Battle Pass

This hike offers a remarkable overview of the Vercors landscapes. From the forests of Grand Échaillon to the vast open spaces of the Ambel plateau, the route traverses a succession of environments, alternating between beech forests, limestone cliffs, high-altitude meadows, and panoramic views over the Drôme valleys. The Pas du Gouillat and the edges of the plateau, in particular, offer spectacular views of the Gervanne valley and the surrounding mountains.

The Col de la Bataille, which gives its name to the hike, is surrounded by a curious legend. Several theories attempt to explain its origin: some suggest ancient conflicts between the monks of Léoncel and those on the other side of the mountain over the use of pastures, while another tradition recounts that the name comes from the clash of north and south winds that regularly meet on this exposed pass. This last explanation is now the most widely accepted.

The Ambel plateau is also one of the most important pastoral areas in the Vercors. For centuries, herds have been brought up there during the warmer months to graze on the vast high-altitude pastures. These practices have helped shape the open landscapes we admire today and preserve a rich biodiversity, particularly visible in spring and early summer when the meadows are covered in wildflowers.

Between natural heritage, local history and wide horizons, this hike allows you to discover a Vercors that is both wild and deeply marked by the human activities that have shaped it over the centuries.