The Vercors National Regional Park, located in Southeastern France, is a captivating landscape of forested mountains stretching between the Isère Valley to the North and Diois to the South.
This region is known for its stunning limestone cliffs offering panoramic views of the Alps to the East, with river gorges cutting through the rock. Winding roads, carved into the limestone around 100 years ago, showcase dramatic views and sheer drops, providing a unique journey through the Vercors Massif.
Vercors Summer Activities
Rock Climbing
The Vercors is a paradise for rock climbing enthusiasts of all skill levels, offering numerous climbing areas. Popular spots include Presles, Gerbier (2109m), Les Trois Pucelles (1456m), Mont Aiguille (2086m), and smaller crags like Correncon, Furon at Lans-en-Vercors, and Combeauvieux.
Canyoning in the Vercors Massif
Canyoning enthusiasts, whether beginners or seasoned, will find an exciting range of routes in the Vercors. Its karstic terrain provides varied landscapes, with waterfalls, jumps, rappels, and natural water slides. Notable spots include the Canyon du Furon, Canyon des Ecouges, and the challenging Le Ruzand, which boasts a 150m waterfall rappel.
Caving
The Vercors is home to a vast network of underground caves formed by water flowing through limestone. Explore caves like Gules Vertes, Ture, Cave of the Spider, Cave de Gour, or Cave Rock on half-day trips, or tackle the full-day adventures at Le Gournier and Cuves de Sassenage. For an additional challenge, vertical caving can be done in Goule Verte, Thur, Gournier, and Grottes-Roches, where visitors can descend into cave openings surrounded by impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.
Via Ferrata
The Vercors offers numerous Via Ferrata routes for all levels. For beginners or families, the Via Ferrata of Claps is a perfect choice, with an easy route that takes around three hours to complete. The Via Corda de Choranche, another beginner-friendly route, offers beautiful views of the cliffs of Preles and features a 40m zip-line descent.
Mountaineering
Located 58 km south of Grenoble, Mont Aiguille, towering at 2085 meters (6,841 feet), is a popular mountaineering destination. For a truly unforgettable summit, the Grand Veymont in Gresse-en-Vercors offers an even greater challenge.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in the Vercors National Park is an adventure not to be missed. Ride through scenic and rugged terrain on numerous tracks that offer both endurance challenges and freeride fun. Visitors can use shuttles or chair lifts to return to the top after a thrilling ride down.
Trekking
For trekking enthusiasts, the Crêtes du Vercors offers a four-day hiking experience in the northern part of the Vercors. Along the ridges, trekkers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Alps, including the Ecrins, Oisans, Belledonne, and Mont Blanc mountain ranges.
Paragliding
The Vercors' dramatic landscapes make it an ideal location for paragliding. The soaring views and the sensation of flying create a thrilling experience. Newcomers can take tandem flights with qualified instructors at schools in Isère or Villard-de-Lans. For those who become hooked, courses are available, and experienced paragliders can even launch from the Cote 2000 gondola lift with skis on!
Vercors Winter Activities
Skiing
While the Vercors is renowned for its summer activities, it is equally popular in winter when snow enthusiasts flock to its powder-covered slopes. The village resorts of Autrans, Correncon en Vercors, Lans en Vercors, Les Coulmes, Meaudre, Saint Nizier du Moucherotte, and Villard de Lans offer a variety of tracks for all skill levels.
The Vercors is a haven for Nordic skiers, with extensive tracks through serene, unspoiled terrain. Lans-en-Vercors, in particular, is a favorite for cross-country skiers, featuring a snow park and toboggan mats for family fun. The village offers a relaxed, natural atmosphere, diverse wildlife, and friendly locals
Practicalities
Best Time to Visit the Vercors
The Vercors is a year-round destination, ideal for adventurers and nature lovers of all ages. Summer (June to August) offers mild temperatures ranging from 10-22°C, while autumn (September to October) sees temperatures between 6-18°C, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities.
The Vercors National Regional Park is one of France’s most stunning natural wonders, offering an incredible variety of activities for those seeking adventure. Whether it's hiking, caving, climbing, skiing, biking, or paragliding, there's no shortage of thrilling opportunities to explore the Vercors.
The region’s unique landscapes, charming villages, and welcoming locals make it a destination that will refresh both body and soul. Regardless of the season, the Vercors promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
The mountain on a plateau: France's Vercors plains • FRANCE 24 English
Video by FRANCE 24 English
