2 days of bivouac on Hautes-Chaumes

Day 1: From Vertolaye to Hautes Chaumes

Duration: 5h30
Kilometer: 16.8 km
Elevation +: 1,190 m
Elevation -: 100 m

Come on, let's go! You leave the village of Vertolaye via a path which gradually climbs through woods and meadows. As you gain altitude, the deciduous trees give way to the large open spaces typical of Hautes Chaumes: tall grass, heather, and total silence.

The atmosphere quickly becomes unique. Up there, it's another world - a large open plateau where jasseries (summer farms), rounded ridges and perched peat bogs follow one another. You walk in the open, with panoramic views of the Monts du Livradois-Forez on one side, and sometimes as far as the Alps if the weather is cool.

At the end of the day, you set up your bivouac wherever you want on the ridge, on a flat area away from the wind. With a little luck, you will see the sky ablaze above the ridges... and maybe even hear the wind singing in the grass.

Day 2: From Hautes Chaumes to Vertolaye

Duration: 5h30
Kilometer: 17.8 km
Elevation +: 240 m
Elevation difference –: 1,330 m

You start the day gently, following the high altitude meadows and peat bogs that characterize the Hautes Chaumes. The path descends gradually, crossing a few wetlands before reaching the undergrowth lower in altitude.

The descent is long and regular, with plenty of views of the valley, the villages below and the surrounding mountains. You benefit from a less frequented path than the climb the day before, which gives you the impression of being in total immersion in the wild nature of Forez.

Arriving at the village of Vertolaye, you finish this loop with the sensation of having discovered a preserved landscape, between vast open spaces and small secret corners. A beautiful combo between effort, calm, and raw nature.