The Herbouilly plain and the Pas de Saint-Martin

This hike offers the chance to discover one of the most impressive sites in the northern Drôme region of the Vercors. Perched on the edge of the Roche Rousse cliffs, the Pas de Saint-Martin viewpoint offers an exceptional panorama of the Saint-Martin-en-Vercors valley, the Choranche cliffs, and the southern peaks of the massif. From this natural balcony, the view encompasses nearly 180° of landscapes sculpted by erosion and the major geological movements that gave birth to the Vercors.

In the Vercors region, the term "pas" refers to a passage allowing passage through the cliffs that encircle the massif. Long before the construction of modern roads, these natural passes were used by locals, shepherds, and travelers to connect the plateaus to the valleys. The Pas de Saint-Martin bears witness to this long history of movement through the Vercors, where each pass served as a true gateway to the massif.

The route also runs alongside the Roche Rousse cliffs, a prime area for observing cliff-dwelling wildlife. Updrafts regularly attract paragliders and large gliding birds, while certain sections of the cliffs shelter remarkable species such as the peregrine falcon, whose presence has led to the protection of several areas of the site.

At the Herbouilly crossroads, a short out-and-back walk of about 400 meters leads to the ruins of the Herbouilly farm. This former mountain farm, once at the heart of the plateau's pastoral life, was abandoned in the 1930s before becoming, during the summer of 1944, a stronghold for the Vercors resistance fighters. Used as a command post by the resistance, it was burned down by German troops during the offensive against the Vercors in July 1944. The remains visible today constitute an emblematic memorial site, recalling both the agricultural history of the plateau and the major role played by the Vercors in the French Resistance.

Finally, the route crosses the edge of the Herbouilly plain, a vast high-altitude clearing where forests, pastures, and protected natural areas intertwine. This alternation of landscapes contributes to the charm of the hike and offers a beautiful illustration of the diversity of natural environments that characterize the Vercors.