Looking to escape to a natural haven where the noise of cars and the hustle and bustle of the city are a distant memory? The Vercors High Plateaus National Nature Reserve awaits you! Here, there are no roads, no houses: only trails stretching as far as the eye can see , breathtaking landscapes , and exceptional biodiversity . But be warned: this little paradise, protected and strictly regulated, cannot be explored without preparation and is not for everyone! Before lacing up your hiking boots , here is some essential information and advice to help you fully enjoy your outing safely.

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 hiking trails : the Grand Veymont, the Mount Aiguille, the But Sapiau, the Knight's Head, the 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. The first golden rule: meticulously plan your route . Trail markings are limited to the main paths ( GR® 91 , GR® 93 , and the central trail), so make sure you have a compass , GPS , or detailed map in your backpack . And yes, forget your smartphone: there's no cell service here ! If you run into trouble, you'll have to go back 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: water . On the High Plateaus , springs are scarce and can dry up completely depending on the season. Therefore, set off with sufficient supplies and consult the information on water sources, which is regularly updated by the Park. Please note that this information is only a guideline; be self-sufficient in terms of water availability. Finally, remember that the Vercors is a wild and fragile territory. Respect this exceptional environment by taking all your trash with you and staying on the marked trails . This is how everyone can sustainably enjoy this preserved natural environment.

Respect for flora and fauna

A true sanctuary for a multitude of animal and plant species , some of which are rare and protected . You might even be lucky enough to spot a black grouse , this iconic mountain bird, or an Alpine ibex perched on the ridges. But to do so, you'll need to be discreet… very discreet. To observe the wildlife without disturbing it, walk in silence , keep your distance , and never leave any food : even your favorite snacks can be dangerous for these wild animals. Instead, bring binoculars or a telephoto lens to take photos. And if you capture your hike in the Vercors , feel free to share your pictures on social media by tagging us @otvercorsdrome 😉

A few simple rules for a successful hike

No fires 🔥 : Campfires like in adventure movies? Forget it! On the Vercors High Plateaus, as in all forests, the risk of fire is too high . Flames destroy biodiversity and permanently damage the soil. So no campfires, no wild barbecues, even if the idea seems brilliant… and even less so when you know the fine can reach €135… Let's just say that's an expensive sausage! However, camping stoves are permitted (except during periods of high fire risk).

No dogs allowed 🐕 : yes, even on a leash. Their mere presence is enough to stress the local wildlife , which perceives them as predators. Especially since pastoralism is an age-old tradition in the Vercors region, and the high plateaus offer vast spaces perfect for free-roaming flocks. There's therefore a good chance you'll encounter the livestock guardian dogs that accompany them. An encounter between your four-legged friend and a Pyrenean Mountain Dog (Patou) could quickly escalate into a conflict, and that's clearly not the goal of your outing. If you do encounter a livestock guardian dog, discover our advice in our article on precautions to take when encountering a Patou.

No collecting 🌼: here, every natural element counts. Flowers, fossils, and even the smallest plants play a vital role in this fragile ecosystem. Taking them breaks a chain built up over centuries. Simply admire them and leave them where they are.

No flying objects 🚫: drones , paragliders , and gliders are prohibited in the Reserve. Besides the noise pollution, anything that flies is perceived as a predator by the wildlife. Even the ibex, usually known for their leisurely pace, take off like gazelles when a human-piloted object flies over their territory.

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

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

Hiking: yes, but… Whether you're on foot or accompanied by a donkey, stay on the marked trails to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Bicycles are only permitted on marked routes, such as the Grande Traversée du Vercors à VTT (GTV VTT). Outside of these designated routes, cycling is prohibited to preserve the paths and prevent conflicts with hikers and horseback 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 !

The Vercors High Plateaus are magnificent, but they can also be harsh and isolated . No cell phone service , unpredictable weather , and challenging terrain … it's all part of the adventure. Carefully assess the risks before setting off and, if in doubt, don't hesitate to hire a mountain guide . After all, adventure is even more rewarding when you experience it safely!

Exploring the Vercors High Plateaus Nature Reserve means immersing yourself completely in nature , far from the hustle and bustle. But to fully enjoy it, it's essential to respect this unique area and prepare accordingly. Get out your maps, plan your route, and pack your bag… and above all, leave only your footprints behind . Nature will reward you, and the Vercors will remain preserved for future generations. Not up for a Mike Horn-style Man vs. Wild adventure ? Here are a few equally beautiful hikes to suggest:

Happy hiking and see you soon on the Vercors trails!

Mary's recommendation

Every Monday during the summer, a park ranger is available to answer your questions about the Vercors High Plateaus Nature Reserve. She can also advise you on some superb hikes.

Explore the Highlands