Pas de la Garde (1320m) walks

Second stage of the Omblèze circular route in the Southern Vercors. This mountainous stage begins with a long climb to the Pas du Grand Échaillon, which continues up the Ravin de Pissenible to reach the Col de la Bataille and its viewpoint. The path, which is almost level on the flank of the Roc de Toulau, then climbs to the panoramic viewpoint at the Croix d'Ambel, before descending after the Pas de Garde to the viewpoint at Pierre Plate and crossing through Omblèze. It climbs to the Col des Ayes and then continues to the Col d'Anse, from where it descends to the hamlet of Ansage before reaching the car park

This two-stage circular loop takes place in a sparsely populated region with luminous landscapes, alternating between Provençal and mountainous scenery. From the Druise car park, the path heads to the Druise Waterfall, then follows the La Gervanne Gorge route and visits the La Pissoire Waterfall before venturing into the eerie Gueulards Canyon. It reaches the Abbaye de Léoncel lodge for a peaceful, monastic night’s rest. The next stage begins with a good warm-up leading to the Pas du Grand Échaillon, then on to the Col de la Bataille and its viewpoint, before continuing to that of the Croix d’Ambel. The path descends to the Pierre Plate viewpoint and then to the village of Omblèze, from where it climbs to the Col des Ayes and on to the Col d’Anse. It descends to the hamlet of Ansage and returns to the car park.