Font d'Urle Plateau: an unforgettable walk in the Vercors

Welcome to the Karst Interpretation Trail, in the heart of the Font d'Urle Sensitive Natural Area. Rocks, plains, cliffs, crevices, and stones blend together to form a spectacular landscape trodden by our ancestors for thousands of years. This walk transforms you from hiker to explorer, with each step telling its own story.

And off we go for a tour... From Font d'Urle! After just a few minutes of walking, we have our first stop: La Glacière. No, we're not talking about that little blue tub that keeps the beers nice and cold, but a real old-fashioned icehouse. This cavity houses ice even in summer. Get out your flashlights, you can go check it out for yourself! Be careful not to slip, though, as the access is very steep.

We continue our exploration toward chaos: holes, bumps, small, completely disorganized cliffs—enough to give Marie Kondo a hard time! Keep your eyes open and your feet sharp to avoid falling into a mess.

Continuing on your way, you'll come across a cave that served as a makeshift shelter for shepherds when they found themselves stranded in the middle of a storm. Font d'Urle's unpredictable weather is known for its dense fog and wind that can blow horns off oxen. Don't venture onto the plateau unless the conditions are right.

What you see in the distance are not the remains of a picturesque village, but what are called "the ruins," stone works sculpted by water, frost, and wind over time. Gargoyles, lizards, birds... Observe them and let your imagination run wild!

After this artistic stop, the adventure continues. You arrive at the edge of the cliff. From there, the spectacular view perches you above the Quint Valley and the Diois. Perfect for a great photo (and tag @otvercorsdrome to make sure we like you!).

Stay discreet and take out your binoculars; you might be lucky enough to spot the local inhabitants: chamois, stoats, marmots, or vultures. From above, the animals can't see you, but be careful not to put yourself in danger.

At your feet, two enormous cracks have formed. Don't panic, the rock won't collapse beneath your feet; it will just take a little time. You can safely descend to explore the crack.

Behind you, as far as the eye can see, lies the Font d'Urle mountain pasture. Farmed since time immemorial, sheep, cows, and horses share the grass in summer.

Don't venture too close to the herds; the patous are on guard. Don't try to pet them or approach them; they are there to protect you.

Our recommendations : Walk around the herds, stay calm, don't look at them, and continue your walk. Find all our recommendations on our dedicated article!

As you walk, you will discover the lapiaz, this magnificent stone slab sculpted by the waters, forming a sort of labyrinth.

Finally, we arrive at the last stop, the Font d'Urle ski resort. Dating back to 1938, the bravest climbed up from Lente on snowshoes or with skis on their shoulders. Don't worry, they've since installed ski lifts!

Good idea