Information : Trieves and Matheysine, the Huguenots Way part 3
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The Huguenot route of exile continues across a region known as the Trièves. After leaving the southern fringe of the Vercors, you find yourself on a high plateau nestling between the mountains of the Dévoluy and the Vercors. This swathe of even greenery between the southern and northern Alps brings the walker an unmistakable feeling of peace and well-being. Then you traverse the Matheysine plateau, whose reputation was forged by its formerly vibrant anthracite-mining activity. The plateau, caressed in summer by a cooling northern air current (the 'bise') is dotted about with natural lakes left by passing glaciers long ago. Migratory birds are no strangers to the Matheysine lakes, nor are holiday-makers making the most of the many pretty bathing spots immersed in a sea of unspoilt verdure.
You'll love
the ascension up to the Croix de Menée
breathless views over the Mont Aiguille
the unique structure of the plateau
the glacial lakes of Laffrey
Program : Trieves and Matheysine, the Huguenots Way part 3
D1
Reception in Le Percy at the foot of the Col de Menée
Dinner and night at the Percy.
D2
Walk in the vicinity of Le Percy
15 km stage with total uphill 810 metres. Level 3/5. Around 4hrs 30.
Lovely walk up to the Col de Menée. At 1457metres, the pass links the Diois and Trièves regions. A wooden cross recalls the persecuted Diois protestants - men, women and children - who passed this way and on across the Trièves to reach sanctuary in Switzerland. You'll also pass by the Ermitage d'Esparron renowned as a base for the Resistance in the Second World War. The walk is essentially through forest, with here and there superb views of the eastern face of the Vercors chain of mountains.
Dinner and night at the Percy.
D3
From Le Percy to Mens
17,5 km walk with total uphill 631 metres. Level 3/5. About 5 hours.
Here you are deep in the heart of the Trièves. Fine rural architecture is marked by traditional farmhouses with distinctive local roofing. In a constant panorama stretching from the Dévoluy mountains to those of the Vercors, you can gaze on the emblematic peaks of the region: the Obiou, 2789m, the Mont Aiguille, 2087m, and the Grand Veymont 2341m.
Mens is the historical capital and largest reformed church (protestant) parish of the Trièves, once rich merchants and established craftsmen contributed side by side to the establishment of a rich built-heritage we can still enjoy today. It's worth taking the time to visit the 'Temple' (protestant church), the market place, the Café des Arts, the Engrangeou (gallery named after distinctive local dormers) and the Museum of the Trièves.
Dinner and night at hotel in the heart of Mens.
D4
From Mens to La Mure
18,8 km stage with total uphill 700 metres. Level 3/5. Around 5hrs30.
You make your way over the fields to Saint Jean d'Hérans and its 'temple'. This is the land depicted so movingly by celebrated French writer Jean Giono.
Farewell then to the Trièves, and welcome to the Matheysine.
The 'border' between the two regions is marked by the river Drac, which you cross on the bridge of Cognet dating from 1605. Before then, the old bridge here, which since Roman times had facilitated trade and social exchange between the two regions, was destroyed during the Wars of Religion. In La Mure you can visit the museum to get a perspective on the economic, social and human history of the Matheysine. In particular the religious wars which had such devastating effects locally are described here.
Dinner and night at 3 star hotel with swimming pool.
D5
Around La Mure
20km walk with total uphill 810m. Level 4/5. About 5hrs. You may if you wish go up to the summit of the Sénépy (24 kms – uphill 1010 m - 7 hrs)
On this walk you climb fairly rapidly and come to the Serre de la Combette. From here the view over the Matheysin plateau is terrific, whilst all around you the mountains of the Dévoluy, the Vercors, the Chartreuse, Taillefer and Tabor form a mighty ring. You can get to the highest point of your stay today - the Sénépy at 1769m - or maybe you will be happy enough to reach the Pierre Plantée at 1559m.
Dinner and night at 3 star hotel with swimming pool.
D6
From La Mure to Laffrey
16 km, total uphill 395m. Level 2/5. Around 5hrs.
The itinerary promises lovely views over the pools and wooded countryside of the Matheysin plateau.
Favoured stop-overs for migratory birds, ramblers and bathers alike, the Matheysin lakes are known for their ever-changing views.
And as your hotel is situated on the banks of the Grand Lac, you may like to enjoy a swim therein yourself!
Dinner and night at lakeside hotel.
D7
Departure
Breakfast, transfer back to Le Percy and departure.
Round trip transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Walking holiday from place to place, without accompaniment.
Daily stages between 15 and 24 kms, around 3hrs to 6h.
Total uphill between 400 and 1000 metres daily.
Altitudes from 280 to 1550 metres.
Organisation
These walks are more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. We carry your luggage between lodgings and a roadbook will guide you all along the way.
We also provide logistical and technical support.
Accommodation (2 or 3 star/"épi" guest-houses or hotels) have been chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural interest. The circuits are half-board.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Access
By car
From across the north, follow A51, until Monestier-de-Clermont (péage) or take the exit of Vif (before the highway fee). From across the south, follow D1075 and take the direction le Col de la Croix-Haute.
By air
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (130 km) Saint Etienne de Saint GeoirsAirport - Grenoble Isère (80 km)
By train
Clelles-Mens railway station. Then, taxi on demand to the accommodation in Le Percy.
This is a unique trip which brings together the scenic splendour of varied countryside with the discovery of the cultural and historical heritage of the Huguenots.
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From the small town of Die, you'll follow the hill paths up into the Upper Diois. The scenery is a blend of wild nature and more ordered terrain modelled by man around small market towns such as Châtillon, famous for its vineyards.…
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