Hiking in the fields

A short hike, but one that ticks all the boxes: lavender in bloom, stories of the Vercors, wildlife… and a glass of homemade syrup to finish at the distillery.

Activity description

This hike offers an accessible version of the Vercors: a true breath of fresh air, an olfactory immersion, and an insightful interpretation of the landscape. For three hours, a local guide will lead you along a varied route, passing through lavender fields (in bloom until the end of July), through forests, and offering panoramic mountain views.

Along the trail, you'll discover the history of the Vercors massif and the village of Chamaloc, but also the "behind the scenes" of lavender: its cultivation cycle, flowering, ecological role, and what is actually done with this plant beyond the postcard image. The walk also incorporates a nature dimension: You approach the site of the reintroduction of griffon vultures and you open your eyes to the local fauna (including the beaver), to understand the biodiversity of the territory.

The hike ends perfectly: a return to the distillery, a glass of artisanal lavender syrup (made with Vercors spring water), and a brief explanation of the still. A complete experience: nature, culture, local produce… with a truly convivial conclusion.

Highlights ☀️

• A fragrant and educational immersion: fields, forests, panoramas, with a guide who tells you "what you see" (it's not just a walk).
• Vercors & Chamaloc deciphered: local history and reading of the territory along the trail.
• Biodiversity: stop at the griffon vulture reintroduction site and several focuses on the fauna (including the beaver).
• Photogenic landscapes: alternating open fields and wooded passages, until the end of July for flowering.
• A convivial finale: sharing a glass of homemade lavender syrup with explanations of the still at the distillery.
• Truly family-friendly: accessible from age 4 (child can be carried if needed) with a "medium" but reasonable level of difficulty.

Key information ✅

Prices 🏷️

• €13 full adult price
• €11 group rate (15 people or more)
• €9 solidarity and local rates (residents of Diois and Chamaloc)
• €9 for children aged 6–17
• Free for children under 6

Schedules and time slots ⏰

• Lively session in French and English: every Tuesday at 5pm during the summer
• Total activity duration: 3 hours
• Walking time: approximately 2 hours (leisurely walk)

Meeting point 📍

Distillerie des 4 Vallées

302 chemin des Garandons, 26150 Chamaloc (Drôme)
Google Maps link: https://share.google/vWk6EcJKBquruo3Wt

Contact 📞

• By email:contact@lavandes.fr

• By phone: 04 75 22 20 12

• On our website: https://www.reservation.lavandes.fr/contact.html

Capacity & audiences 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒

• Target audience: families aged 2 to 99 (children can be carried or are 4 years and older)
• Group size: from 15 to 40 people (depending on the organization)

  • Groups / private events / specific needs: contact recommended

• Workshop will proceed with a minimum of 4 participants; cancellation possible up to 24 hours in advance if there are insufficient registrations (alternative/postponement offered).

Accessibility & comfort 🥰

• Pets allowed

• Toilets and water point on site

• Chairs available

• Children's area available with educational booklet

• No particular physical condition required

• Accessible for people with reduced mobility and strollers

Parking 🚗

• Private parking directly at the distillery: approximately 30 spaces, including bicycles/motorcycles and camper vans

• Public parking 150m away

• Accueil Vélo label (secure parking, charging station, repair kit, route advice)

Terrain characteristics 🥾

• Distance: 5 km
• Elevation gain: 175 m
• Difficulty: medium
• Not suitable for strollers / reduced mobility

"On-the-ground" tips 🤠

• Closed shoes + hat or cap + water bottle (especially in summer).

Educational sequence 👨🏻‍🏫

1) Departure & framing of the hike

Meet at the distillery: the guide presents the route, the pace, and landmarks for interpreting the landscape. The goal: to walk "intelligently," understanding the territory instead of simply passing through it.

2) History of the Vercors and Chamaloc, while walking

From the very first steps, you discover the history of the mountain range and the village, told in the right place at the right time. The guide connects heritage, landscape, and local life to add depth to the walk.

3) First large lavender field: understanding the plant and its cultivation

Standing before the field, you go from "wow" to "I understand": the growing cycle, flowering, sowing, management, and what makes a beautiful plot. It's like a photo stop... but with a real explanation behind the image.

4) Biodiversity: griffon vultures, beavers and local wildlife

Stop at the reintroduction site: we talk about birds of prey, food chains and natural balance. The guide then expands to include local wildlife (including the beaver) to give you observation tips for the rest of the route.

5) Alternating fields and forests: landscapes and surprises of the Vercors

The hike takes you through very different sections: sweeping views of the mountains, then more secluded passages through the undergrowth. You'll also discover fascinating facts about the surrounding forest and its role in the ecosystem.

6) Lavender compost: the "sustainable" loop of the territory

A visit to the composting platform: your guide explains the benefits of lavender compost and the "nothing is wasted" principle at the local level. This is the part of the hike that transforms it into a true experience of the region.

7) Return to the distillery: homemade syrup + explanation of the still

You conclude with a well-deserved glass of artisanal lavender syrup. During the tasting, the guide simply explains how the still works and answers any remaining questions about lavender.

FAQ 🙋🏻

1) How long does the hike last, and how long is the actual walking time?

The activity lasts 3 hours in total, including explanations, breaks, and the conclusion at the distillery. The walk takes approximately 2 hours at a leisurely pace.

2) What is the level of difficulty?

The hike is rated as moderate, with 5 km and 175 m of elevation gain. It remains accessible to families if you are comfortable with continuous walking on a trail.

3) From what age can a child participate?

This is a family outing: suitable for children aged 4 and up (or children carried). Children under 6 are free, but they must be able to handle a suitable amount of walking.

4) Can we come with a stroller or if we have reduced mobility?

No: the route goes through paths and natural terrain, which makes it unsuitable for strollers and people with reduced mobility. If you are looking for a more accessible experience, the distillery offers other formats.

5) What equipment should be planned?

Closed-toe shoes are mandatory, and a hat or cap and water are recommended, especially in summer. The guide will adjust the pace and breaks, but you will be outdoors for several hours.

6) Is hiking worthwhile outside of flowering season?

Yes, because it's structured as an exploration of the region: the Vercors mountains, local history, biodiversity, forests, compost, and lavender cultivation. The flowering season (until the end of July) makes the experience spectacular, but the content remains rich even beyond that.

7) Is the tasting and explanation of the still included?

Yes: the return to the distillery includes a glass of homemade lavender syrup and a simple explanation of the still, with questions and answers.

8) Can we come as a group?

Yes: a group rate applies for groups of 15 people or more. According to the organization, the group may be limited to ensure the quality of listening and exchange with the guide.

Keywords 📃

Lavender hike – Lavender fields – Vercors – Chamaloc – Family outing – Guided walk – Biodiversity – Griffon vultures – Beaver – Forest – Lavender compost – Local produce – Drôme – Mountain panorama – Lavender syrup – Distillery.