Discovering the mountains of southern France? Here’s where to stay in the Vercors, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the Pre-Alps!
Acting as a border separating the departments of Isère and Drôme, the Vercors massif is a gigantic block of limestone offering a steep relief of cliffs, ridges, valleys and gorges, as opposed to the more common term « plateau ». A place steeped in history, with the Vercors maquis having fought relentlessly against the occupying forces during the Second World War, the development of tourism and the creation of a regional nature park have made the massif a popular destination for visitors from all over the world.
Shaped by man over the centuries – for livestock rearing and forestry – it has benefited fully from reforestation plans, making it one of France’s leading forest areas, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, thanks to the climatic amplitude associated with the massif’s altitude (the summit rises to 2341 m) and geographical extent. What’s more, the low level of urbanization and the many and varied attractions make this a great place to recharge your batteries, alone, with family or friends!
You’ve decided to climb the massif? Great, we’ve got all the tips you need to find the accommodation of your dreams in the Vercors.
Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Matthieu Riegler
At the gateway to the Vercors mountains, Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans is a picturesque hamlet situated on the Isère reservoir, right at the confluence with the Bourne. Crossed by a gigantic aqueduct 240 metres long and 35 metres high, which offers a sublime view of the Royans and the Vercors massif, it offers charming walks via the hiking trails that wind their way through the typical red hills of the region!
A must for those who love to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of this charming massif, this rural area makes it easy to find accommodation in the Vercors: guest houses abound, offering excellent value for money. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Caves de Thaïs, where you’ll find remains dating back to our ancestors, the Cro-Magnon men!
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Pont-en-Royans
Photo credit: Flickr – µµ
Also nestled at the gateway to the Vercors mountains, Pont-en-Royans is recognized as one of Isère’s most beautiful villages, with its colorful houses suspended, seemingly, above the narrow streets overlooking the Bourne – the local river, where it’s possible to swim in summer, provided you’re not afraid of the cold water!
In this village, with its 16th-century medieval architecture, you can discover the Bourne gorges by car, visit the fascinating water museum or explore the Choranche caves and admire their unique fauna!
For accommodation in the Vercors around Pont-en-Royans, take a look at the full range of hotels on offer, which will satisfy every type of request and suit all budgets.
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Villard-de-Lans
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Binnette
Villard-de-Lans is the main town in the Vercors Massif, and the most economically developed area, since it’s close to the metropolises of Grenoble and Valence, and boasts an exceptional tourist heritage: its large ski area attracts powder enthusiasts from all over Europe, but it’s also possible to hike here to discover the typical mountain fauna (marmots and ibex), sample local produce in the hotels, go biking or rafting.It’s up to you to decide what you’d like to do in Villard-de-Lans!
Where to sleep in the Vercors at any time of year? Bed and breakfasts, rentals and hotels are all available in this popular area, but beware: it can be difficult to find a reasonable rate at certain times of the year… Don’t hesitate to check out offers and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
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