Want to escape to a natural setting where the noise of cars and the hustle and bustle of the city are nothing more than a distant memory? The Vercors High Plateaux National Nature Reserve is reaching out to you! Here, no roads, no houses: only trails as far as the eye can see, grandiose landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. But be careful: this little paradise, protected and very regulated, cannot be explored without preparation and is not accessible to everyone! Before putting on your hiking boots, here are some information and advice essential for to take full advantage of of your safe exit.

A natural reserve… and above all a wild one

Imagine a preserved space where nature reigns supreme, far from any urbanization. Welcome to the Vercors High Plateaus, the largest terrestrial nature reserve of metropolitan France! With its 17 030 hectares, she covers 8% of the Vercors Regional Natural Park and extends over the departments of Drome and Isère. Here, the dizzying cliffs mingle with the mountain pastures, dense forests shelter a wildlife also discreet that abundant, and the chaotic reliefs reveal breathtaking panoramas. On the program of your on hiking trails : the Grand Veymont, Mount Aiguille, But Sapiau, Knight's Head, Queyrie Plain.. and many other wonders! A true paradise for lovers of wild nature and enthusiasts of great getaways, provided you are well prepared. Here are some tips to fully enjoy this unique experience in complete safety.

Get ready for adventure in the Vercors

On the Vercors High Plateaus, nothing should be left to chance. First golden rule: prepare your itinerary carefully. The markup is limited to the main trails (GR® 91, GR® 93 and central trail), so make sure you have in your backpack, a compass, GPS or an detailed map. Yes, forget your smartphone: here, no mobile network ! If there is a problem you will have to return to your car and call for help.

Also, keep in mind that the weather can change in the blink of an eye, especially at these altitudes (between 1050 and 2341 m) : the Grand Veymont can disappear into the clouds in less time than it takes to say "vertacomicorien"!

Another crucial point for your hike: the water. On the Highlands sources are rare and can be completely dry depending on the season. So go with sufficient reserves and check out the source information regularly updated by the Park. Please note that this information is for guidance only, so be self-sufficient in water. Finally, remember that the Vercors is a wild and fragile territory. Respect this exceptional environment en bringing back all your waste and remaining on the trailsThis is how everyone will be able to enjoy this preserved nature for a long time.

Respect for flora and fauna

Like sanctuary for a multitude ofanimal and plant species, some of which are rare and protected. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to spot a black grouse, this emblematic bird of the mountains, or a Alpine ibex perched on the ridges. But for that, you will have to remain discreet... very discreet. For observe wildlife without disturbing her, walk in silence, keep your distance et never leave food behind : even your favorite snacks can be dangerous for these wild animals. Instead, plan ahead binoculars or a telephoto to take pictures. And if you immortalize your hike in the Vercors, don't hesitate to share your photos on social networks by tagging us @otvercorsdrome 😉

A few simple rules for a successful hike

No fire 🔥 : adventure movie-style campfires? Forget them! On the Vercors High Plateaux, as in all forests, the fire risk is too greatFlames destroy biodiversity and permanently weaken the soil. So no campfires, no wild barbecues, even if the idea seems brilliant to you... and even less so when you know that the fine can climb to €135... Needless to say, that's expensive for a merguez sausage! On the other hand, stoves are tolerated (except during periods of high fire risk).  

No dogs ???? : yes, even on a leash. Their mere presence is enough to stress the local fauna who perceive them as predators. Especially since pastoralism is an ancestral tradition of the Vercors and the High Plateaux offer vast spaces perfect for grazing herds in freedom. There is therefore a good chance of coming across the guard dogs who accompany them. An encounter between your four-legged friend and a patou could quickly turn into a conflict and that is clearly not the purpose of your outing. If you come across a protection dog, discover our advice in our article on the precautions to take when dealing with a patou. 

No collection 🌼: Here, every natural element counts. Flowers, fossils, and even the smallest plants play an essential role in this fragile ecosystem. Collecting them breaks a chain that has been built up over centuries. Just admire them and leave them where they belong.

No flying objects 🚫 : drones, paragliders et gliders are prohibited in the Reserve. In addition to the noise pollution, anything that flies is perceived as a predator by the wildlife. Even the ibex, kings of idleness, start to run away like gazelles when an object piloted by humans flies over their territory.

Find all the regulations for the Nature Reserve 👉 just here 👈

What you can (and can't) do on the Reserve

Hiking : yes, but... Whether you are on foot or accompanied by a donkey, stay on the marked trails so as not to disturb the flora and fauna. Bicycle, they are only authorized on marked routes, such as the Great Vercors Crossing by Mountain Bike (GTV VTT). Outside of these routes, cycling is prohibited in order to preserve the paths and avoid conflicts of use with hikers and horse riders.

Bivouac : no lie-ins! To spend the night, you can pitch your tent between 17h and 9h, but it is forbidden to leave it installed all day. This disturbs the fauna and can damage the flora. For a night in the great outdoors, eight shelters with free access (unguarded) are available:

– Pré Peyret Cabin (No Chabrinel),
– Aiguillettes Cabin (Kittens’ Steps),
– Jasse du Play Cabin,
– Carette cabin (Corrençon-en-Vercors)
– Essaure Cabin (Combeau Valley),
– Châtillon Cabin (Glandasse),
– Chaumailloux Hut (Pas de l’Aiguille),


These cabins are deliberately basic, with limited space and no reservations allowed. So, plan ahead with a tent or a night under the stars.

Safety first !

On Vercors High Plateaus are beautiful, but they can also be harsh and isolated. No telephone network, conditions changing weather and complex reliefs…it’s part of the adventure. Carefully assess the risks before setting off and, if in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a mountain guide (AMM)After all, adventure is even more beautiful when you experience it safely!

Go exploring the Vercors Highlands Nature Reserve, it is to offer oneself a total immersion in nature, far from all the hustle and bustle. But to fully enjoy it, it is essential to respect this unique space and prepare accordingly. Get out your maps, plot your route and pack your bag… and most importantly, leave behind only your footprintsNature will reward you and the Vercors will remain preserved for future generations. Don't you feel like doing like Mike Horn and living the adventure? Man vs. Wild Here are some suggestions for equally beautiful hikes:

Happy hiking and see you soon on the Vercors trails!

Mary's recommendation

Every Monday in summer, a Park eco-guard is present to answer your questions. Questions on the Vercors High Plateaux Reserve. She also advises you on superb hikes to do.

Explore the Highlands