Superb panoramic views
Magical landscapes where gleaming vertical cliffs meet wild desolate plateaux
Series of accessible mountain summits and passes
Mont Aiguille - centre piece of an area known as the French Dolomites
Rich flora and fauna
A challenging trek for those looking to get away from the crowds
Welcoming hotels and guest houses with great food
Pick up from Monestier de Clermont train station and transfer to stunning hotel by Lake Monteynard Avignonet in eastern Vercors
Climb away from the lake to a viewpoint for superb views over the lake. Pass through the village of monestier before climbing to Pas du Serpaton from where you can extend the day by following the ridgeline to the north to the summit of Rocher du Cleton for your first overview of the Vercors. After, descend to the alpine village of Gresse en Vercors.
Overnight: Gresse-en-Vercors, + 1100m, 20km 7hr
Choice of 3 walks. Climb the highest peak in the Vercors, Grand Veymont at 2341m for fantastic 360 degree views including Mont Aiguille just below you or undertake a traverse of the famous balcony trail under the immense cliffs of the eastern edge of the Vercors plateau.
Second day in Gresse en Vercors is optional
Overnight: Gresse-en-Vercors, Walk: Up to +1150m, 16km, 6 hours
Another fantastic day which passes ravines and rock towers before climbing a superb gorge to reach Pas de Bachassons. A small traverse of the plateau before descending to cross the gap between the cliffs and Mont Aiguille - a unique and memorable walking experience. There is an easier walking trail available on this day.
Overnight: Richardiere, Walk: + 1050m, 22km 7hr
An enjoyable valley walk under giant cliffs before climbing onto the plateau - walk across the bizarre limestone plateau a chaotic landscape covered in pasture with wonderful wild flowers.There are spectacular views for much of the way of Mont Aiguille and the whole of the French Alps. Descend and follow the Combeau valley before a small climb to cross the Col de Cote Chevre before descending to the tiny village of Nonniers or Menée. 21km, +1000m, 6hr 30
Overnight: Nonniers or Menée, Walk: + 1000m, 21km; 6hr 30
From your hotel you can climb back up onto the plateau to view the amazing rock ampitheatre of Archiane from above or explore the cirque itself from below by following a path below the rock walls. This day is optional.
Overnight: Nonniers or Menée, Walk: Up to +800m, 18km; 6hr
Your final day's walking matches the high points of the previous walks as you climb through forest to emerge onto the Jiboui ridge. Follow this to the Col de Seysse before climbing onto another breathtaking ridge leading to the summit of Le Joucou at 2051m which dominates this area between the plateau to the west and the rocky mountains of the Devoluy to the east. Descend to the pretty hamlet of Grimone.
Overnight: Grimone, Walk: +1250m, 18km 7hr
Leave after breakfast and transfer to station at Lus-la-Croix-Haute (on same line as Monestier de Clermont).
Self-Guided
Time: 6-7hr per day
Ascent: 800-1250m per day
B&B & 2-3 star hotels
Full Board
Other walking holidays in the French Alps
Alpine Adventure: Alternative part 4, Roya - Menton
Tour of the Ubaye: Hidden Alps
The Vercors is a magical destination for a self-guided walking holiday, where gleaming vertical cliffs meet wild and desolate plateaux. Designated a French Regional Park, the Vercors in the French Alps is made up of large valleys, limestone plateaux, deep gorges and gigantic cliffs several hundred metres high. The main mountain summits are to be found on the eastern fringe of the range where the Grand Veymont reaches 2341 metres in height. Your 5 or 7 day walking trail traverses the Vercors, following these summits in the most scenic part of the Vercors. These summits give rise to some exciting trails and some amazing panoramic views of the alpine mountains. One of the most cherished views is that of Mont Aiguille, an awesome rock tower cast off from the main cliffs. In places, the walking paths follow what are known as balcony trails as they cut across the steep mountain sides offering great views all the way.
In addition, the mountains of the Vercors are home to a host of natural and man made wonders including extraordinary caves and waterfalls, natural wells and awesome gorges. In addition, the Vercors played an important part in the history of the French Resistance. Many of the villages and mountain passes saw bloody combat and loss of life, and today a number of memorials help to remember the war-time events.
The Vercors is a haven for wildlife with deer, wild boar, hares, chamois, marmottes and the famous alpine ibex (Bouquetin) roaming the upland slopes. As for the flora there are 80 protected species represented on these alpine crags and mountains.
More about the Vercors Regional Park and Nature Reserve
6 or 8 nights/7 or 9 days: 5 or 7 days independent walking moving between accommodation
Everyday (subject to availability) from 1 June to 16 October
5 or 7 days self-guided walking moving between guest houses. Walking per day amounts to an average of 6 - 7hrs (not including lunch stop) and 1,100m of ascent and descent. Maximum altitude gain in one day is 1,250m. The walks take place on paths, although they are mountainous and rocky in nature. You should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable with walking on mountainous terrain. You should also be sure-footed on mountain paths and have a good head for heights.
This walking holiday is graded Strenuous. See more information about walking grades.
You'll stay in a couple of charming 3 star hotels, a couple of delightful small guest houses and one 2 star hotel in Richardière. Full board accommodation.
Our self-guided walking trail in the Vercors is available from 1 June to 16 October. This is a moderate to high altitude walking holiday with passes above 2000m and so, depending on the spring weather conditions, there is a risk that several snow fields remain on the higher slopes in early June, although generally it is clear. The weather during most of the walking season is similar with sunny days interspersed with potential heat-of-the-day showers or storms. September and October are generally much wetter than June, July and August. The risk of storms is usally greater in the afternoons, so setting off early is advisable. The busiest period in terms of fellow walkers is from Mid July to mid August. Early June is best for the wonderful alpine flowers and meadows. Early September is sometimes a good period for settled weather but you run the risk of encountering some cold conditions at night in the Autumn.
The vast majority of this walking holiday follows local warmarked trails with a variety of coloured markings. There are also a number of signposts along the trail. The last day of the walking holiday follows the GR93 (Grande Randonnee) long distance trail which is well way-marked with red and white markings. The walking follows clear paths most of the time. Some small sections follow u nmarked trails on the plateau where cairns help to show the direction. Some sections of the summits have fainter trails where you follow geographic features as much as anything else. Our walking notes are detailed (more information here). They also include information about the sites which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply walking maps. You'll be provided with detailed 1:25,000 walking maps.
On this walking holiday you can choose to have your main luggage transferred between accommodation so you only have to carry a day rucksack with picnic lunch (supplied by the guest houses and included in the holiday price), water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. On this holiday a local taxi company is responsible for transporting your main luggage. The contact details for the taxis are included in your walking notes. Please limit the weight of your bags where possible to 15-20kg.
Short transfer from Monestier de Clermont train station to your hotel included in holiday price. Transfer to Lus-la-Croix-Haute train station at end of walking holiday included in holiday price. (on same train line as Monestier.)
London St Pancras to Lyon Part Dieu direct and changing at Paris or Lille. The journey takes about 6 hours. TER local trains run regularly to Grenoble. Occasionally TGV trains run direct to Grenoble. At Grenoble take a local TER train towards Veynes or Gap and alight at Monestier de Clermont.
The airlines Easy jet, Flybe and British Airways have scheduled flights from the UK - Luton, Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Heathrow - to Lyon St Exupery airport. Limited number of direct TGV trains from the airport to Grenoble. Otherwise shuttle bus or tram to Lyon Part Dieu station and TER train to Grenoble. See above for trains to Monestier de Clermont
6 nights / 5 days walking
On this self-guided trekking holiday in the Vercors you'll stay in a couple of charming 3 star hotels, one delightful small guest house on a historic farm and one 2 star hotel in a remote hamlet in the southern Vercors. Comfortable accommodation in great settings with a warm welcome and great cuisine. Full board accommodation.
Le Chalet is a 3 star hotel located in the village of Gresse en Vercors in a spectacular setting at the foot of Le Grand Veymont, the highest point of the Vercors. Le Chalet has been run by the same family for 3 generations and has comfortable, well equipped rooms, a very good restaurant, a covered heated swimming pool and sun deck
A small B&B style guest house in a historic property in the village of Menée at 640m in the southern Vercors. Ideally placed to discover the Archiane Cirque, this guest house has comfortable rooms tastefully decorated with lots of character. There is an outdoor jacuzzi. Your hosts will provide a warm welcome as well as tasty meals from local, fresh produce.
The holiday already includes the option of one or two nights in Gresse-en-Vercors as well as in Nonniers (or close by in Menee). If you would like an additional days walking then we would recommend an additional night in Gresse-en-Vercors where there are 3 possible walks included in the walking notes.
You can add several additional nights in Gresse-en-Vercors if you wish. In addition, we have already run a walking holiday with an additional 2-day loop to the north of Gresse-en-Vercors, with the return walk along a much longer stretch of the stunning Vercors balcony trail.
We also have a shorter circular trail in the Vercors and it would be possible to combine elements of these two walking holidays: Tour of Mont Aiguille.
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.
If you want to learn more about the region's culture through tailor-made activities and visits, check out those trips that include a few days in the region. Contact us to add them to your hike.
French Valley of the gastronomy tour
A trip crafted for foodies and wine lovers to experience the world's finest gastronomy from Paris to Dijon, Lyon, Avignon and Marseille.
French Rendez-Vous between Culture & Nature: Paris, Alps, Provence & Riviera
A journey starting in Paris to Lyon, Annecy, Avignon, Cannes and Monaco, filled with culture, nature's beauty, and a dash of pure indulgence!
History, nature and breathtaking scenery. The Vercors offers the essential trifecta for nature lovers. Pleasant all year round, autumn remains my favourite season for hiking in the Vercors. The forests that cover most of the area offer a spectacle of colour that you've probably never seen before. When hiking in the Vercors, don't forget your binoculars! They'll be invaluable for observing the rich fauna of the massif.
This was a superb trip in every way imaginable. You have my gratitude and congratulations on a job well done.
Rick T.
Amazing walking in beautiful, remote countryside..staying in very comfortable accommodation. The walking notes were very comprehensive and easy to follow.
Ruth B.