Imagine a vast plateau perched between sky and earth, where a wild nature is jealously preserved, bordered by deep forests and majestic peaks. Exploring the high plateaus of Vercors means embarking on three days of pure adventure, far from roads and the everyday grind. For a moment of camping or a stay in a cabin, one forgets the nearby towns to delightfully lose oneself in this setting where chamois, mouflons, and the breath of winds from the Alps converge.
Want to escape, to immerse yourself in a preserved nature where silence is only broken by the cry of marmots or the rustling of a chamois? The High Plateaus of Vercors take you on a memorable three-day adventure among lush meadows, imposing summits, and high-altitude cabins. This travel journal will guide you from the small village of Chichilianne to Corrençon-en-Vercors, for a wild and authentic crossing, punctuated by stories of Resistance, encounters, and a total immersion in autonomy.
A wild gem out of time
The High Plateaus of Vercors stretch their vast green mantle between Isère and Drôme. Here, there are no perched villages, no resorts or roads, just an ocean of pastures and hook pines that extends over more than 17,000 hectares, making it the largest natural reserve in mainland France since 1985. At altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, the world opens onto a horizon where the gaze reaches far, all the way to the barrier of peaks culminating at Grand Veymont (2,341 m). The plateau has lost none of its scent of freedom, a witness to the great hours of the Resistance during World War II.
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If you are curious to see Vercors from different angles, let yourself be tempted by a unique mule adventure or discover the iconic crossings in Nordic skiing mode in this nordic itinerary guide.
Wildlife, Flora, and a Marked History
It’s impossible to talk about the High Plateaus without mentioning the exceptional biodiversity that characterizes them. Here, one encounters no less than 738 plant species, as well as a discreet and fascinating fauna: chamois, capercaillie, and vultures soar or dash before the eyes of attentive hikers. As soon as spring arrives, the pastures vibrate with the sound of bells from sheep, cows, and horses during their transhumance. Between Valence and Grenoble, this vast natural space is like a remote treasure, but never quite forgotten. And if history interests you, feel free to explore the site of the regional heritage to better understand the value of the territory.
Preparing for Your Adventure: Equipment, Cabins, and Rules to Follow
You don’t enter Vercors with your hands in your pockets! A backpack of 40 to 60 liters is essential, along with good shoes, clothes suitable for temperature variations (the famous three-layer system), not to forget a heroic sunscreen in the face of altitude. You will need to carry a sleeping bag and provisions for several meals, with freeze-dried food being the practical choice – if not for the culinary pleasure.
As evening falls, magic takes place in one of the many unattended cabins. Here, there is no guardian or full board: hospitality is raw, shared with a few companions for the night. The cabins, simple wooden shelters without water or heating, enhance this delightful feeling of adventure. If the desire for a night under the tent strikes you, it is also possible, but only between 5 PM and 9 AM and without ever lighting a fire. And remember, some pleasures, like walking your dog or flying a drone, are prohibited: the protection of the Reserve takes precedence over all.
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Experiencing the Crossing: the Three Highlight Stages
The most classic route starts from Chichilianne, climbs the steep Pas de l’Essaure, and immediately plunges you into the heart of the matter. Overlooked by Mont Aiguille, a majestic emblem of the area, we move forward, carried by legends – did you know that in 1492, this monolith was climbed for the first time on royal order?
The first stage leads to the Pré Peyret cabin, passing by the memorial at Pas de l’Aiguille, a poignant tribute to the Resisters of 1944. The second day unfolds between pastures and forests, with the GR 91 markings as the guiding thread (but watch out for wild variants!). At a bend in the path, a peregrine falcon or an ibex may showcase their finest acrobatics. After the Jasse de la Chau and its wild landscapes, one reaches the Jasse du Play cabin, a pastoral haven par excellence.
The last stage stretches toward Corrençon-en-Vercors, between descents and deep forests, meadows of Darbounouse marked by history and silent moors. It’s a gentle finale, where the light of Vercors seems never to want to fade. To prolong the pleasure of the journey and discover the Alpine massifs in a different way, draw inspiration from these extraordinary railway itineraries or this selection of mythical Nordic crossings.
Practicalities: Access and Transportation Tips
Like any epic worthy of the name, the crossing of the High Plateaus begins with meticulous organization. The car is not very practical (the starting and ending points differ), so the train and bus become your best friends. From Grenoble, Clelles-Mens station is just 1h10 away thanks to a TER connection, and from Corrençon, a duo of buses brings you back to civilization. An option that adds a touch of adventure, whether you are a summer hiker or a lover of winter silence, with snowshoes or Nordic skis on your feet.
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For the most daring, the magic also happens in winter! On the High Plateaus, the snow adds a polar dimension to the landscape, inviting effort, contemplation, and the mastery of traditional navigation with map and compass in hand.
