You decided to go to the Vercors massif? This falls well, here is a list of the best hikes to do in the Vercors!
Horse riding on the departments of Drôme and the Isère as it is the natural border, the Vercors massif is among the most beautiful mountains of the Prealpes!
Abri for many animal species as plant, the natural space of Vercors is the perfect place to survey to marvel in the middle of nature.
Accessible all year round with the precautions of each season, the hikes in the Vercors are ideal for those who wish to have a glimpse of the region but also of the massif in itself. Here are the best!
1. The tower of Mont Aiguille
- Duration : about 5h
- Distance 17.9 km
- Denivelé 1 148 m
- Difficulty : Difficult
- See the hiking trail
Mont Aiguille is a remarkable mountain, which is recognized in particular because of its atypical shape. From the top of its 2,087 meters of altitude, Mont Aiguille is impressive, that you see it on the side (large and massive) or on the side (fine and longline).
On the way, don’t forget to stop at Col de Papavet and Col d’Aupet. Perfect places to mark a short break, relax and enjoy the landscape!
However, note that this is one of the most challenging Vercors. It is indeed very demanding physically!
2. The Chevalière head via the Vallon de Combeau
- Duration : about 3h
- Distance 11.1 km
- Denivelé 508 m
- Difficulty Average
- See the hiking trail
At the departure of the Vallon de Combeau, in the Drôme, go to the Chevalière Head in Isère. And yes! This hike is on horseback between two departments, which share a tip of the Vercors massif.
Surrounded by the Montagnette and the Praorzel Head, start your gentle ascent to the Chevalière Head, at 1,951 metres above sea level. On the way, take the time to observe the landscape so as not to miss anything.
Then, once you arrive at the Chevalière Head, you will face Mont Aiguille and see the beginning of the Grand Veymont.
3. The Vercors loop at the Grand Veymont
- Duration : about 5h30
- Distance 19.3 km
- Denivelé 1 037 m
- Difficulty : Difficult
- See the hiking trail
This large buckle is located in the Nature Reserve of the Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors. The Reserve covers over 17,000 hectares and protects a typically local fauna and flora.
You could even meet marmots, ubiquitous or chevêchettes cabbage in a natural forest setting and pasture. The landscapes are sumptuous, which is why this loop is one of the hikes in the Vercors that you must absolutely try!
Throughout the hike, the views are panoramic and impressive. For example, you can observe Mont Aiguille and Grenoble the days of very good weather.
- Bivouac initiation in Vercors
4. La Moucherotte par la Croix des Ramées
- Duration : about 3h
- Distance 10.9 km
- Denivelé 572 m
- Difficulty : Difficult
- See the hiking trail
The start for this hike is not far from the plateau of Lans-en-Vercors, from the ski resort to the east. Direction La Moucherotte, at 1,901 metres above sea level, overlooking the entire Isère valley, with a breathtaking view of the city of Grenoble.
At the top you can also delight the surrounding mountains belonging to the Chartreuse and Belledonne massifs. Hiking in Vercors often offer these views due to the proximity of the three imposing massives.
However, every point of view is unique! On the return, a stop at the Cross des Ramées will give you an overview of the other side of the mountain, with the view of Lans-en-Vercors.
5. Lake Moucherolle via cableway Côte 2000
- Duration less than 2 hours
- Distance 5.8 km
- Denivelé : 394 m
- Difficulty Average
- See the hiking trail
First, before you start this hike, you will have to take the Côte 2000 cable car from Villard-Corrençon station. Accessible all year for the unique price of € 8, it takes you to an altitude of 1,750 meters.
The finish area is the starting point for many hikes in Vercors, including the one that leads to Lake Moucherolles. After a constant ascent, you will arrive on the edges of the lake you will be able to ride.
In the summer, it is a pleasant, almost bucolic place, where to rest before taking back the reverse path. Surrounded by the Grande Moucherolle, the Grande Sister-Agathe and the Petite Sister-Sophie, the lake is very small...
6. La Chute de la Druise
- Duration 1/2 hour
- Distance 1.4 km
- Denivelé 92 m
- Difficulty Easy
- See the hiking trail
Here is one of the few hikes in the Vercors that starts with the descent and then ends with the climb! A quick ride, the walk allows you to discover the Chute de la Druise, formed by an arm of the La Gervanne watercourse.
If the waterfall is no longer accessible due to numerous drops of careless people, the ride remains very pleasant. And this, even for the children! In fact, it is a matter of taking a bowl of fresh air and marvelling in front of nature!
7. The Château de Rochechinard
- Duration : about 1h30
- Distance : 4.3 km
- Denivelé 188 m
- Difficulty Average
- See the hiking trail
Very old building that time erased memories before reintroducing it, the Château de Rochechinard dates back to the 14th century. It is on a high platform, 600 metres above sea level, overlooking the village of Rochechinard. He was occupied for nearly 300 years and was abandoned at the dawn of the 18th century.
Today, it is now possible to approach it, after a small forest hike of less than 5 kilometers from the village. In front of its ruins, it is possible that you surprise yourself to think about the time that passes and leaves its marks.
Indeed, the place being rather quiet, it becomes easy to dive into its thoughts, dried by the discreet sounds of nature, with in front of you, a clear view... Those who enjoy meditation will be delighted!
8. The Pic Saint-Michel
- Duration : about 2 hours
- Distance 8.4 km
- Denivelé 565 m
- Difficulty Average
- See the hiking trail
From the top of its 1,966 meters of altitude, the Pic Saint-Michel is on the continuous peak of the Vercors massif. It offers magnificent views over the two valleys it dominates.
You will see Grenoble, the Vercors Regional Natural Park or the Chartreuse and Belledonne massifs. Its ascension is done in constant positive denial, which may seem demanding, but you will quickly forget the effort.
However, plan caps and sunscreen because the trail is not shaded at all, except at the beginning.
9. D’Engines à Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte
- Duration : about 2 hours
- Distance 5.1 km
- Denivelé : 319 m
- Difficulty Average
- See the hiking trail
Just a few kilometers west of Grenoble, discover this hike in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. It connects two villages: Engins and Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte.
Along a forest path, progress in this somewhat wild nature. You will also follow the Furon watercourse and can also stop by one of its enlargements, taking almost the form of a lake.
On the way, you will pass the Pas de la Corne, the Goulet des Moulins and the Pas du Curé. For the little story, this path is the one that the parish priest of Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte borrowed to celebrate Mass in Engins!
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