A man is walking along a green path overlooking a vast valley and distant mountains. He is carrying a rucksack, loaded with equipment, and stares into the distance, captivated by the spectacular landscape. The scene is bathing
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A mountainous landscape with green hills stretching to infinity. The sky is clear with scattered white clouds, creating a pleasant contrast with the green of the meadows. In the background
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A captivating mountain landscape with lush green valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. The ground is covered with yellow grass and rocky features, while in the distance, mountains loom large.
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A forest floor, with scattered dead leaves and green vegetation. A human hand is resting on the ground, showing a watch on its wrist. Details of the soil textures are visible, with roots
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A group of hikers are walking along a dirt track, surrounded by lush green countryside. Dense trees stand on either side, while a clear blue sky stretches above. The group
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A mountainous panorama stretches out beneath a clear sky, with layers of rock overlooking lush green valleys. Peaks rise up in the background, creating an impressive perspective, while
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A group of people walk along a rocky ridge, overlooking valleys and mountains in the background. The cliffs feature impressive geological formations, while the sunlight illuminates the paths.
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A group of walkers are climbing a green hill, surrounded by tall grass meadows. The sky is a brilliant blue, with no clouds, and on the horizon, the mountains...
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A mountainous landscape with steep cliffs surrounded by lush vegetation. The rocks are layered in shades of grey, while lush green trees line the base and slopes.
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A bird in flight, its wings spread, stands out against a cloudy sky. The shades of the sky change from shades of blue to lighter tones, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
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A building set in lush natural surroundings, with trees surrounding it. The architecture combines stone walls and painted facades, giving a rustic feel. The roof is tiled,
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A mountain peak rises majestically, partially hidden by light clouds. Below, a vast coniferous forest occupies the foreground, offering a contrast of greenery with the rocky hues.
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A mountainous landscape with steep, green cliffs, framed by dense forests. To the left, a rocky ridge rises steeply, while to the right, a steep, stratospheric landscape.
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A group of people huddle together in a forest, protected by waterproof clothing, seemingly attentive to something on the ground. The forest is dense, with green trees and lush foliage.
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A deep paw print is visible in the damp ground. It has several distinct pads, indicating that it is probably from a wild animal. The surrounding soil is made up of sand and small gravels, by
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A majestic wolf stares intently into the camera. His coat is brown with shades of grey and lighter markings on his face, highlighting his piercing gaze. The background is blurred, suggesting
1 / 0
A majestic mountain landscape, with lush green valleys and rolling hills. In the foreground, rocky cliffs frame the view, while in the background, mountains stretch out to the horizon.
1 / 0
Three wolves move along a path in the middle of nature, surrounded by tall green grass. The ground is a light colour and the scene is illuminated by soft light. In the background, you can see
1 / 0
A man is walking along a green path overlooking a vast valley and distant mountains. He is carrying a rucksack, loaded with equipment, and stares into the distance, captivated by the spectacular landscape. The scene is bathing
A mountainous landscape with green hills stretching to infinity. The sky is clear with scattered white clouds, creating a pleasant contrast with the green of the meadows. In the background
A captivating mountain landscape with lush green valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. The ground is covered with yellow grass and rocky features, while in the distance, mountains loom large.
A forest floor, with scattered dead leaves and green vegetation. A human hand is resting on the ground, showing a watch on its wrist. Details of the soil textures are visible, with roots
A group of hikers are walking along a dirt track, surrounded by lush green countryside. Dense trees stand on either side, while a clear blue sky stretches above. The group
A mountainous panorama stretches out beneath a clear sky, with layers of rock overlooking lush green valleys. Peaks rise up in the background, creating an impressive perspective, while
A group of people walk along a rocky ridge, overlooking valleys and mountains in the background. The cliffs feature impressive geological formations, while the sunlight illuminates the paths.
A group of walkers are climbing a green hill, surrounded by tall grass meadows. The sky is a brilliant blue, with no clouds, and on the horizon, the mountains...
A mountainous landscape with steep cliffs surrounded by lush vegetation. The rocks are layered in shades of grey, while lush green trees line the base and slopes.
A bird in flight, its wings spread, stands out against a cloudy sky. The shades of the sky change from shades of blue to lighter tones, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
A building set in lush natural surroundings, with trees surrounding it. The architecture combines stone walls and painted facades, giving a rustic feel. The roof is tiled,
A mountain peak rises majestically, partially hidden by light clouds. Below, a vast coniferous forest occupies the foreground, offering a contrast of greenery with the rocky hues.
A mountainous landscape with steep, green cliffs, framed by dense forests. To the left, a rocky ridge rises steeply, while to the right, a steep, stratospheric landscape.
A group of people huddle together in a forest, protected by waterproof clothing, seemingly attentive to something on the ground. The forest is dense, with green trees and lush foliage.
A deep paw print is visible in the damp ground. It has several distinct pads, indicating that it is probably from a wild animal. The surrounding soil is made up of sand and small gravels, by
A majestic wolf stares intently into the camera. His coat is brown with shades of grey and lighter markings on his face, highlighting his piercing gaze. The background is blurred, suggesting
A majestic mountain landscape, with lush green valleys and rolling hills. In the foreground, rocky cliffs frame the view, while in the background, mountains stretch out to the horizon.
Three wolves move along a path in the middle of nature, surrounded by tall green grass. The ground is a light colour and the scene is illuminated by soft light. In the background, you can see
View 9 departures

Wildlife watching

Wolf tracking in the wild Vercors

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

What you will experience

Track the wolf in its natural habitat, where it roams freely alongside lynx, marmots and ibex, and discover the incredible impact of local conservation efforts.
Explore the Vercors on an immersive tour of its cliffs, forests and gorges, at the heart of a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity.
Learn the basics of tracking alongside a passionate local naturalist guide, an expert in the study of wolf populations, who follows several packs throughout the year.
Nights in an isolated hostel, nestling at the top of a pass in wolf territory.

Itinerary

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DAY 1 / 3
Accommodation
Hostel
D+
100
Distance
4km

We meet up at around 2pm at the Hostel Quartier Libre gîte, nestling on the edge of the Ambel plateau. This is where we meet Romain, our naturalist guide and wildlife enthusiast. After a briefing on our stay, he gives us a presentation on the great fauna of the Vercors: deer, roe deer, chamois... but also wolves, whose discreet presence shapes the local ecosystems.


In the late afternoon, the first field trip takes place on the Ambel plateau, a protected summer pasture area classified as a Sensitive Natural Area. This area, rich in biodiversity and history, provides a first glimpse of the presence of large ungulates and other discreet inhabitants of the forest.


Return to the gîte at the end of the day for a convivial dinner based on local produce.

DAY 2 / 3
Accommodation
Mountain hut
D+
200m
Distance
10km

We pack our bags for a two-day hike, including an overnight stay in a Mountain hut. Our day begins with a gradual hike through forests, clearings and high-altitude grasslands, punctuated by observations and tracking techniques.


Along the way, the Font d'Urle sector reveals its open landscapes and spectacular views over valleys and cliffs. This typical Vercors landscape is the ideal playground for spotting chamois, mouflons and birds of prey such as griffon vultures and golden eagles.


In the late afternoon, settle into a small mountain hut in the heart of the countryside. This place, with no neighbours, offers real proximity to the wildlife, particularly in the evening or at dawn.

DAY 3 / 3
D+
200m
Distance
10km
After tidying up the Mountain hut, we're back on the move. This morning, a professional in the field (a shepherd, tracker or ranger) will join us to share his experience of the cohabitation between man, livestock and large predators.


We continue our walk along the southern ridges of the plateau, with their open landscapes shaped by the wind and altitude. Between lapiaz, dolines and high meadows, the panoramas of the surrounding massifs are superb.


Our route gradually takes us back down to the valley, arriving at the gîte at around 6 p.m., where we bring this beautiful nature break to a close.


🕓 Walking times are given as a guide only. The programme may be adapted according to the weather, ground conditions and wildlife sightings.

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

The guide's supervision: you will be supervised by Romain, a naturalist guide from the Vercors and an expert in the study of wolf populations.
Accommodation: you will spend one night in an inn perched high in the Vercors massif and one night in a Mountain hut located on the territory of a pack.
Catering: all meals are included from the first evening to the last midday.
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 refuge (cooking utensils, stoves, cutlery, stove).

Not included

Personal refreshments (drinks, snacks or desserts).
Journeys between the starting points for the hikes and our hostel.
Transport to and from the meeting point.
Everything that is not included in "what the price includes".

What level should you expect

Level 2
  • You want to discover the wolf's way of life and would like to learn as much as possible about this animal so that you can track the species in your territory.
  • You should be able to hike for about 3 hours a day with a 200m Ascent.
  • Our average altitude will be under 500m.
  • You want to discover the Vercors and its flora and fauna with a local nature guide.

Getting there

Start: Col de la Machine (14h)
End: Col de la Machine (18h)

Transport

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Take the TGV to Valence station. From there, we can organise a shuttle bus with your guide.


  • Departure station > Valence station


Use Tictactrip to plan your journey (carpooling, train, etc.) in the most economical and environmentally-friendly way.

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If you don't have a car, you should know that we're encouraging car-pooling between participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 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

Is it possible to sleep in a private room?

Yes, it is perfectly possible to sleep in a private room. At the next stage of your booking, you can choose between a room for yourself or a dormitory. Simply select the option that suits you best when you place your order. If you would like a private room for two people, simply contact us directly so that we can arrange this for you.

How comfortable is the accommodation on offer during the expedition?

The first night is spent in a comfortable inn perched on the Col de la Machine. The second night is spent in an unguarded hut in the heart of the wilderness. 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.

Will we see any wolves on this expedition?

Wolf watching is the main objective of this expedition. We'll be using our blinds to try and observe or hear them without disturbing their natural environment. The period chosen corresponds to a strategic moment in their life cycle: it is the season when packs gather to raise young cubs and when they begin their long journeys. This makes for an intense period of activity, particularly favourable for spotting their presence.

Is it possible to see other wild animals?

Yes, the Vercors is home to exceptional biodiversity. In September, for example, you can hear the impressive sound of the stag bellowing. During the hike, you may come across other species that are emblematic of the region, such as the Alpine marmot, chamois, griffon vulture and various species of bird of prey. The wealth of flora and fauna is one of the major assets of this expedition.

When is the best time to hear wolves howling?

Wolves howl most frequently between January and March, during their breeding season. However, our outings are scheduled for April, June, September and October, times carefully chosen by our guide to balance two objectives: respecting the tranquillity of the wolves during their breeding season and maximising the chances of observing or hearing their presence. In early summer, the young cubs learn to hunt, while in autumn the packs begin their great migrations. During the expedition, night drives are organised, particularly around the Mountain hut during the mini-raid, which considerably increases the chances of hearing the wolves in their natural environment.

Can children take part in this expedition?

This expedition is open to teenagers aged 16 and over, provided they are accompanied by a parent. This framework guarantees the safety of everyone involved, as well as the consistency of the immersive experience in the great outdoors.

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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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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