3. East-West crossing of the Vercors on the GR®93 - Stage 3

4 points of interest

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  The deer

  The forest of Ambel is particularly appreciated by the Cerf. This large deer can weigh up to 250 kilos, comes to breed in the forest of Ambel. From mid-September to mid-October, this is the rutting period, so you can hear the stag's slab. However, this important period for the stag requires a certain tranquility, stay on the paths and be silent, respect the instructions of the information panels.

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  Plateau of Font d'Urle

  Property for a small part of the commune of Vassieux en Vercors, for the most part the department of Drôme since 1954, the departmental domain of Font d'Urle is a sensitive natural space. Its vocation is the protection of nature and the reception of the public. Some rules of common sense make it possible to protect this space as well as to cohabit in good understanding with the shepherds and their flocks. Picking flowers that are particularly spectacular in May and June is prohibited. Dogs, even on a leash, are prohibited during the summer season (May to October). In the middle of the mountain pastures, there are herds of horses in semi-freedom. In this vast steppe of altitude, stretch of grass and rocks "with for all border the sky" (Joseph Kessel), one would think oneself in Mongolia.

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  The forests of Vassieux

  The vast forests that you will cross are managed by the National Forestry Office. Although located on the territory of Vassieux-en-Vercors, which is responsible for the maintenance of forest roads (as these are communal roads, they are the public property of Vassieux), the forests themselves belong in reality to the town of Die and the town of Marignac-en-Diois. The benefits of the exploitation of wood therefore escape the commune of Vassieux.Before 1911, Vassieux was administratively attached to Die. The story goes that the municipality, unable to pay taxes, would have donated the land to pay its debts, which would explain the current situation.

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  Shelter of the Col de Vassieux

  The shelter of the pass of Vassieux is an unguarded shelter built in 1976 and restored in 2014-2015 by the Regional Natural Park of Vercors.With a maximum capacity of 15 people, it is open all year and free of access. However, as with most shelter huts in the territory, certain rules must be respected if the service is to last for a long time (most of them are recalled to you inside the shelter).