Vercors: trails between the Alps and Provence
€835
per person
Join us on a self-guided hiking escapade amid the stunning Vercors, France’s largest national park. Nestled between the Alps and Provence, this mountain stronghold boasts a vast limestone plateau sculpted by rivers, revealing a rich tapestry of landscapes including deep gorges, ivory-white cliffs, towering walls, and verdant valleys. Immerse yourself in the authentic ambiance of mountain villages, relishing local cheeses and wines. This splendid hiking tour through the pre-Alps caters well to moderate walkers seeking to uncover and relish this hidden gem of France. As you explore, seize the chance to engage with locals at the village markets: Lans en Vercors (small market on Tuesday & Saturday mornings), Villard de Lans (large market on Friday mornings in July & August only; small markets on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday mornings), Chapelle en Vercors (Thursday mornings year-round, Saturday mornings from mid-June to mid-September). Vercors boasts an extensive network of over 3,000 km of marked paths, ensuring that every individual can discover their own ideal route within this captivating landscape.
Level 2/3
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Destination
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Duration6 Days I Level: 2/3 (of 5)
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What is includedAccommodation in 2/3* hotels incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms); Luggage transfers; People transfers (Day 5 and Day 6); Navigation materials (itinerary description in English and detailed walking maps, incl. access to GPS tracks of the trails; 1 set per booking); Emergency hotline
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What is not includedDrinks and other meals, public transportation, entry fees.
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Best periodMay, June, July, August, September, mid-October
FROM OUR GALLERY
Vercors self-guided hiking tours, France.
1
Day 1: Arrival in Lans en Vercors
*Easiest arrival through Lyon Airport (direct bus/train to Grenoble (1,30hrs ride) or Geneva Airport (direct bus/train to Grenoble (2-2,30hrs ride), followed by 1hr bus ride to the traditional mountain village of Lans en Vercors.
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Day 2: Lans en Vercors - Gorges Bruyant - Lans en Vercors (12km; 4hrs; +550m/-550m)
Your independent walking tour begins north along the valley of Lans en Vercors, the so-called gateway to Vercors. Trace the path along Bruyant River until you ascend to a sprawling plateau, offering breathtaking views that stretch over the renowned Furon Gorges – a popular hub for summertime canyoning adventures. Keep an eye out for wild orchids, which thrive in the damp meadows during the early summer months. The significance of this site's protection becomes evident, as it safeguards a remarkable array of wildlife and plants. Overnight in Lans en Vercors.
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Day 3: Lans en Vercors - Villard de Lans (13km; 4,30hrs; +600m/-600m)
Today, you'll explore a splendid balcony trail, including a stretch of the renowned Gobert Path. The self-guided hiking route promises yet another opportunity to relish the breathtaking scenery that envelops you. Your final destination for the day is the charming town of Villard de Lans, nestled at the base of an expansive valley, with the imposing Roc Cornafion, Gerbier, and Grande Moucherolle peaks commanding the eastern horizon. Overnight in Villard de Lans.
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Day 4: Villard de Lans - Le Col Vert - Villard de Lans (13-15km; 4-5hrs; +600-900m/-600-900m)
Today you follow a well-marked walking trail that guides you above the settlement, leading you through hamlets, open fields, and wooded areas. This picturesque path, elevated high above Villard de Lans, presents expansive vistas encompassing the village and the valleys beyond. A final push brings you to the Col Vert Pass, complete with a bench anchored to the rockface, offering a well-deserved pause amidst a jaw-dropping panorama - the entire Alpine range stretches before you, with its serrated peaks piercing the sky and adorned with glaciers. Although the Vercors mountain range may not be the tallest among the Alps, its distinct separation from other chains provides captivating views from every angle. Now, you're prepared for the descent through meadows and past mountain huts, with thoughts of a hearty fondue dinner awaiting you in the heart of the village. Overnight in Villard de Lans.
5
Day 5: Villard de Lans - Herbouilly - Saint Martin en Vercors - Chapelle en Vercors (17km; 5,30hrs; +550m/-850m)
Caution: Individuals prone to vertigo are advised against taking this route (if you experience vertigo, an alternative option is available: direct transfer to Chapelle en Vercors and following the Day 6 walk). Expansive and accessible farming tracks guide you through dense forests, navigating a labyrinth of pathways adorned with rocks, spruce, fir, beech trees, and mosses. Numerous inviting spots along the route provide perfect settings for a leisurely picnic. Your independent walking route leads you to the Herbouilly clearing, nestled deep within the forest, where the remains of ruins bear witness to their role as a haven for the resistance movement during WWII. Upon completion, depart the plateau and commence a descent towards St. Martin, which may involve some light scrambling. Following this stage, you'll be transferred from St. Martin to the next village, Chapelle en Vercors, where you'll spend your final night.
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Day 6: Departure day (optional hike Chapelle en Vercors - Belvedere de Revoulat - Chapelle en Vercors (17km; 5,30hrs; +700m/-700m)
Today's route guides you through the forest, culminating at a vantage point on the precipitous cliffs of the Grands Goulets. Keep an eye out for chamois during your trek before retracing your steps through the hamlet of Les Revoux, concluding back at the village. Following the hike, a transfer will take you to Villard de Lans, from where you can catch a bus for a 1-hour journey to Grenoble, and onward to destinations in France such as Paris, Lyon, or Marseille.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
835 Euro per person in twin/dbl room
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 395 Euro
Solo traveler supplement: 655 Euro (incl. also sgl. room supplement)
Tips
Daily arrivals between the beginning of May and mid-October. Best town to arrive from is Grenoble. You can also fly to Lyon and then take the 1,30hrs train or bus ride to Grenoble, or even to Geneva (2hrs train ride to Grenoble). Regular train lines Paris-Valence-Marseille can take you to Grenoble from where you proceed to Lans en Vercors (T65 regular bus lines; 50 mins ride).
Accommodation
2/3* hotels incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms throughout); bring a swim suit just in case. Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Days 1/2: Lans en Vercors - Le Col de l’arc; Days 3/4: Villard de Lans - Hotel Dauphin; Day 5: Chapelle en Vercors - Hotel Bellier;
Send an enquiry about this tour
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