Château-Bernard walks

Make no mistake, this short circuit is a real hike. The climb is steep in places but fortunately short, and the passage over the Ferrière ridge is a real treat (you are almost directly above the Gresse valley and the village of Miribel Lanchâtre). The view from the summit is well worth the detour.

A magnificent, fairly challenging traverse, taking in the Grande and then the Petite Moucherolle, ascending via the Col des Deux Sœurs and descending via the Pas de la Balme, starting from the Arzelier resort. Several sections require caution, either due to the steepness of the rocky outcrops to be crossed or the deterioration of the historic path, but the views, both along the route and from the summits, more than make up for the effort required. This hike is classified as very difficult for the reasons explained in the “Practical Information” section.

This magnificent figure-eight route combines the ascent of Grande Moucherolle, the second highest peak in the Vercors, with the crossing of two challenging passes and the discovery of the Rocher des Deux Sœurs ridges. This hike includes two short climbing sections (less than 5 metres each), which are not particularly difficult but are exposed. A good quarter of the route is on poorly marked paths, requiring a good sense of direction even though orientation is easy. Marmots and ibex are on the menu.

A circular route mainly through woodland with magnificent panoramic views. Some sections are steep, though not precipitous. Note: this hike begins with a 125-metre descent and ends with a 125-metre climb, but the setting is lovely and it’s a very pleasant walk.

This hike in the superb eastern ridge of the Vercors begins in the small village of Saint-Andéol, ascending through the forest on the eastern slope, and via the Tour du Vercors trail, approaches the Pas Ernadant pass. The exposed climb is not technical, but takes place on loose rock. After passing a small exposed ledge, the path goes through a natural arch and reaches the ridges, via which it joins the Pas Morta. The route, although somewhat exposed, presents no difficulty. We rejoin the Tour du Vercors trail and, after a descent through scree and then through woodland, we reach the road leading back to the car park. This route includes exposed sections that may unsettle those prone to vertigo; it must be avoided at all costs in wet weather due to the risk of slipping and fog rolling in.

This beautiful hike takes you to one of the passes of the Vercors and offers an exceptional view of the Petite Moucherolle and Grande Moucherolle, which dominate Corrençon and Villard de Lans on the other side.

A magnificent walk beneath the limestone walls of the Vercors.

A vertiginous and rarely-taken loop, where you come across ibexes and chamois at every hairpin bend. Make sure you always have a helmet (ibexes love to send stones flying), as well as crampons and an ice axe until late in the season, as névés remain in place fairly long within the steep Serre-Brion couloir. It is best to start your hike early in the morning so that snow is still hard when reaching this couloir.

A ridge trail offering beautiful views of the eastern Vercors, Dévoluy and Trièves.

Day3 of our traverse: setting off from the Cabane de la Peyrouse to reach Gresse en Vercors. We go round the Grand Veymond to climb back up onto the plateau via the Col des Bachassons (water), then stop at the Cabane de l’Aiguillette.

A very beautiful circular route allowing you to get up close to the ibex and, at times, to use your hands on the rocks leading to the Grande Moucherolle, the border between the Northern and Southern Vercors, whilst avoiding the ski runs. The hike follows a path that is partly faint and sparsely marked with cairns, and even off-trail along the ridges, but the route is always clear. The karst landscapes of the Pré de l'Achard are stunning and very quiet.

A challenging hike that takes you over one of the passes on the eastern edge of the Vercors. The final climb is difficult. Please be careful

This is an aerial hike, partly off-trail on the ridge extending from the Gerbier to Roc Cornafion, where you can encounter the wildlife of the Vercors, particularly ibex and chamois. The difficulty of the hike is due to its length, the absence of a trail for a good quarter of the route, and the short climb leading to Roc Cornafion.

A hike that visits one of the 7 Wonders of Dauphiné.

There are several ways to reach the foot of the Grande Moucherolle, which is really the main attraction of this hike. This route takes you along the fastest slopes. A superb, aerial hike, but not very technical or dangerous, with an approach via the ski slopes and, at the top, a breathtaking panorama. Please note: this hike is classified as Very Difficult for an average hiker (IBP = 111) due to steep slopes and some exposed sections.

The ascent of Petite Moucherolle involves a short climb but is not technically difficult.

A charming, easy walk offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. In spring, you’ll enjoy the sound of the streams flowing down from the mountains.

A hike through the forest and across the sharp limestone pavement, in the realm of the Vercors cave explorers, off the beaten track, with few markings and no signs. The view opens up between the two huts, offering a spectacular view of the wild Vercors. The climb to the Combe du Fer hut from the car park requires a GPS and a map (offline!) as there are many paths and the various junctions are not described here.

A very pretty, easy hike that can be done as a round trip with the family.

Pas Ernadant is located on the ridges of northern Vercors, between Rochers de la Balme and Rocher du Playnet. The start of the route follows theGR® 91 "Traversée du Vercors" to Cabane de Carette, then the unmarked and little-used route allows you to discover the wilder side of this region.

A pleasant, easy family walk through clearings and forests, at the gateway to the Hauts-Plateaux Nature Reserve. A renowned Nordic site, with an 18-hole golf course, a roller ski track, a professional shooting range and numerous marked trails, this area is a delight for hikers, golfers, biathletes, mountain bikers and runners alike.

Leaving Corrençon, you will reach the Crête des Rochers de la Balme via theGR® trail at the start, then via a steeper climb to the summit.

A beautiful circular route with minimal elevation gain leading to the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors Nature Reserve, crossing the45th parallel in the Drôme and offering breathtaking scenery. This route presents no particular difficulty and it is easy to park in the golf course car park.

A family walk through the woodland. With no difficult sections, this route is also suitable for mountain bikes, and the variety of trails in the area means you can enjoy being completely at one with nature on many stretches.

This fairly varied loop between Corrençon and Herbouilly (two of the gateways to the Nordic ski area with Bois Barbu) takes you along wide forest tracks and more peaceful forest paths. In places (at the start and finish), it runs alongside the golf course and roller ski tracks. It reaches its highest points at Pas de l'Âne and Pas de la Sambue. It passes the Roybon inn and the Herbouilly cross-country ski centre before taking the Pas Saint-Martin path and crossing the Herbouilly plain. On the way back, don't miss the view of the Grande and Petite Moucherolle, the Tête des Chaudières and the ski slopes of Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors.

The Loubière forest covers the eastern slope of Corrençon, opposite the Grande Moucherolle. A visit here allows you to discover various natural and cultural attractions.

A beautiful, uncrowded summit, reached by climbing up a wild valley and a path off the trail.

A beautiful, challenging circular route covering part of the Vercors’ eastern wall with its breathtaking views. The climb to the ridge and the descent from the summit are long but not particularly difficult. The traverse near the ridges is more challenging in winter (see practical information).