The Vercors is a unique mountain range. Located between the Isère and the Drôme, at the crossroads of the Northern and Southern Alps, it stretches over 135,000 hectares and offers an incredible variety of landscapes: dizzying limestone cliffs, desert plateaus, deep forests, open alpine pastures, deep gorges… A unique adventure playground for nature lovers and hikers.
But the Vercors is more than just a backdrop. It is also a living, inhabited territory, shaped by centuries of pastoralism, resistance, and mountain culture. It was here, in the forests and combes, that resistance fighters took refuge during the Second World War. Even today, history is palpable, whether at the Pas de l’Aiguille, on the trails of Royans, or around a suspended hamlet.
The Vercors Regional Natural Park, created in 1970, protects this fragile balance between human life and wild nature. Here, you can encounter chamois, marmots, and sometimes even wolves. You can discover remarkable biodiversity, endemic species, and spectacular geology, shaped by time and water.
Accessible from Grenoble, Valence, or Die, the Vercors is suitable for day hikes as well as multi-day treks in the wilderness. Whether you are looking for a contemplative stroll, a challenging ascent, or an ambitious traverse, this mountain range has something to offer. Here are 5 hikes - from a few-hour loop to a multi-day traverse – to discover the Vercors in all its diversity.
1. The Gresse-en-Vercors Balconies
This panoramic loop starting from Gresse-en-Vercors offers a superb view of the Grand Veymont and Mont Aiguille. It alternates between forest sections and open ridges, with some slightly steep sections but no major difficulty. A good overview of the diversity of landscapes in the Southern Vercors, within reach of hiking boots.
Distance: 13.3 km
Elevation gain: 670 D+
Duration: 5 hours
Getting there by public transport: TAG bus line 4500 (from Grenoble) to Monestier-de-Clermont, then shuttle or taxi to Gresse-en-Vercors (summer season only)
2. L’Aiguillette (or Petit Veymont) via the Pas du Fouillet
A more alpine hike, at the foot of the giant Grand Veymont. L’Aiguillette culminates at 2,120 m and offers a superb viewpoint over the Hauts Plateaux. The trail uses the Pas du Fouillet on the way out and the Pas de la Ville on the way back, two emblematic passages in the area. Expect to encounter marmots… or even ibex!
Distance: 12.5 km
Elevation gain: 1050 D+
Duration: 6 hours
Getting there by public transport: TAG bus line 4500 (from Grenoble) to Monestier-de-Clermont, then shuttle or taxi to Gresse-en-Vercors (summer season only)
3. Tour of the Hauts Plateaux Nature Reserve (2 days)
A total immersion in the largest protected natural area in mainland France. From Archiane, the circuit takes you across wild plateaus, with bivouac or overnight stay in a refuge depending on the season. Little water on the route: prepare your supplies well. A guaranteed change of scenery just a few hours' drive from major cities.
Distance: 32 km
Elevation gain: 1800 D+
Duration: 2 days
Getting there by public transport: Die train station (from Valence or Romans), then regional bus line 28 (towards Chatillon-en-Diois)
4. Tour of Mont Aiguille (2 days)
Mont Aiguille, a legendary monolith, sits like a vessel on the alpine pastures. This circuit goes all the way around it, through meadows, forests, and dizzying panoramas. As a bonus: the discovery of the Pas de l’Aiguille, a significant memorial site of the Vercors maquis. A weekend combining history, contemplation, and magnificent nature.
Distance: 28.5 km
Elevation gain: 1300 D+
Duration: 2 days
Getting there by public transport: train to Clelles-Mens, then local shuttle or hitchhiking to Chichilianne (6 km)
5. The Vercors traverse via the GR91
This is the grand adventure: approximately 100 km from north to south of the massif, from Col de Rousset to Corrençon or vice versa. This mythical route crosses the Hauts Plateaux, runs along cliffs, and passes through several unstaffed refuges. A demanding but accessible traverse with good preparation. Ideal for experiencing the full wild power of the Vercors.
Distance: 85 km
Elevation gain: 3100 D+
Duration: 4 to 6 days
Getting there by public transport:
- start: Bus line 28 to Col de Rousset (from Die train station)
- arrival: Bus line T64 from Corrençon to Villard-de-Lans, then Transisère line to Grenoble
Discover our Vercors traverse through the documentary film "Horizon Durable"
DISCLAIMER: PRESERVATION OF NATURAL AREAS
To preserve the beauty and fragility of the alpine landscapes, it is essential to respect certain rules during your hikes in the Vercors massif. These particularly vulnerable areas are subject to increasing overcrowding which can alter their ecosystem. We therefore encourage you to:
- Respect marked trails: do not venture off trails to avoid damaging local flora and ecosystem. Stay on indicated paths and follow markings to preserve nature.
- Do not swim in lakes: mountain lakes, though tempting, are fragile environments. Swimming in these waters can disrupt the ecological balance and affect water quality. Please respect this rule, which is essential for the preservation of these exceptional natural sites.
- Limit your impact: adopt eco-responsible behavior by using public transport, taking your waste with you, and minimizing your footprint. Also remember to avoid excessive noise and respect the tranquility of local wildlife.
Prepare for adventure, but stay cautious: safety rules in the Vercors (and elsewhere!)
The Vercors massif is a magnificent hiking area, but like any mountain territory, it presents challenges. It is essential to be well prepared before setting off:
- Inform a loved one of your itinerary and your approximate return time.
- Download an offline map of the itinerary to avoid any disconnection in the mountains.
- Ensure you have the right equipment (snowshoes, crampons, etc.) depending on weather conditions.
- Prepare physically for significant elevation gains and frequent climatic variations at altitude.
RESPONSIBLE ADVENTURE STARTER PACK IN THE VERCORS
- Train transport: take advantage of numerous train accesses to limit your carbon footprint.
- Veggie option: remember to bring vegetarian snacks to eat during the hike (a dedicated article on mountain food is coming soon!).
- Pavenrod products: for a sustainable experience, opt for Pavenrod brand products, made in France and environmentally friendly.
These small gestures are essential to preserve the natural environment of the Vercors and make your adventure even more pleasant and respectful.