Description

Between the two Bouvantes, the hike covers some of the remarkable sites of Vercors and Royans: Sainte-Marie valley, Lente forest, Bouvante lake and Lyonne gorges.

This extensive hike connects the two villages of Bouvante through a remarkable diversity of landscapes. Along the way, you'll pass through the deep forests of Lente, the tranquil waters of Lake Bouvante, the wild gorges of the Lyonne, and the vast open spaces of the Sainte-Marie valley, offering a concentrated experience of the characteristic atmospheres of the Royans-Vercors region.

The Lente forest, crossed by the route, is one of the largest forest massifs in the Drôme Vercors. Exploited for its timber for centuries, it still retains a wild atmosphere conducive to wildlife observation.

The route also allows you to discover Lake Bouvante, nestled in the heart of the forest. Created in the 19th century to supply a hydraulic sawmill, it has become over time an emblematic place in the town and a popular stop for hikers.

Further on, the Lyonne gorges are a reminder of the patient work of water in the Vercors limestone. The river has carved a steep-sided valley that contrasts sharply with the plateaus and forests traversed earlier. Finally, the Sainte-Marie valley offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and testifies to the historical importance of pastoralism in this mountain region.

This demanding loop is for experienced walkers and constitutes a beautiful synthesis of the natural, forest and pastoral landscapes that make up the richness of Bouvante and the Drôme Vercors.

Delicate passage

Please note that since the beginning of November, a detour for the GR9 hiking trail is in place between the four roads (Lente) and Bouvante le Bas due to fallen trees. The detour follows the road and will remain in place until repairs are carried out.

Updated on 12/08/2026 - Report a change: info@vercorsdrome.com

Step-by-step itinerary

1

Starting from Bouvante-le-Bas (parking area), head towards Bouvante-le-Haut following the GR 9 trail to the Les Sables crossroads . From there, leave the GR trail continuing north and turn left towards Mégretière . The hike continues, always following the yellow and green markers between each directional sign, passing through the hamlets of "Prés Fleuris" and then "Le Bruchet" before gradually descending through the undergrowth to Lac de Bouvante.

2

Reach the Pont de Many by heading towards Bouvante-le-Haut to then take the route of the Grand Tour du Vercors on foot (GTV).

3

At Pont de Many , take the left end of the road which allows you to pick up the pretty path which winds uphill, sometimes quite steeply, to finally reach the Col de Rioupeysson.

4

The route continues due north towards the Auberge du Pionnier (GTV), reaching the Pionnier rocks via the Pas Ryans (viewpoint). At the inn, continue to the Col de la Portette , then follow the departmental road before crossing it at the Quatre Routes crossroads.

5

Then leave the Grand Tour du Vercors trail heading towards the Pas de l'Echarasson to rejoin the GR 9 which descends (be careful, some sections can be tricky in wet weather!) to Bouvante-le-Bas . (Note: since the beginning of November, a detour for the GR9 has been in place between Les Quatre Routes (Lente) and Bouvante-le-Bas due to fallen trees. The detour follows the road and will remain in place until repairs are carried out. To return to the starting point, take the D531 towards the Pionnier tunnel and follow it to Lérette, before joining the GR9 via a footpath.)

What comes next?