How about a 100% nature adventure in the heart of the Vercors? Imagine breathtaking landscapes, marmots whistling as you pass by, mysterious scialets and majestic deer in full rut… Welcome to the Sensitive Natural Areas of Font d'Urle and the Ambel plateau! But be careful, here, we play by the rules of nature. We breathe, we admire, but we respect!

A Sensitive Natural Area, What’s That?

Before diving into the heart of the matter, a little explanation is in order. A Sensitive Natural Area (or ENS, for short) is a remarkable site recognized for its ecological, geological, or landscape qualities. Basically, it's the crème de la crème of protected landscapes, where nature has all the rights. The Drôme has 22 of them, including two magnificent ones in the Vercors: the Ambel plateau and Font d'Urle. These two? They're worth the detour!

The Ambel Plateau: Welcome to the kingdom of deer!

Imagine a vast plateau of 1 hectares, where the air is pure, the view breathtaking, and where animals rule. This is the Ambel plateau, a true wildlife sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Vercors. This place is a paradise for hikers, especially those who love peace and quiet... and deer! Because here, every autumn, it's the rut festival. You'll hear them before you see them, but what a spectacle!

The Ambel Plateau is much more than a natural paradise. It's also a place steeped in history, particularly that of the Resistance during the Second World War. Imagine yourself hiking across these vast lawns, at the crossroads between marmots and chamois, where, long ago, courageous men fought for freedom.

In 1943, the Ambel Plateau became one of the first maquis in France, housing a resistance camp. On these lands, the resistance fighters kept watch over the edges of the Pas and valleys, posted as lookouts to thwart any enemy attack. The camp was a true bastion of the resistance until the Militia attack in April 1944, marking a tragic turning point in the history of the Vercors.

Today, the Ambel Plateau is a place of remembrance, with its stele erected in tribute to the resistance fighters who defied the occupier. So, as you walk these trails, remember that before being a haven for wildlife, these places were also the scene of a struggle for freedom.

Not to be missed on the Ambel plateau

The Scialet of the Four Gorges : An illuminated chasm that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Perfect for photo enthusiasts.

The Ambel Plateau refuge Spend a night in the heart of this unspoiled natural space. But be careful, follow the rules (no fires, bivouac only within 100 meters of a refuge).

The Deer’s Bellow From September to October, follow the marked trails and settle in to witness this unique spectacle. And above all, shh... silence, the deer are listening!

Font d'Urle: A spectacular mountain pasture where nature runs wild

If you thought you'd seen it all with the Ambel Plateau, wait until you arrive at Font d'Urle! Here, it's a veritable movie set, with steep cliffs, endless plains, and a karst landscape worthy of the most beautiful postcards. This mountain pasture is grandiose, wild, and a little mystical. With every step, you'll feel like you're walking on another planet.

Things to do in Font d'Urle

Explore the plateau on donkey or horseback, an activity that will delight young and old alike!

Explore the Karst Interpretation Trail with your family to discover the geological wonders of the region: crevasses, lapiaz (these famous stone slabs sculpted by water), and even a natural icehouse that preserves ice all year round (yes, even in summer!).

Dive into pastoral life : Font d'Urle, with its vast green expanses, is a veritable all-you-can-eat buffet for flocks! For thousands of years, shepherds have led their animals here to keep them cool during the summer heat. But be careful, the sheep aren't the only ones standing guard here! Guard dogs keep a close eye on things and don't like anyone getting too close to their charges. So, to avoid any misunderstandings, it's best to walk around the flocks in peace and keep your four-legged friends indoors in the summer.

Want to know more about the right behavior to adopt when dealing with a patou? We have what you need!

Font d'Urle: A spectacular mountain pasture where nature runs wild

  • No picking (no, not even a little flower)
  • No fire (spoiler alert: it's forbidden in all forests)
  • Bivouacking is permitted, but only between 19 p.m. and 8 a.m., and within 100 m of a refuge.
  • Dogs are prohibited from 1er June to October 31st due to the presence of herds in the mountain pastures and guard dogs. Don't panic, you can let your dog sniff the air of the ENS the rest of the year, but on a leash.
  • Stay on the marked trails (you don't want to get lost, trust us!).

So, are you ready to discover the ENS of Font d'Urle and Ambel? These exceptional sites promise you a total immersion in the wild nature of the Vercors. You won't come back disappointed, but you'll also have your head full of memories... and maybe even a photo of a marmot as a bonus!

The recommendation of'Emilie

It's getting hot up there, Marcel! So to avoid sunstroke, remember to take a hat and plenty of water.

Hiking ideas with your dog!