The 9 most beautiful hikes in the Vercors

Have you decided to explore the Vercors massif? Here’s a list of the best hikes in the Vercors!

Straddling the natural border of the Drôme and Isère départements, the Vercors massif is one of the most beautiful in the Pre-Alps!

Home to a wide range of animal and plant species, the Vercors natural area is the perfect place to explore and marvel at nature.

Accessible all year round, with the precautions that go with each season, hiking in the Vercors is ideal for those who want to get a taste of both the region and the massif itself. Here are some of the best!

1. Tour of Mont Aiguille

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Mont Aiguille is a remarkable mountain, recognized not least for its atypical shape. From its height of 2,087 metres, Mont Aiguille is impressive, whether you see it from the side (broad and massive) or from the front (slender and lanky).

Along the way, don’t forget to stop at Col de Papavet and 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 difficult hikes in the Vercors. It’s very physically demanding indeed!

2. Tête Chevalière via the Vallon de Combeau

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Leaving from the Vallon de Combeau in the Drôme, head for the Tête Chevalière in Isère. That’s right! This hike straddles the border between two départements, both sharing part of the Vercors massif.

Surrounded by the Montagnette and the Tête de Praorzel, begin your gentle ascent to the Tête Chevalière, at an altitude of 1,951 metres. Along the way, take time to observe the landscape, so you don’t miss a thing.

Then, once you’ve reached Tête Chevalière, you’ll face Mont Aiguille and see the start of Grand Veymont.

3. The Vercors loop at Grand Veymont

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This long loop is located in the Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors Nature Reserve. The Reserve covers over 17,000 hectares and protects a typically local flora and fauna.

You might even come across marmots, ibexes or little owls in a natural forest and alpine setting. The scenery is sumptuous, which is why this loop is one of the must-try hikes in the Vercors!

The views along the way are panoramic and impressive. On a clear day, you can see Mont Aiguille and Grenoble.

4. La Moucherotte via Croix des Ramées

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This hike starts not far from the Lans-en-Vercors plateau, from the ski resort to the east. Head for La Moucherotte, at an altitude of 1,901 meters, overlooking the entire Isère valley, with a breathtaking view of the city of Grenoble.

At the summit, you can also enjoy the surrounding mountains of the Chartreuse and Belledonne massifs. Hiking in the Vercors often offers such views, due to the proximity of the three imposing massifs.

But each 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 a view of Lans-en-Vercors.

5. Lac de la Moucherolle via the Côte 2000 cable car

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Before starting this hike, you’ll need to take the Côte 2000 gondola lift from the Villard-Corrençon resort. Accessible all year round for the single price of €8, it takes you to an altitude of 1,750 meters.

The arrival area is the starting point for numerous hikes in the Vercors, including the one to Lac de Moucherolles. After a steady climb, you’ll arrive at the edge of the lake, which you can walk around.

In summer, it’s a pleasant, almost bucolic place to rest before taking the reverse trail. Surrounded by the Grande Moucherolle, the Grande Sœur-Agathe and the Petite Sœur-Sophie, the lake becomes very small…

6. La Chute de la Druise

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This is one of the few hikes in the Vercors that starts with the descent and ends with the ascent! Quick to complete, the walk takes you to the Chute de la Druise, formed by an arm of the Gervanne river.

Although the waterfall is no longer accessible due to numerous falls by careless people, it’s still a very pleasant walk. Even for children! It’s all about taking a breath of fresh air and marvelling at nature!

7. Château de Rochechinard

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Château de Rochechinard is a very old building, dating back to the 14th century. It stands on a high platform, 600 meters above sea level, overlooking the village of Rochechinard. Occupied for almost 300 years, it was abandoned at the dawn of the 18th century.

Today, it’s possible to approach it, after a short forest hike of less than 5 kilometers from the village. Standing in front of the ruins, you may well find yourself reflecting on the passage of time and the marks it leaves.

Indeed, as the place is rather silent, it becomes easy to plunge into your thoughts, lulled by the discreet sounds of nature, with an unobstructed view in front of you… Those who appreciate meditation will be delighted!

8. Pic Saint-Michel

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At an altitude of 1,966 metres, Pic Saint-Michel stands on the continuous ridge of the Vercors massif. It offers magnificent, unobstructed views over the two valleys it dominates.

You’ll see Grenoble, the Vercors Regional Nature Park and the Chartreuse and Belledonne massifs. The climb has a constant positive gradient, which may seem demanding, but you’ll soon forget the effort.

However, be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen, as the trail is not at all shaded, except at the beginning.

9. From Engins to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte

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Just a few kilometers west of Grenoble, discover this hike in the heart of the Vercors Regional Nature Park. It links two villages: Engins and Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte.

Along a forest path, you’ll make your way through this somewhat untamed nature. You’ll also pass alongside the Furon stream, and can stop at the edge of one of its widenings, which almost takes the form of a lake.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Pas de la Corne, the Goulet des Moulins and the Pas du Curé. For the record, this is the path taken by the parish priest of Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte to celebrate mass in Engins!