What you will experience

Explore the Hauts Plateaux, France's largest nature reserve, and enjoy a night under a starry sky free from light pollution.

Take the train to Clelles station and bivouac at the Pas de l'Essaure facing Mont Aiguille, 2,085 m.

Reach the Pas de la Selle, cross meadows and cliffs, and catch a glimpse of chamois and ibex at dusk.

Follow the northern slopes of Mont Aiguille, known as Mont Inaccessible, and discover the Pellas and Papavet passes and their geological panoramas.

Learn the art of bivouacking: find springs, shelters and cook with a stove in the wilderness.

Admire the sunrise over Mont Aiguille from the Col des Pellas - total immersion in the early morning.

Itinerary

1
DAY1/ 3
- Accommodation·Bivouac
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·50m
  descent
- D+·850m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·8km
  KM covered
We start our route in a bivouac at Clelles station, which is accessible by train, and review the organisation of our packs so that we can walk for several days. We walk along a small canal to the village of Chichilianne, where the terrain is easy enough to allow us to adjust our loads and pace before the climb.

After lunch in the village, the route climbs through a high-altitude forest towards the Hauts Plateaux and the Pas de l'Essaure, the gateway to the nature reserve. Along the way, we'll be looking at Mont Aiguille from different angles and working to identify water sources, sheltered areas and bivouac sites suited to the plateau.

At the end of the day, we all chose a flat spot to set up our first bivouac.

2
DAY2/ 3
- Accommodation·Bivouac
  Where we'll be spending the night
- D-·450m
  descent
- D+·650m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·13km
  KM covered
We set off from the Pas de l'Essaure to reach the Pas de la Selle, an undulating traverse of the Hauts Plateaux reserve that alternates between large high-altitude meadows, ridges, valleys and steep cliffs bordered by sparse forests of hooked pine. You will progress on foot in a guided group, working on reading the terrain, navigating in an open environment and using silent approach techniques to observe the fauna (chamois, ibex, tracks and footprints).

Along the way, we'll identify areas that are ideal for observation and specific viewpoints, which will help structure our progress and provide time for educational stops. The late afternoon is devoted to setting up the bivouac: putting up the tents, dividing up the tasks and having practical discussions about equipment and safety.

If the energy is there, we climb a little above the camp for the sunset and, at nightfall, we go out briefly to listen to and spot the nocturnal life of the mountains. The aim of the day is to immerse the group in the wilderness and put into practice light self-sufficiency on the high plateaux, with a group dynamic and appropriate guiding to make the experience accessible.
3
DAY3/ 3
- D-·1350m
  descent
- D+·350m
  Vertical ascent
- Distance·13km
  KM covered
We rise early to watch the sunrise over Mont Aiguille, then leave the high plateaux to follow the northern slopes of Mont Inaccessible. The day alternates between climbs on footpaths and mountain passes, where you can observe in situ the unique geology of the massif and its relief. The progression is educational: you learn to read the paths and adapt your pace to the combe terrain and grassy slopes.

We cross the hamlet of Trézannel, an ideal place to take a break and talk about the local history. The final descent takes you through a valley and along balcony paths to Clelles station, completing the loop. With an accessible pace, present guiding and time set aside for explanations, this day is a structured transition dedicated to understanding the terrain.

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The guides who will lead your adventure

Christelle

Mountain leader (AMM)

French

English

Spanish

A mountain leader, anthropologist and scientific and social mediator, Christelle leaps happily from one group to the next to discover everyone's world and share her enthusiasm for the high peaks and little lost paradises that she loves so much. She'll be delighted to accompany you as you discover the local fauna, flora, culture and history.

Find out more about Christelle

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: Throughout your stay, you'll be accompanied by an experienced mountain guide who knows the terrain inside out.

Meals: All meals are included, from dinner on the first day to a picnic on the last. Fresh, local produce, meals adapted to the effort involved, and gourmet breaks to replenish your strength.

Cooking equipment: All cooking equipment (stove and cooking utensils) is included.

Not included

Transport to and from the meeting point.

Hiking equipment: tent, mattress and duvet, which can be hired at low cost from Wildhartt.

Anything not mentioned in the "included" section.

Picnic on day 1

What level to expect?

Level 2

Participants must be at least 18 years old

WHO IS IT FOR?

You already enjoy hiking and want to try light self-sufficient bivouacking, facing Mont Aiguille.

You're at the right level if:

You hike 4 to 6h per day (about 13 km), with 700 to 800m of ascent, on non-technical trails (forests, meadows, no snow or glaciers).
You spend 2 nights in a bivouac.
You carry a heavier pack than on a day hike (12 to 13 kg) because of the bivouac gear (tent, mat, sleeping bag) and food — the terrain itself stays accessible.
You don't need technical experience, just motivation and comfort with several days of carrying a loaded pack.

Take the level quiz

Getting there

Start · 10h00

Clelles station

End · 16h30

Clelles station

Transport

By train

Do you want to avoid traffic jams and travel in peace? The train is your ally. This expedition starts at Clelles station, easily accessible from all major French and international stations via Grenoble.

Departure station > Grenoble
Grenoble > Clelles

You arrive at Clelles station, the starting point of the trek.

By car

Prefer the freedom of a road trip?

You can drive straight to Clelles station and leave your car there safely for the duration of the expedition.

Do consider carpooling: a WhatsApp group will be set up 10 days before departure so you can organise this with the other participants.

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.

Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.

3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

4.7/ 5 · based on 90 reviews in this category

Denise H.

Guide très agréable, à l écoute des désirs et des aptitudes des participants. Refuge, accueil très sympathique, repas de qualité et très savoureux. Belle experience. Merci

Marie F.

Absolument ravie d’être passée par Wildhartt pour ma première expérience de trek/bivouak ! Notre guide Thomas était top, l’organisation parfaite (matériel, repas, logistique) La création du groupe Whatsapp en amont du départ est un vrai + Hâte de réserver ma prochaine aventure !

Christophe R.

Nous avons participé cet été à cette randonnée itinérante de 5 jours avec des ânes en famille, avec nos deux enfants de 8 et 11 ans, et nous en gardons un très beau souvenir. Un grand merci à notre accompagnateur, Romain, qui a parfaitement géré le séjour du début à la fin, y compris lors des moments plus compliqués. Il est très présent et prend en charge une grande partie des aspects pratiques, ce qui est particulièrement appréciable. Il faut cependant garder à l'esprit qu'il reste tout de même un certain nombre de choses à gérer en tant que participant, notamment lorsqu'on voyage avec des enfants. Le matériel fourni pour les ânes était parfaitement adapté et nous a permis de profiter pleinement de l'expérience. Quant au parcours, il était tout simplement magnifique, avec des paysages variés et superbes. Nous avons particulièrement apprécié le premier bivouac, qui se trouvait dans un cadre splendide, ainsi que la nuit en auberge dont le confort a été très apprécié après deux étapes fatigantes. Concernant les points plus mitigés, nous avons trouvé que le début du parcours était sensiblement plus difficile et technique que ce à quoi nous nous attendions au regard du niveau annoncé pour le séjour. La conduite des ânes demande un temps d'adaptation, et la combinaison de cette découverte avec des étapes de randonnée déjà exigeantes a rendu les deux premiers jours assez sportifs. Heureusement, Romain a su s'adapter à la situation en modifiant intelligemment l'itinéraire afin d'alléger la troisième journée. Cette adaptation nous a permis de récupérer et de profiter pleinement de la suite du séjour. Malgré cette réserve sur le niveau de difficulté du début du parcours, nous recommandons cette expérience pour la qualité de l'encadrement, la beauté des paysages et l'originalité de l'aventure avec les ânes.

Laetitia L.

Une randonnée magnifique, dépaysante, avec des paysages variés à couper le souffle. Grâce à Raphaël, nous avons pu voyager autant dans cet espace magnifique que dans le temps, grâce à ses explications sur la géologie de cet environnement.

Serge D.

Partis en rando-ânes en groupe réduit, nous avons pu bénéficier d’un guide exceptionnel qui par son implication, ses connaissances du milieu naturel et son expérience a rendu ce séjour de 5 jours dans les Cévennes inoubliable.

Frequently asked questions

Will we have access to showers?

No, on this trip we'll be sleeping in bivouacs in the heart of unspoilt nature: welcome to the adventure!

What if I don't have the right equipment for the expedition?

We offer you the possibility of renting a tent, mattress and sleeping bag that are light and adapted to the practice of bivouac, so that you can try bivouac with all the necessary comfort.

Is there a precise list of equipment to take with you to avoid forgetting anything?

Once you have registered, you will receive a full list of the equipment you need to bring. You'll also have the opportunity to speak to the guide well before departure to ask any questions you may have and have plenty of time to prepare.

What will we eat on this trip?

The guide to your stay has planned meals based on fresh, local produce, highlighting the flavours of the Vercors region. Designed to combine authenticity and balance, they offer the ideal moment of conviviality for this bivouac hike.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.

Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful break — some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.

They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.

If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).

In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
24% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.
1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.

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A hike and bivouac around Mont Aiguille

What you will experience

Itinerary