Vercors Regional Nature Park

Overview of the park

Straddling the Drôme and Isère departments, the Vercors massif is a major tourist destination renowned for its landscapes, alpine flora and fauna, and especially the outdoor sports you can enjoy there (hiking, cross-country skiing, caving, climbing, canyoning).

Key facts

• Intérêt touristique: ★★★★ (must-see or highly recommended).

• Caractéristiques:

• Localisation: between the Isère Valley (to the north) and the Diois (to the south).

• Période d'ouverture: open year-round.

• Superficie: 2,062 km² spread over 83 municipalities.

• Altitude: from 1,050 to 2,341 m.

• Site internet: http://parc-du-vercors.fr

Environment

Physiognomy

Wildlife and flora

Precautions

What to see in the Vercors

What to do in the Vercors

All the activities offered in the nature park can be supervised by providers if needed or desired. Similarly, renting specific equipment is generally possible on-site.

Hiking

In the Vercors, you can choose from classic hiking on foot, mountain biking, horseback riding, or hiking with a donkey, as well as itinerant hikes (including the famous Grande Traversée du Vercors and its 150 km). In winter, you can also enjoy Nordic hiking or dog sledding. In total, there are over 3,000 kilometers of marked and maintained trails. The park offers several paper or digital guides dedicated to possible hikes. (see details).

Canyoning

There are around ten sites suitable for canyoning in the Vercors. (see details).

Climbing

The park offers around twenty climbing spots (rock climbing, via corda) spread across its territory and adapted to different levels. (see details)

Caving

With several dozen chasms or caves, some of which are developed (among many others), the Vercors offers a good selection for amateur or more experienced cavers. Some sites are open year-round. (see details).

Fishing

The park has several hundred kilometers of waterways where fishing is possible in season and with a permit. (see details).

Free flight

Paragliding is possible at around ten sites in the park. (see details).

Winter sports

Winter activities are plentiful in the Vercors. While most downhill ski resorts (except for Villard-de-Lans) are on the periphery of the park due to its relatively low altitude, its geographical configuration and good snow cover make it an excellent spot for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with over 800 km of marked trails spread across seven sites. (see details). Dog sledding and snowkiting are also possible on-site.

Climate and weather

Transport

Getting there

Getting around

Accommodation

Food

Nearby

Some interesting places to see around the park:

Alpe d'Huez ★★
Not far from Grenoble, this winter sports resort is one of the largest in France. Its ascent is also famous in cycling and the Tour de France.

Grenoble ★
At the foot of the mountains, the prefecture of Isère offers an old urban centre to explore. But it is also, and above all, a great base for discovering the surrounding mountain ranges (Vercors, Chartreuse, and Belledonne).

Les Deux Alpes ★★
A ski resort in the Oisans region where you can also ski on glaciers or in summer.

Écrins National Park ★★★★
Straddling the Hautes-Alpes and Isère departments, this stunning park boasts numerous high peaks and glaciers. It is home to populations of chamois, ibex, and occasionally wolves. Naturally, skiing, mountaineering, and hiking are popular activities here.

Villard-de-Lans ★★
It is one of the main winter sports resorts in Isère, which has over thirty.

Further reading