A mountain landscape at dusk, with a lighted tent in the foreground. In the background, mountain peaks stand out against a starry sky, tinged with blue and violet, while a
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A natural landscape where a peaceful lake meets majestic mountains in the background. Dense forests surround the lake shore, while areas of golden grass stretch across the land.
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A signpost in a vast and spectacular mountain landscape, with different directions indicated for destinations such as "Sommet des Moulins" and "Table d'orientation". The view captures jagged peaks
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A vast, open mountain landscape, with hills and valleys. The slopes are covered with yellowed grass and rocky outcrops, while green areas can be seen in the distance. At the back
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A flock of sheep moves along a country lane, surrounded by lush greenery and hills. In the background, majestic mountains rise up under a clear, sunny sky.
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A detached wooden chalet is set on a green hill surrounded by mountains. The landscape is characterised by gentle slopes, lush vegetation and visible rock strata. The sky is clear
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A natural landscape with a pond surrounded by trees, reflecting the mountains in the background. The mountain slopes are covered with conifers, while the ground is dotted with grassy areas and
1 / 0
A flock of sheep moves along a mountain slope, accompanied by a sheepdog keeping an eye on the group's progress. The surrounding hills are covered with golden grasses and a few trees, under
1 / 0
A majestic waterfall cascades over layered rocks, creating a pool of clear water below. The cliffs surrounding the waterfall have distinct layers of stone that add character to the scene. The vegetation
1 / 0
A mountain landscape at dusk, with a lighted tent in the foreground. In the background, mountain peaks stand out against a starry sky, tinged with blue and violet, while a
A natural landscape where a peaceful lake meets majestic mountains in the background. Dense forests surround the lake shore, while areas of golden grass stretch across the land.
A signpost in a vast and spectacular mountain landscape, with different directions indicated for destinations such as "Sommet des Moulins" and "Table d'orientation". The view captures jagged peaks
A vast, open mountain landscape, with hills and valleys. The slopes are covered with yellowed grass and rocky outcrops, while green areas can be seen in the distance. At the back
A flock of sheep moves along a country lane, surrounded by lush greenery and hills. In the background, majestic mountains rise up under a clear, sunny sky.
A detached wooden chalet is set on a green hill surrounded by mountains. The landscape is characterised by gentle slopes, lush vegetation and visible rock strata. The sky is clear
A natural landscape with a pond surrounded by trees, reflecting the mountains in the background. The mountain slopes are covered with conifers, while the ground is dotted with grassy areas and
A flock of sheep moves along a mountain slope, accompanied by a sheepdog keeping an eye on the group's progress. The surrounding hills are covered with golden grasses and a few trees, under
A majestic waterfall cascades over layered rocks, creating a pool of clear water below. The cliffs surrounding the waterfall have distinct layers of stone that add character to the scene. The vegetation

Hiking

Discovering bivouac in the Massif des Monges

May to September
3 days| 2 nights
Level 1
Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Share unique moments around a campfire, enjoy meals prepared together and forge memories as part of a small group of adventurers. A human and authentic experience at the rhythm of the mountains.
Discover bivouacking in the great outdoors, guided by a mountain leader who will introduce you to the secrets of life on the move. Learn how to set up camp, find a spring and enjoy a night under the stars.
From the crests of the massif, enjoy endless views of the Écrins, Mercantour and Southern Alps, with changing light from sunrise to sunset.
Embark on a totally self-sufficient tour of the Monges massif, a wild setting in the heart of the Alpes de Haute-Provence.

Itinerary

DAY 1 / 3
Accommodation
Bivouac
D-
200m
D+
500m
Distance
10 km

We meet at 9:30 AM in Esparron-la-Bâtie for an introduction and briefing with the guide and other participants. Once fully equipped, we leave the hamlet and begin our steady ascent towards the heights of the Monges massif.


The trail follows ancient transhumance routes, winding through meadows and small groves before reaching the first open plateaus.


Along the way, we take a well-deserved break by a stream, where the fresh water provides a welcome respite. We then continue toward the Clapouse alpine pasture, a vast open space offering an ideal spot for our bivouac. There, near a shelter open to passing hikers, a clear spring flows continuously, providing fresh water as we set up our first campsite.


DAY 2 / 3
Accommodation
Bivouac
D-
600m
D+
500m
Distance
10 km

After an open-air breakfast, we pack up the camp and begin our ascent to the highest point of the massif, rising above 2,000 meters. From the summit, the panorama stretches endlessly, from the rolling hills of Provence to the snow-capped peaks of the Écrins and Mercantour.


Next, a beautiful ridge traverse awaits us, offering an open and airy route before we begin our descent toward a lake nestled below. This is where we will set up camp for the night, sheltered by the terrain and close to the water.

DAY 3 / 3
Accommodation
Bivouac
D-
550m
D+
250m
Distance
7 km

For this final day, we head towards a hamlet frozen in time, with its ancient stone buildings and narrow alleys. A break by the river allows us to cool off before tackling the last climb along the limestone trails a final effort before returning to the starting village.


For those who wish to extend the adventure, a swim in secluded yet spectacular waterfalls will be the perfect way to conclude this timeless journey.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Thomas - Mid Mountain Guide (MMG)

Thomas

Mid Mountain Guide (MMG)

FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish
SpanishSpanish

Used to long itinerant journeys in complete autonomy, I would be delighted to share with you the most hidden gems of this small, little-known mountain range, far from tourist areas.  

Nestled between Haute Provence and the high Alpine massifs, the **Monges** offer a truly wild escape with exceptional panoramic views.  

The experience of bivouacking allows for great flexibility in adapting the hike, giving us the freedom to follow our desires of the moment.

Find out more about Thomas

What's included in the price

Included

Supervision: Throughout your stay, you'll be accompanied by an experienced mountain guide who knows the terrain inside out and is ready to adapt the route to suit the conditions and the group.
Accommodation: 2-3 person tents, stove, gas and all the cooking equipment you need for hot meals in the great outdoors.
Catering: From breakfast on the first day to lunch on the last, everything is taken care of! Fresh, local produce, meals adapted to the effort involved, and gourmet breaks to replenish your strength.
Equipment: If required, a "karré-mat" mattress, hiking poles or a large rucksack can be loaned.
Cooking equipment: Everything you need for hot meals in the great outdoors (stove, utensils).

Not included

Return transport to the meeting point in Esparron-la-Bâtie.
Personal equipment: sleeping bag, rucksack, clothes, walking shoes.
Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "included" section.

What level should you expect

Level 1
  • You feel comfortable walking 10km with an average of 500m of ascent per day. 
  • The terrain is varied, alternating between transhumance trails, panoramic ridges and slightly technical descents.
  • You feel comfortable carrying your bagpack on your daily hikes (no portage planned). 
  • You want to discover the joys of bivouac nights under a starry sky and in the heart of nature. 

Getting there

Start: Esparron-la-Bâtie (09h)
End: Esparron-la-Bâtie (17h)

Transport

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Departure station > Paris Gare du Nord

Paris Gare du Nord > Gare de Lyon (8min)

Gare de Lyon > Marseille Saint-Charles (3h05min)


Marseille Saint Charles > RN85 (2h40min) line 68 direction Gare Routière

RN85 > Gare Routière line 400 (38min) direction Gare Routière (Sisteron)


From Sisteron :

ZOU! line 492 towards Turriers

Sisteron > Nibles




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You can get to Esparron-la-Bâtie by car, where you can park your car for free in the car park at the meeting point.

If you don't have a car, you should know that we are encouraging car-pooling between participants by creating a whatsapp group 15 days before the start: an opportunity to get to know each other before you even start your expedition!

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 +32 474 97 09 38 (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 to departures of 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

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the meeting point? Is there a car-sharing scheme?

There are several options for getting to the meeting point. If you're coming by train, the nearest station is Sisteron, but there's no direct transport to the village. But don't worry! Thanks to the dedicated WhatsApp group, you can easily organise a carpool with other participants. If you get off at Nibles, a village just a few minutes from the meeting point and where the local transport network will drop you off, there's a good chance that another member of the group will be able to pick you up by car and take you to the starting point.

Is this hiking holiday in the Vercors suitable for children?

For 4 days, the children will have the opportunity to discover a fascinating mountain environment and experience their first bivouac under the stars. This holiday is a great opportunity to explore nature, learn to find their bearings and share some special moments in the great outdoors. The expedition is enjoyed in small groups, in a calm and respectful atmosphere that encourages listening and discovery. Everyone will find their place and be able to make the most of this immersion, surrounded by other young adventurers who share the same curiosity about nature and the pleasure of a collective experience. It's an adventure that's both enriching and rejuvenating, and one that every child will come away with!

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

Once you've signed up, you'll receive a full list of equipment within a few weeks. 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.

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 will we eat on this trip?

This is a completely self-sufficient itinerant trekking holiday. You'll have the chance to try freeze-dried food and taste the fresh local produce that your guide will bring along.

Is it possible to sleep alone in a tent?

It is possible to sleep alone in a tent, but as these are three-seater tents, they represent a constraint in terms of weight and bulk to carry alone. For greater comfort during the trek, we recommend that you share the tent with other participants to spread the load.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, we attach particular importance to price transparency for our shipments. Our approach is based on a clear breakdown of costs, aimed at providing a better understanding of the elements included in the total amount. Here's how we allocate the percentages:

  • 30% for our guides: We believe that our experienced guides play a crucial role in the success of each activity. That's why we make sure we allocate a significant proportion to pay for their expertise and supervision.
  • 35% for accommodation and food: We consider comfortable accommodation and quality food to be essential elements of an enriching experience.
  • 10% for equipment and transport: The safety and comfort of our participants is paramount. With this part of the total amount, we can guarantee that the equipment required is in excellent condition and adequate for each activity. Transport costs also come into play when they are essential during an expedition.
  • 25% for expedition participation and running costs: These costs cover the logistical, administrative and organisational aspects of the expedition, as well as the overall management of the experience, from start to finish.

Our aim is to provide you with a trustworthy, high-quality experience, while being transparent about how the final cost of your shipment is shared. If you have any further questions about our prices, please contact us here.


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 happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, whatever the conditions.
Our expeditions are designed to be experienced to the full, come sun, rain, snow or even wind. Our guides are on hand to adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to the prevailing conditions, to ensure the best possible experience.


⚠️ Safety exception: If conditions become truly dangerous (storm, avalanche, flood, etc.), Wildhartt may exceptionally cancel a departure.

📅 This decision will only be taken as a last resort, less than a week before departure.


If we have to cancel an expedition for safety reasons, you have two options:
  • Postpone your adventure free of charge to another departure.
  • Receive a full refund of the sums already paid.

Our commitment? To offer you the adventure you came for, in complete safety.





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Selected from 10 departures

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Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

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