Pas de la Pierre walks

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.

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.

Large circular route covering the main ridges delimiting the upper basin of the Portail de Beauregard: ascent via the wild Vachères (off-trail), passage through the Cols de Sonnaize, Pas du Loup and Tourniers, steep climb to Pas de la Pierre to cross the long and beautiful ridge of Montagne de Musan to Pas Pourceau, descent via the "Pré de Cinq-Sous", the Cols des Cordeliers and Marchands, finally the Ravin de Combins to the Passage du Tour and return to the village via the Portail.

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.