Description

This route opens the doors to the wide open spaces and the Vercors High Plateaux. Combining modernism, pastoralism, and wild nature, this hike offers a fascinating exploration of high-altitude meadows.

From the Col de Rousset, this hike offers the chance to discover one of the most iconic landscapes of the Vercors: the vast high-altitude meadows that herald the wide-open spaces of the High Plateaus. Here, the terrain softens, giving way to broad grassy expanses where the view stretches far across the surrounding mountains.

These open landscapes are the result of a long history between humankind and the mountains. For centuries, flocks of sheep and cattle have grazed these alpine pastures during the warmer months. This pastoralism has helped maintain the high-altitude grasslands and preserve a remarkable diversity of flowers and natural habitats. Even today, it plays a vital role in the identity and ecological richness of the Vercors.

The route also provides access to the entrance of the Vercors High Plateaus National Nature Reserve, the largest terrestrial reserve in mainland France. Created in 1985, it protects more than 17,000 hectares of preserved nature where fauna and flora thrive in an exceptional environment.

The contrast is all the more striking because, just a few steps from the facilities at the Col de Rousset, hikers find themselves immersed in an authentic mountain atmosphere, amidst alpine pastures, panoramic ridges, and open horizons. An ideal hike to discover the spirit of the High Plateaus and the rich landscapes of the Vercors.

Delicate passage

In windy conditions, be careful on the cliffs.

Updated on 14/09/2026 - Report a change: info@vercorsdrome.com

Step-by-step itinerary

1

From the Col de Rousset ski resort car park (1254m altitude) , head towards the chairlift departure point. Ascend the valley, due south, following the main track and keeping to the left edge of the woods. The route then joins the GR93 at the La Combe junction (1340m altitude).

2

Continue climbing in the same direction, following the white and red GR93 markings. When you reach some wooden barriers, turn left and begin to climb more steeply.

3

After the hairpin bend, watch for the start of the GR93 on the right, which leads into a small wood via a steep path. Continue to the high-altitude meadows at Collet de Sapiau (1510m altitude).

4

Continue towards the ridges, the landscape begins to open up and becomes remarkable, and reach But Sapiau (alt. 1619m).

5

Continue east along the path parallel to the edge of the cliff. At Pas de l'Echelette, the GR trail leaves the ridge to continue along the mountainside. It soon passes under the last ski lift of the ski area and reaches the Belvédère junction (alt. 1639m).

6

Leave the GR93 and turn left, now following the yellow and green markers. The route descends towards the edge of the woods before entering them. Reach the Chalet des Ours (1490m altitude) and take the path to the left that follows the contour line. Follow the markers carefully, passing under a ski lift in a ravine, in the middle of the wooden barrier. Continue following the trail and reach the Sapiau ski lift hut (1451m altitude).

7

Continue along the track, going up following the yellow and green markings at the ends of the wooden barriers and reach the summit of the chairlift (alt. 1500m).

8

Go under the cabin and slowly along a beautiful track, return to the large valley at the start which you descend to the station barracks.