Are you tired of boring dates that always take place in the same bar and with the same beer? Looking for something original to suggest for your next date? Your Tourist Office has sacrificed itself and tested THE evening that will definitely impress your date, and all this in the Vercors region, no less!

Step 1: La Combe Laval

At the end of August, the weather was still nice, the heat was less harsh, but the desire to enjoy the last hints of vacation was still strong. The idea of ​​drinking a mojito in a bar no longer had the same charm as at the beginning of summer. I was more in the mood for scenery and wide open spaces. So I suggested to my date that we go for a picnic on the cliffs of Font d'Urle. Cool, right?

First of all, you need to get equipped: a backpack, a tablecloth, sneakers and, above all, a little sweater for the chilly one (me).  

We meet up in Saint-Jean to carpool, because firstly it's nicer, and secondly nature says thank you! With the car loaded, we head towards the Col de la Machine. Due to professional resignation, I had to show my date the Sublime Roads of the Vercors... Well, it was mainly to impress him, I admit it. After many turns and switchbacks, the dizzying arch of the Combe Laval appears before our eyes. The light reflecting off the rock gently turns golden, announcing a beautiful end to the day. Of course, we have to stop and take a photo... We look like real tourists!

Once the photos are taken, we hit the road again. On the cliffside, you have to go slowly because cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians cross paths in every direction. It doesn't matter; it allows us to enjoy the scenery and this exceptional view!

Step 2: Shopping in La Chapelle-en-Vercors

The cliffs that stand out against the landscape, the tunnels dug into the rock, the verdant forest... Damn! The picnic! We completely forgot to stop at the grocery store in Saint-Jean... Real idiots!

But luckily I know the area! So we made a little detour to La Chapelle-en-Vercors to stock up on supplies (and say hi to my colleagues at the Tourist Office up there!). At the foot of the church, we stopped at the grocery store to stock up on goodies: cheese from La Ferme de la Cîme du Mas , lemonade from Brasserie du Slalom, and crisps…yes, they're my weakness! If we had come on a Thursday morning, we could have enjoyed the market in La Chapelle. Next time?

Step 3: Enjoy the landscapes of the Vassieux plain

With our backpacks full, we set off again towards Font d'Urle and then passed through the Vassieux-en-Vercors plain. Luckily, the landscape is fantastic! To the left we have a view of the Hauts Plateaux mountain range with the Grand Veymont standing out, bathed in the gently fading daylight, and to the right the summit of Serre-Plumé, which promises a magnificent view.

We turned right just before the Resistance necropolis to start the Col de la Chau, a famous stage of the 1996 Tour de France. Arriving at the top of the pass we passed in front of the Resistance Memorial, unfortunately we don't have time this evening but if you are a history fan it is really worth doing!

Stage 4: Font d'Urle and its exceptional view

We continued our journey to Font d'Urle to park at the entrance to the ENS (sensitive natural area). To become an expert on the Vercors' ENS and impress your date, read our dedicated article!

Once our backpacks are out, we head out for a short walk. We take the path leading to the ridges and come across two magnificent horses. A little further on, the silhouettes of a few cows appear at the top of the hill. There, we feel like we're in nature!

Things to do in Font d'Urle

Did you know?

For 100% zen meetings

Font d'Urle is known for its vast grassy expanses and milder summer temperatures. The plateau is therefore popular with livestock during the summer months. You're likely to encounter not only sheep and cows, but also livestock guardian dogs. To learn how to react when you see a Pyrenean Mountain Dog and avoid panicking like my 8-year-old nephew did when he saw a spider, feel free to read our dedicated article . Your ego will thank you!

Step 5: Small hanging picnic

Barely 10 minutes later, we arrived at the Porte d'Urle with a view of the entire Diois valley. Professional conscience obliges, a quick photo is in order!

Since I wanted to see a beautiful sunset, we climbed up and settled a little higher on the ridge. On the way, we met a few hikers from Brittany. After chatting with them for 5 minutes, they turned out to be quite knowledgeable about the Vercors. I even offered to come and welcome them at the reception desk during the high season!

After this short interlude, we found ourselves alone in the world with our lemonade, our cheese, and the setting sun. From here, the view was incredible: a view of the Font d'Urle ridge and the Ambel plateau, with the Diois valley in the background. A light mist made everything almost mystical. I can guarantee you that one of you was amazed!

Unfortunately, the sky started to cloud over during the evening. No sunset for us. It doesn't matter, the view was exceptional and the cheese was quality. We had a great time, and it will give us the opportunity to come back and do the entire Karst trail.

Step 6: End the evening in style

After eating well and enjoying the evening, we returned to Saint-Jean. But since I'm rather greedy, and we hadn't planned dessert, I wanted to end the evening on a sweet note. So we stopped for ice cream at the Bistrot bar across from the Tourist Office. We ended our great evening with a white lady for me and a banana split for the gentleman. I even got a "I was lucky to meet someone who works at the tourist office!"

Moral of the story: Forget nights out at the bar, choose Vercors for your dates!

Maéva's recommendation

Remember your Opinel when you go on a picnic, it's still easier to cut your cheese!