Two majestic rams stand side by side in a natural landscape. Their large, curved horns add to their imposing appearance, while their brown coats blend harmoniously with the surrounding vegetation.
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Two people are standing on a rocky peak, surrounded by mountain scenery at sunset. One is dressed in a dark outfit with shorts, while the other is wearing a black top and dark trousers. The light
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An ibex moves across mountainous terrain, surrounded by rocks and a few areas of brownish grass. In the background, majestic mountains rise up under a slightly cloudy sky, creating a
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A group of people walk along the edge of a cliff overlooking a spectacular mountain landscape. The rocky redents illuminated by the sunlight at dusk mingle with green slopes. Visit
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A mountain landscape with a vast expanse of meadows and green hills. In the centre, a herd of brown cows graze peacefully. In the background, a rocky hill rises up to the sky.
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A group of three people are in the middle of a forest, looking at a hunting camera mounted on a tree. Two young people, a boy and a girl, are staring intently at the camera's screen, while a young man, a boy and a girl, is looking at the camera's screen.
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A mountainous landscape with steep cliffs and slopes covered in greenery. In the background, the hills stretch as far as the eye can see, blending into a clear sky tinged with shades of green.
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A stone cottage stands in the middle of a vast green meadow, surrounded by trees and hills. The roof is sloping, covered in dark tiles, and a wooden window is on each side.
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A serene mountain landscape with a circular pond surrounded by lush green vegetation. In the background, gentle hills rise up under a brilliant blue sky, while to the right, two
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A group of hikers are walking along a high path overlooking vast green mountains. The people are dressed casually, carrying rucksacks and scarves, and appear to be walking in the shade.
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A path leads up through green meadows to a rounded summit. Three people, carrying rucksacks, make their way along the path, while another figure climbs a little further up the hill.
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A multi-storey building with a red-tiled roof, surrounded by greenery and set close to a wooded hill. To the front, chalet-style shelters with pitched roofs. A tree is visible
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A brown ibex rests on rocky ground, strewn with stones and dry grass. The slope is slightly inclined, with a clear blue sky in the background.
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A minimalist bedroom with a light wood bunk bed and black metal structures. A wooden ladder gives access to the upper bed, while a single bed is next to it. The floor is covered with
1 / 0
A group of people are walking along a rocky ridge, overlooking a vast landscape of mountains and valleys. The soft light of a sunset illuminates the rocks and the silhouettes of the hikers,
1 / 0
Two majestic rams stand side by side in a natural landscape. Their large, curved horns add to their imposing appearance, while their brown coats blend harmoniously with the surrounding vegetation.
Two people are standing on a rocky peak, surrounded by mountain scenery at sunset. One is dressed in a dark outfit with shorts, while the other is wearing a black top and dark trousers. The light
An ibex moves across mountainous terrain, surrounded by rocks and a few areas of brownish grass. In the background, majestic mountains rise up under a slightly cloudy sky, creating a
A group of people walk along the edge of a cliff overlooking a spectacular mountain landscape. The rocky redents illuminated by the sunlight at dusk mingle with green slopes. Visit
A mountain landscape with a vast expanse of meadows and green hills. In the centre, a herd of brown cows graze peacefully. In the background, a rocky hill rises up to the sky.
A group of three people are in the middle of a forest, looking at a hunting camera mounted on a tree. Two young people, a boy and a girl, are staring intently at the camera's screen, while a young man, a boy and a girl, is looking at the camera's screen.
A mountainous landscape with steep cliffs and slopes covered in greenery. In the background, the hills stretch as far as the eye can see, blending into a clear sky tinged with shades of green.
A stone cottage stands in the middle of a vast green meadow, surrounded by trees and hills. The roof is sloping, covered in dark tiles, and a wooden window is on each side.
A serene mountain landscape with a circular pond surrounded by lush green vegetation. In the background, gentle hills rise up under a brilliant blue sky, while to the right, two
A group of hikers are walking along a high path overlooking vast green mountains. The people are dressed casually, carrying rucksacks and scarves, and appear to be walking in the shade.
A path leads up through green meadows to a rounded summit. Three people, carrying rucksacks, make their way along the path, while another figure climbs a little further up the hill.
A multi-storey building with a red-tiled roof, surrounded by greenery and set close to a wooded hill. To the front, chalet-style shelters with pitched roofs. A tree is visible
A brown ibex rests on rocky ground, strewn with stones and dry grass. The slope is slightly inclined, with a clear blue sky in the background.
A minimalist bedroom with a light wood bunk bed and black metal structures. A wooden ladder gives access to the upper bed, while a single bed is next to it. The floor is covered with
A group of people are walking along a rocky ridge, overlooking a vast landscape of mountains and valleys. The soft light of a sunset illuminates the rocks and the silhouettes of the hikers,
View 9 departures

Wildlife watching

In the footsteps of the 6 ungulates of the Vercors

July to October
3 days| 2 nights
Level 2
Eco-score 4/5

What you will experience

Discover France's six species of wild ungulates, all found in the Vercors, from the majestic stag to the fierce mouflon, with a passionate local naturalist and conservationist.
Hike through the breathtaking landscapes of the Vercors, from dense forests to steep cliffs, exploring the rich flora and fauna of this massif in the height of summer.
After savouring the local delicacies, relax in a secluded gîte perched on the Col de la Machine for a magical night in the heart of nature.
Learn tracking and stalking techniques with Romain, a naturalist guide, and enhance your experience of the flora and fauna of the Vercors thanks to his in-depth knowledge.

Itinerary

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DAY 1 / 3
Accommodation
Gîte
D+
100m
Distance
4km
Welcome at the Hostel Quartier Libre gîte at around 2pm, near the Ambel plateau. Meet Romain, your naturalist guide, who will present the programme for your stay with a slide show on the great fauna of the Vercors, an opportunity to learn more about the 6 wild ungulates of the massif: red deer, roe deer, chamois, mouflon, wild boar and ibex.


In the late afternoon, our first field trip will take us to the heart of the large clearings and forests of the Ambel plateau, a mountain pasture area classified as a Sensitive Natural Area, known for its open landscapes and remarkable biodiversity. This will be an opportunity to look for the first signs of presence: footprints, droppings, smears, etc.


Back to the gîte for a local meal, the perfect way to get this adventure off to a gentle start.
DAY 2 / 3
Accommodation
Mountain hut
D+
200m
Distance
10km
After the morning's preparations, we set off on a two-day itinerant hike. We'll be heading for the Font d'Urle area, famous for its grassy slopes, limestone cliffs and sweeping views. This is a favourite spot for rock fauna, particularly chamois and mouflon, often visible at dawn or at the end of the day.


Throughout the walk, we learn to read the clues left by the ungulates: footprints in the mud, markings on the trees, sleeping areas, etc. Regular stops allow us to observe and interpret the signs of wildlife.


At the end of the day, we settle into a small Mountain hut, ideally situated for waking up in the heart of the animal world. The evening will be simple and friendly, with plenty to talk about.
DAY 3 / 3
Accommodation
Mountain hut
D+
200m
Distance
10km
We'll be continuing our walk along the southern ridges of the Vercors, which are veritable natural lookouts from which we can sometimes observe wildlife from a great distance. Along the way, a professional in the field (a shepherd, ranger or tracker) will be on hand to share his or her day-to-day experience of cohabiting with wildlife, an enriching exchange that gives meaning to the previous day's observations.


The route winds its way through high-altitude meadows, lapiaz and dolines, in a bright alpine atmosphere. If we're lucky, we may catch a glimpse of ibex or deer in their natural habitat.


We gradually make our way back down to the valley, arriving at the gîte at around 6 p.m., where this nature experience comes to an end.


🕓 Distances and times are given for information only and may vary according to weather conditions, the pace of the group or observation opportunities.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Romain - Nature guide (BJEPS)

Romain

Nature guide (BJEPS)

FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

The excursions I lead with Wildhartt are all about sharing the rich, untamed nature of the Vercors through a local, nature-first approach. My background in naturalist studies has helped deepen my understanding of the animal world, knowledge I now pass on to others, to help raise awareness and inspire a deeper connection with the wild.

Find out more about Romain

What's included in the price

Included

Your guide Romain: for the duration of this expedition, you will be accompanied by Romain, a naturalist guide who is active in local wildlife conservation.
Accommodation: You'll spend one night in a family-run inn perched high in the Vercors massif and one night in a refuge in the middle of nowhere.
Meals: All meals included from day 1 evening to day 3 lunchtime
Equipment: We will provide all the equipment needed for the outings (binoculars, tarpaulins, camera, etc.) as well as the equipment needed for the night in the Mountain hut (cooking pots, stoves, cutlery, stove).

Not included

Your personal consumption, if any.
Transport to and from the meeting point
Local transport
Anything not included in "what the price includes".

What level should you expect

Level 2
  • You are capable of walking between 5 and 10km with an Ascent of up to 200m.
  • You want to learn more about the fauna of the Vercors and are prepared to be patient in observing it.
  • You'd like to spend a night in an unguarded mountain hut and immerse yourself in nature.

Getting there

Start: Machine collar (14h)
End: Machine collar (18h)

Transport

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It is possible to travel by train to Valence station.


  • Departure station > Valence station


From there, we will pick you up and take you to the meeting point.

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You can drive to the Col de la Machine and leave your car in a free car park.


If you don't have a car, you should know that we're encouraging car-pooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 7 days before departure: 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

What are ungulates?

An ungulate is a mammal with hooves at the ends of its limbs. These are actually nails or horns that have been transformed over the course of evolution to adapt to walking, often on varied or steep terrain. In the Vercors, you will have the opportunity to discover six species of wild ungulates, each with its own fascinating characteristics: the red deer, roe deer, chamois, mouflon, ibex and wild boar.

Can you see ungulates up close?

Approaching wildlife requires respect and discretion. We prefer to observe animals from a distance, using binoculars or spotting scopes, so as not to disturb them in their natural habitat. This distance often allows us to witness authentic behaviour and observe the animals in complete tranquillity, in rare and privileged moments.

How comfortable is the accommodation?

The first night is spent in a comfortable inn perched on the Col de la Machine. This inn offers a warm and welcoming setting, with delicious meals prepared on the premises and well-appointed rooms for optimal rest. The second night is spent in an unguarded hut in the heart of the countryside. Comfort is deliberately kept to a minimum to ensure total immersion in the wilderness. You sleep with a duvet and a hiking mattress, in a rustic and authentic atmosphere. This type of accommodation offers a unique advantage: immediate proximity to the local wildlife, in a place that is ideal for observing animals.

Can children take part in the expedition?

The expedition is open to young people aged 16 and over, accompanied by an adult. It requires a degree of independence, the ability to walk over sometimes rugged terrain, and an interest in the wilderness. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Are meals included and adapted?

Yes, all meals are included during the expedition. They are prepared with care, using local and seasonal produce. If you have a special diet (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.), just let us know in advance: we'll adapt to your needs.

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!

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, absolutely! At checkout, you can choose Alma to pay for your booking in 2, 3 or 4 instalments. Just select Alma during checkout and follow the instructions. It’s simple, fast, and secure.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

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


  • 30% for our guides, the backbone of every adventure.
  • 35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
  • 10% for gear and transport, to ensure safety and smooth logistics.
  • 25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of your trip.


Our priority: to offer you a high-quality experience, with full transparency.

Any questions? Get in touch!



What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground – rain or shine. Whether it’s pouring, snowing or windy, our guides adapt the route, activities and accommodation to give you the best possible experience.

Unless safety is at risk (storm, avalanche, flooding...).
In those rare cases, we may cancel an expedition, but no earlier than one week before departure.

If that happens:
→ You can reschedule your adventure at no extra cost,
→ Or get a full refund.


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From € 450 /pers.

Want to choose your own date with your own group?

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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