chamois.

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Date of your route : Aug 03, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Brief explanations, but just follow the GR trail and enjoy the beautiful and varied views

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Date of your route : Apr 10, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

To be repeated in good weather
A bit tough, but the view is superb

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Date of your route : Jun 08, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

a very beautiful hike, the first part is well shaded, the climb up the scree slope is quite steep but the trail is excellent and the ascent is easy. Upon arrival on the plateau, the landscape changes completely and the view of Mont Aiguille is unusual. There were many vultures in the afternoon, taking advantage of the thermal updrafts.On your return to Archiane, don't miss the little rustic inn where you can enjoy a cold drink

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Date of your route : Oct 24, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

We only did the route up to the top of the four-way crossroads (pass). Steep climb right from the start! Good footwear recommended. We saw a mountain goat up close! Beautiful site at Archiane.

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Date of your route : Oct 06, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

a hike that I found difficult in the scree slopes. Don't be afraid of heights. The mouflons were admired

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Hello,

@ROBERTO26200

Thank you for your comment.

However, I was a bit disappointed by the description once we arrived on the plateau.

What information were you missing?
What should have been added to the description?

See you soon!

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Date of your route : Aug 26, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A beautiful hike, the Archianne cirque is magnificent. Yes, the climb is "steep", but nothing insurmountable. However, I was a little disappointed by the description once we reached the plateau. The route is good, but the description is fanciful.

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Date of your route : Aug 01, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

very beautiful hike! But lots of elevation gain... very hard, especially in the heat!

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Date of your route : Jul 08, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The route descriptions are not very precise, nor are the distances.
When you arrive on the plateau, there aren't really any landmarks, but it's a very beautiful hike

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Hello
Yes, yes, there was a lot of snow this winter, but at the moment the good weather and high temperatures will allow for significant melting, although it will not be extremely rapid. For those familiar with Lake Serre Ponçon on the Durance, which is currently almost empty, estimates suggest that there will be two and a half times the amount of water in the dam once the snow has completely melted.
For those who enjoy hiking in the mountains and at high altitudes, plan your long trips around 14 July. Before then, you will have to contend with the snow settling.
Have a good day

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Date of your route : Apr 22, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike. Quite difficult, though. Griffon vultures, chamois and ibex await you. Magnificent landscapes without any pylons, roads or houses. Unfortunately, we had to turn back before reaching the end because, despite the very mild temperatures for April, there was still at least 2 metres of snow in places on the plateaus!

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