Explore the exquisite trails of the Vercors and experience its natural beauty at its finest. Our comprehensive hiking guide covers everything you need to plan your next adventure, from the awe-inspiring views of the Grand Veymont to the serene paths winding through the Gorges of the Bourne.
Don’t miss your chance to discover some of the most beautiful hikes in France’s magnificent mountain range – start planning your trip today!
Have you decided to discover the Vercors massif? That’s good, here is for you a list of the best hikes to do in the Vercors!
Straddling the departments of Drôme and Isère since it is the natural border, the Vercors massif is one of the most beautiful massifs of the Pre-Alps!
Shelter for many animal and plant species, the vercors natural area is the perfect place to explore to marvel in the middle of nature.
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Accessible all year round with the precautions that fall on 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 itself. Here are the best ones!
1. The tour of Mont Aiguille
- Duration: about 5 hours
- Distance: 17.9 km
- Height difference: 1,148 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
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, whether you see it from the side (wide and massive) or from the front (thin and slender).
Along the way, don’t forget to stop at the Col de Papavet and the Col d’Aupet. Perfect places to take a break, recharge your batteries and enjoy the scenery!
However, note that this is one of the most challenging hikes in the Vercors. She is indeed very physically demanding!
2. La Tête Chevalière via the Vallon de Combeau
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 11.1 km
- Height difference: 508 m
- Difficulty: Medium
From the Vallon de Combeau, in the Drôme, go to the Tête Chevalière, in Isère. And yes! This hike straddles two departments, which share a piece of the Vercors massif.
Surrounded by the Montagnette and the Tête de Praorzel, start your gentle ascent to the Tête Chevalière, at 1,951 meters above sea level. On the way, take the time to observe the landscape so you don’t miss anything.
Then, once you arrive at the Tête Chevalière, you will face Mont Aiguille and see the beginning of the Grand Veymont.
3. The Loop from vercors to Grand Veymont
- Duration: about 5h30
- Distance: 19.3 km
- Height difference: 1,037 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
This large loop is located in the Natural Reserve of the Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors. The Reserve covers more than 17,000 hectares and protects typical local flora and fauna.
You might even meet marmots, ibex or owls in a natural forest and alpine setting. 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, on days of very good weather.
4. La Moucherotte by the Croix des Ramées
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Distance: 10.9 km
- Height difference: 572 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
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 meters above sea level, overlooking the entire Isère valley, with a breathtaking view of the city of Grenoble.
At the top, you can also enjoy the surrounding mountains belonging to the Chartreuse and Belledonne massifs. Hikes in the Vercors often offer these views due to the proximity of the three imposing massifs.
However, each point of view is unique! On the way back, a stop at the Croix des Ramées will give you a glimpse of the other side of the mountain, with the view of Lans-en-Vercors.
5. Lac de la Moucherolle via the Côte 2000 gondola
- Duration: less than 2 hours
- Distance: 5.8 km
- Height difference: 394 m
- Difficulty: Medium
First, before starting this hike, you will have to take the Côte 2000 gondola from the Villard-Corrençon resort. Accessible all year round for the single price of €8, it takes you to 1,750 meters above sea level.
The arrival area is the starting point for many hikes in the Vercors, including the one that leads to Lake Moucherolles. After a constant ascent, you will arrive on the shores of the lake which you can go around.
In summer, it is a pleasant, almost bucolic place to rest before taking the opposite path. Surrounded by the Great Flycatcher, the Big Sister-Agathe and the Little Sister-Sophie, the lake is very small…
6. The Fall of the Druise
- Duration: 1/2 hour
- Distance: 1.4 km
- Height difference: 92 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Here is one of the few hikes in the Vercors that starts with the descent and ends with the climb! Quick to make, the walk allows you to discover the Chute de la Druise, formed by an arm of the river La Gervanne.
If the waterfall is no longer accessible due to many falls of reckless people, the walk remains very pleasant. And this, even for children! It’s actually about taking a breath of fresh air and marveling at nature!
7. The Château de Rochechinard
- Duration: about 1h30
- Distance: 4.3 km
- Height difference: 188 m
- Difficulty: Medium
Very old building that time has erased memories before reintroducing it, the Château de Rochechinard dates from the fourteenth century. It is located on a high platform, 600 meters above sea level, overlooking the village of Rochechinard. Occupied for nearly 300 years, it was abandoned at the dawn of the eighteenth century.
Today, it is now possible to approach it, after a short hike in the forest of less than 5 kilometers from the village. In front of its ruins, it is possible that you will find yourself thinking about the passing of time that leaves its marks.
Indeed, the place being rather silent, it becomes easy to dive into his thoughts, lulled by the discreet sounds of nature, with in front of you, an unobstructed view … Those who enjoy meditation will be delighted!
8. Pic Saint-Michel
- Duration: about 2 hours
- Distance: 8.4 km
- Height difference: 565 m
- Difficulty: Medium
From the top of its 1,966 meters above sea level, the Pic Saint-Michel is located on the continuous ridge of the Vercors massif. It offers magnificent unobstructed views of the two valleys it dominates.
You will see Grenoble, the Vercors Regional Natural Park or the Chartreuse and Belledonne massifs. Its ascent is carried out in constant positive elevation, which may seem demanding, but you will quickly forget the effort.
However, bring caps and sunscreen as the trail is not shaded at all, except at the beginning.
9. From Engins to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte
- Duration: about 2 hours
- Distance: 5.1 km
- Height difference: 319 m
- Difficulty: Medium
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 through this somewhat wild nature. You will also walk along the River Furon and can also stop at the edge of one of its widenings, almost taking 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 record, this path is the one that the parish priest of Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte took to celebrate Mass in Engins!
Conclusion
The Vercors mountain range in France offers some of the most beautiful hikes for outdoor enthusiasts. With our comprehensive guide, you have all the information you need to plan your next hiking adventure and experience the breathtaking scenery of the Vercors for yourself. I hope you fine the article “The 9 Most Beautiful Hikes to do in the Vercors” helpful.
