Ambel plateau

de fr

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.

Details

n°132383
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 19.54 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 687 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 680 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,504 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,197 m
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Photos

ambel plateau
fog on the way up to Tête de la Dame
Ambel Plateau
Fontaine au Refuge de la Ferme d'Ambel

Description of the walk

Access: from Léoncel, take the D199 for about 9 km to the Col de la Bataille, where you can park at the side of the road after the tunnel.

(S/E) Follow the track (GR®93) which heads off horizontally to the right, southwards, at the foot of the Roc de Toulau.

(1) At Pas du Gouillat, in a left-hand bend, leave the trail (GR®93) and continue south on the path that follows a fence, towards "la Tête de la Dame" and "Les Sarnats". Pass the Croix d'Ambel, leave the path on the right towards Omblèze and continue to the Tête de la Dame (1,506 m).

(2) Continue to follow the ridge and ignore the paths that lead into the park. Pass the Pas de Rouisse, a shepherd's hut and a water reserve (Pas d'Ambel), then climb back up to point 1492 before descending to the Pas de la Ferrière, the western end of the hike, marked by a fence and a gate.

(3) Turn almost completely around and take the path (GR®93) heading south-southwest, which runs horizontally along the edge of the woods. Ignore the path that branches off to the left (dotted line on the IGN map) and continue slightly further downhill towards the west, crossing a wooded area to reach the Pierre de l'Ours.

(4) Leave theGR®93and continue along the small path downhill, below the Pierre de l'Ours, through the woods. Cross a track and descend to the Tubanet refuge.

(5) Follow the track south for about 100 metres, then take the path (GR®93) that branches off to the right through the woods. This path joins the Ambel mountain pastures further down, enters the park and follows the edge of the woods. Halfway down the slope after the valley, it turns right and continues more horizontally through the woods, turning into a small track. In the next valley, take the most marked track that branches off to the right (GR®93) as it climbs. Continue straight ahead when you reach the next valley to reach the Ambel refuge.

(6) Continue along the path (GR®93) that you left to go to the refuge. Pass the water reservoir used to water livestock, go back up into the woods, then rejoin the track you took at the start at Pas du Gouillot.

(1) Turn right to return to the Col de la Bataille (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,312 m - Col de la Bataille
  2. 1 : km 2.33 - alt. 1,325 m - Pas du Gouillat
  3. 2 : km 5.08 - alt. 1,504 m - Tête de la Dame (1506m)
  4. 3 : km 11.41 - alt. 1,449 m - Pas de la Ferrière
  5. 4 : km 12.53 - alt. 1,397 m - La Pierre de l'Ours
  6. 5 : km 12.91 - alt. 1,327 m - Refuge de Tubanet
  7. 6 : km 16.16 - alt. 1,226 m - Farm - Refuge d'Ambel
  8. S/E : km 19.54 - alt. 1,312 m - Col de la Bataille

Notes

Dogs are not allowed from 1 May to 31 October

Bring water as the only water source is at the Refuge de la Ferme d'Ambel.
The hike is classified as difficult due to the distance, the cumulative elevation gain and the fairly hilly terrain. However, the trail does not present any significant difficulties.

You may encounter herd protection dogs (patous). If they come towards you barking, stop, speak to them calmly (as you would to your own dogs if you have any) and then continue on your way, keeping away from the herd. They will follow you for a short distance and then return to the herd once you are out of sight.

Variations:
Combine with the ascent of Roc de Toulau by joining the Pas du Gouillat (1): approximately 8 hours.
Roc de Toulau, Tête de la Dame: go via the Roc, return via the track: approx. 4 hours.
Tête de la Dame there and back via the track: approx. 3 hours.

Other routes suggested on the website: Ambel

Worth a visit

Nearby:
Vercors Resistance Museum.
Rue Fourna - 26420 – Vassieux-en-Vercors
For more information: Resistance Museum

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 34 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
FlickaPatsy
FlickaPatsy

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

We hiked in fog, sleet showers, cold weather and, above all, strong gusts of wind (70 km/h), which prompted us to change our route at the sheep park, where we followed the GR93 to the Tubanet refuge, where we had a picnic in the warmth. This allowed us to see the karstic cave of the 4 Gorges, which has been closed to the public since 2022 due to the risk of rockfalls. We thus avoided the ridges above the cliffs, which we considered dangerous given the wind conditions.
We'll have to do it again in good weather to enjoy the landscape we glimpsed on the way back.
Fortunately, although we were unable to enjoy the landscape, we were rewarded twice by hearing the bellowing of deer below the Tubanet refuge.

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L'abatrosvinois
L'abatrosvinois
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A truly magnificent hike offering spectacular 360° views throughout. The full tour suggested by Visiorando takes around seven hours at a normal pace. The route is not difficult, so it can be enjoyed by people who are not necessarily experienced hikers!
The route is very well signposted by Visorando! Thank you for a wonderful day. Gérard

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NALLA
NALLA

Hike not completed. Too much fog at the Col de la Bataille. We went to Vassieux to do the hike
starting at the Col de la Chau, Col de Font Payanne, then Font d'Urle. Very beautiful view.

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randotam
randotam

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 08, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Observations: Do not attempt in foggy, rainy or windy conditions. (Precipice)
Be careful when walking along the edge of the cliff
Be careful, it is cold at altitudes above 1,100 metres.
The route is signposted.
There is no shade on most of the route, so wear a hat, although this did not prevent me from getting sunburned. (I did not take a hat as it would have blown away).
Mobile phones do not work.
Don't forget your camera
dogs are prohibited by departmental order from 1 May to 30 October, even on a leash.
Picking flowers is prohibited.
Do not stray from the route: there are precipices and karstic caves.
Trail created in 2012, some changes to the route since then.
Completed on 04/05/2023

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REDGE30
REDGE30

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 07, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike, between pastures and woods, during the deer rutting season,
(the bellowing of the stags) – a real treat!!!

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chipolata
chipolata

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 24, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb walk on this magnificent plateau. To be done again and again.

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denis metifiot
denis metifiot

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

this is the umpteenth time we've done this route, and it's still as appealing as ever.

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patricklegone
patricklegone

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An easy loop that takes 6½ hours to complete, offering unobstructed views along its route at the edge of the plateau. Best done in spring to see the carpets of flowers.

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Lenam96
Lenam96

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Wow! What a superb hike. We completed it in 7 hours and 25 minutes with 12 kilos each on our backs, for training. So, without the weight, the time could be reduced.
In any case, the view is breathtaking! Between the plateau stretching out with the relief highlighted by the passing clouds, the ridges that are beautiful both up close and from afar, the superb Urle and the fact that you can get so close to it that you can see details as if you could touch it with your hands... And a pleasant return through the undergrowth. A very good hike! Thank you!

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frivier
frivier

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 10, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike, starting out in the mist and then ending up in beautiful sunshine
The estimated duration of 7.5 hours is very generous. At a moderate pace, it takes around 6 hours

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madomardeche
madomardeche

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 05, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

By leaving early and during the week, there weren't too many hikers.
Very beautiful panoramic views.
Long hike (21 km) but not difficult.
Worth doing again

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Wingardium
Wingardium
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An absolutely magnificent hike, fairly easy despite its length, with beautiful panoramic views of the Omblèze and Quint valleys, the Diois and Baronnies regions, and of course, the Vercors.

I didn't follow the route exactly as described because I wanted to see the Scialet des Quatre Gorges. So, at a place called "Les Moutons", just before the sheepfold at St Julien en Quint, I left the ridge trail and turned slightly left towards the Tubanet refuge. The karstic cave is to the left of the trail but is not visible at all.
I rejoined the route at the Tubanet refuge.
The watering hole at the Ambel refuge is ideal for cooling your feet!
There are numerous herds of cows and horses scattered across the plateau, but no sheep, so no guard dogs (patou).
The signposting on the ground was perfect and some of the markings between the Tubanet and Ambel refuges had clearly been repainted.

In terms of visitor numbers, there were a few hikers (between 15 and 20) between the Col de la Bataille and the Tête de la Dame, but hardly anyone after that (two or three couples). There were five or six cars at the pass when I arrived (9:30 a.m.) and seven or eight when I left around 3:30 p.m.

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Konig alain
Konig alain

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 25, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
Just one small comment: the estimated walking time of 7.5 hours is a bit long. We did it in 5 hours and we're not particularly fit (aged 62 and 60). Even if you take your time, 6 hours of walking (not including snack breaks) would be more accurate. Kind regards

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thierry bancel
thierry bancel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 21, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent views on this easy walk.

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Philippe B5.
Philippe B5.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 26, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Bad choice for this time of year (Ascension weekend): The route is very targeted (according to the eco-guard we met: never seen in 15 years!), due to the different types of walks available.
Fortunately, there is enough space for walkers and hikers to spread out!
We adapted our departure time and route:
- Gardiol, inaccessible from Léoncel (road closed after the Col de la Bataille due to a landslide)
- length: as far as the sheep, towards the Tubanet refuge, as I am walking with my 6½-year-old granddaughter.
Magnificent views along the entire route. For the best experience, stay close to the ridges (keeping a safe distance) and not on the marked trail near the fences: you'll get the best views depending on where you are on the route!

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Other walks in the area

Walking Roc de Toulau

Visorando Member
Roc de Toulau
↔3.66 km ↗+322 m ↘-317 m ◔2h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Omblèze (Drôme)
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.

Walking The Roc de Toulau and the Plateau d'Ambel with its karstic cave

Visorando Member
Le Roc de Toulau et le Plateau d'Ambel avec son scialet
↔15.75 km ↗+776 m ↘-776 m ◔6h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Omblèze (Drôme)
After a slightly steep but easy climb to Roc de Toulau, where the view is magnificent, we will reach the Plateau d'Ambel and its curious karstic cave des Quatre Gorges before climbing to the Tête de la Dame. Return via a good trail and then a wide path.

Walking Tête de la Dame from the Col de la Bataille

Visorando Member
Tête de la Dame depuis le Col de la Bataille
↔11.64 km ↗+445 m ↘-445 m ◔4h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Omblèze (Drôme)
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!

Walking Roc de Toulau and Rochers de la Sausse

Tourism professional
Roc de Toulau et Rochers de la Sausse
↔11.15 km ↗+710 m ↘-712 m ◔5h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Léoncel (Drôme)
A lovely spring walk, partly off the beaten track, with the added bonus of discovering two beautiful arches.

Walking The Ambel Plateau

Visorando Member
↔14.86 km ↗+485 m ↘-476 m ◔5h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Omblèze (Drôme)
A panoramic hike with spectacular landscapes and countless 360° views, in a preserved area.

Walking Scialet des Quatre Gorges circular loop

Visorando Member
Boucle du Scialet des Quatre Gorges
↔14.32 km ↗+486 m ↘-478 m ◔5h 30 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Omblèze (Drôme)
A hike around the Plateau d'Ambel to explore its hidden depths and vertiginous cliffs. Interesting in all seasons, and equally so when done in the opposite direction.

Walking From the Ambel Farm to Bouvante le Haut

Visorando Member
De la Ferme d'Ambel à Bouvante le Haut
↔13.55 km ↗+262 m ↘-904 m ◔6 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Omblèze (Drôme)
Pastoral plateau, undergrowth, flower-filled meadow. A varied and very pleasant route offering the chance to encounter a rich and unspoilt flora. This route features a very steep descent for the return to Bouvante le Haut via the Col de Rioupeysson.

Walking The deer rut trail in Ambel Forest

Visorando Member
Le sentier du brame du cerf en forêt d'Ambel
↔3.43 km ↗+61 m ↘-62 m ◔1h 10 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Omblèze (Drôme)
The aim of this walk is to get closer to wildlife using the hides provided for walkers. Be sure to stay on the path, especially between 15 September and 15 October, or you may be fined if you do not follow the instructions posted along the path.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.