This walk introduces you to the largest plateau of the Vercors, the d'Ambel plateau. You walk on the edge of the cliffs to the top of the Tête de la Dame where you have beautiful panoramas on the Monts du Diois, des Barronnies, Mont Ventoux and the Drôme valley.
Distance: 14 km.
Time: 4h30.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Not allowed.
Height gain: 514 meters.
Trail: 100% unpaved.
Marking: GR93 and Green-Yellow.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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Tête de la Dame.
This walk introduces you to the largest plateau of the Vercors, the d'Ambel plateau and the summit of the Tête de la Damme. From the starting point you go through the iron gate and you walk into the quiet valley of Ambel. You walk on an unpaved road towards the refuge la Ferme d'Ambel and then walk through the forest towards the pass du Gouillat. When you pass the pass you start to flirt with the Crêtes d'Ambel in the direction of Tête de la Dame. Along the edge of these impressive cliffs you have beautiful views of the Monts du Diois, des Barronnies, Mont Ventoux and the Drôme valley. In the spring (May-June) the plateau is full of flowers. Once you have conquered the steep climb to the Tête de la Dame, you will descend to the east side of the plateau and you will be offered a beautiful panorama of the Saint-Julien-en-Quint valley. You leave the edge of the crêtes and continue on the plateau towards the Refuge de Tubanet. At the refuge you dive into the forest again to return to the Ambel valley via the GR93.
Download PDF for route description.
From June to September, sheep that are guarded by large white mountain dogs called 'Patou' graze on the plateau. Never walk straight through a herd but always with a big curve around it. These mountain dogs are originally from the Pyrenees and are used to protect herds from predators such as the wolf.
Forbidden to pick flowers.
POI 1 - Tête de la Dame.
With its 1506 meters, the Tête de la Dame is the highest point of the Plateau d'Ambel. From this place the panorama is exceptional; in the north the green meadows of the Plateau d'Ambel stretch out and in the distance stands the Grand Veymont, the highest point of the Vercors massif. While in the south the view of the Gervanne is stunning.
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POI 2 - Deer.
If you do this walk in the period from September 15 to October 15, chances are that you will hear deer belling in the forest of Ambel. In addition to the deer, roe, wild boar and chamois, mouflons also live in the forests of Ambel and Lente.
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