7. Les Nonières / Chatillon-en-Diois (step 7)

3 points of interest

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  The circus of Archiane

  The impressive limestone cliffs of the circus of Archiane dominate the hamlet of the same name of more than 1000 m. More than 100 million years ago, we were here under an ocean, this one deposited the sediments that now form the plateau of the Vercors. Then, the uprising of the Alps, as well as erosion gave its current form to the site. It is a place where the fauna (Bouquetin, Chamois, Gypaète Barbu, Griffon Vulture ...) and the flora are rich there. Outdoor activities are also very present with hiking and climbing.

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  The climbing site of Archiane

  The circus of Archiane is one of the most beautiful natural site of the Vercors. Already in the 1950s, there were some highlights of mountaineering with openings of tracks by the great ones of the time: Jean Couzy first then Gorges Livanos, D. Leprince Ringuet, R.Flematti ...This heritage makes of Archiane a historic high place of climbing still today with more than 100 tracks. The great classics are the pillar Livanos, the way of the rising, the red parise.In 2009, with the nesting of the griffon vultures in Archiane, a consultation on the equipment was put in place by the Park in order to manage the cohabitation as well as possible.

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  Châtillon-en-Diois

  Nestled at the foot of the most southern cliffs of the Vercors, this medieval village has preserved from its past narrow streets called "rapes" and 17 fountains with stone basins on which climb the plants of the botanical village.Capital of canton along the river Le Bez, Châtillon-en-Diois offers all shops and services, a swimming pool and many festivities during the summer season. Its vineyard, one of the highest in France, produces red, white and rosé wines with an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée.