Walking across the Vercors sounds like a breathtaking adventure! The Vercors is a stunning mountain range in southeastern France, known for its rugged beauty and diverse landscapes. As you trek across this region, you'd encounter dramatic limestone cliffs, deep gorges, lush forests, and high plateaus. The scenery alone would make the journey unforgettable. Beyond the natural beauty, the Vercors holds historical significance as well. During World War II, it served as a stronghold for the French Resistance, adding a layer of intrigue to your journey. You might stumble upon old bunkers, tunnels, and other remnants of this tumultuous period in history. This walking adventure is for those who love the outdoors and crave adventure, a trek across the Vercors promises an experience like no other.
Highlights:
- Plateau du Vercors: The high plateaus of the Vercors with vast, open landscapes dotted with alpine meadows, forests, and unique flora and fauna, perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Villages Perchés: This region is home to charming medieval villages perched atop cliffs and hillsides. They offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and traditional way of life.
- Réserve Naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors: This nature reserve is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its pristine wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and network of hiking trails. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like ibex, chamois, and golden eagles.
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Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Autrans (Vercors mountains)
Welcome to the Vercors : Autrans is a village nestled in the heart of the Vercors mountains. Today is a free day. Take advantage of your free time to wander around and get a breath of fresh air! Dinner and night in a hotel with swimming pool in the center of the village. -/-/D
Day 2. Walking from Autrans to Lans-en-Vercors
From the center of the village, you walk through the mountain pastures, where cows and sheep graze. Then the path rises, under the impulse of a regular and shaded ascent in direction of the Crêtes de la Molière. At the top, you can contemplate a magnificent view of the neighboring massifs, Chartreuse, Belledonne and the Mont-Blanc in good weather! A gentle descent leads you to the charming village of Lans en Vercors where you will have dinner and overnight stay at hotel with swimming pool in the center of the village. B/-/D
Walking: 15,5 km with + 710m /– 740m altitude change
Day 3. Walking from Lans-en-Vercors to Villard-de-Lans
Today, you leave Lans en Vercors by going up through the forest. With the walking on the way, the view becomes clearer and allows you to admire the valley and its soft contours. If you feel fit, we advise you to climb up to the Pic Saint Michel (1966m) for a breathtaking view of Grenoble and the Alpine Massifs. We also propose a shorter version in the valley, in case of bad weather. Overnigth stay in a hotel in the center of Villard-de-Lans. B/-/-
Walking: 15,5km with + 800m -800m or 8,5km with + 110m -110m (short version) altitude change
Day 4. Walking from Villards-de-Lans to Corrençon-en-Vercors
In July and August as well as on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in June and September, you take a gondola lift that drops you off at 1720m. A path leads you to the Moucherolle Lake, located at 1940m. From there, if you wish, you can continue to the Col des 2 Sœurs (2056m) to enjoy a superb panorama of the Belledonne massif, the Ecrins and the Mont-Blanc. The itinerary goes down through a cool undergrowth before reaching Corrençon en Vercors. If you are out of the gondola opening period or in case of bad weather, we have found a nice walk in the woods. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel at the gates of the nature reserve. B/-/D
Walking: 12 km with + 550m -1130m (with gondola lift) or 11,4km with + 450m -450m (without gondola lift) altitude change
Day 5. Day in Corrençon-en-Vercors
Corrençon-en-Vercors is the last village before the Vercors High Plateaux Nature Reserve. There is a unique preserved atmosphere. To enjoy this magnificent environment, we suggest a few walks in the area. Take the time to appreciate this unique hidden in the nature place. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel at the doors of the Nature Reserve. B/-/D
Day 6. From Corrençon-en-Vercors to the Chapelle-en-Vercors
Today we enter the Natural Reserve of the High Plateaux of Vercors a great place of a wild nature. You are in the country of wolves, golden eagles, chamois. On the halfway along the trail, the Prairie de Darbounouse opens the panorama to see the Vercors chain and its highest peak: The Grand Veymont. Then you continue the walking to the valley, via a very beautiful descent to the Chapelle en Vercors. Dinner and overnight stay. B/-/D.
Walking: 18,6km with +670m -915m altitude change
Day 7. From the Chapelle-en-Vercors to the Col de la Machine
Today, the goal is the col de la Machine and its circus, a protected site. You will immerse yourself in the forest with the impression of being alone in the world. After crossing a beautiful meadow, you arrive at the Carri pass, a place well known for the Nordic skiing. You then pass different tracks before joining the plain of Lente. Your arrival will be at the Cirque de Combe Laval which lookout point shows the Royannais country. Dinner and overnight in a hotel with swimming pool at the edge of the circus of Combe Laval.
Walking: 15,8km with + 700m -560m altitude change
Day 8. Transfer back in Autrans
After your breakfast, transfer to Autrans via a superb road through the gorges of the Bourne and the Gorges du Méaudrais. This is the end of your hiking trip in the heart of the Vercors. B/-/-
Price Includes: Accommodation in standard 2* & 3* hotels for 6 nights on half board basis and 1 night on bed and breakfast
Transfer from Col de la Machine to Autrans on day 8
Itinerary available on Smartphone application
Detailed roadbook and route marked maps provided
Update GPS tracks
Logistical and technical support
Baggage transfers
Not Included: International and domestic flights
Transfers to/from the starting/ending point of the tour
Bus transfer from the center of Villard de Lans to the lift on day 4 (free service)
The gondola lifts on day 4
Dinner on day 3 at Villard-de-Lans
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the program
Insurance
Personal expenses and tips
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Walking Self-Guided Adventure to Discover the Vercors (France)
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