Description

A pleasant hike that offers beautiful panoramas of the Vassieux-en-Vercors plateau as well as a dive into the history of this village with a visit to the Resistance Memorial.

This hike offers the chance to discover one of the most beautiful gateways to the wide-open spaces of the southern Vercors. Reaching the Col de Font Payanne, the route gradually climbs above the Vassieux-en-Vercors plateau, offering superb panoramic views of the open landscapes that characterize this part of the massif. The Gagères ridge, traversed along a balcony path, reveals remarkable vistas of the Quint valley, the Font d'Urle cliffs, and the Vassieux plain.

The Col de Font Payanne has long occupied a strategic position between the Vassieux plateau and the high-altitude areas of the Vercors. Located on the GR®93 long-distance hiking trail, it remains a popular passage for hikers traversing the massif from end to end. This privileged location makes it a veritable natural balcony overlooking the landscapes of the southern Vercors.

The route also offers a glimpse into local history thanks to its proximity to the Resistance Memorial. Vassieux-en-Vercors remains one of the most emblematic sites of the Vercors maquis resistance. In the heart of landscapes that are now peaceful, this site recalls the events of the summer of 1944 that profoundly marked the region and its identity.

Updated on 07/09/2026 - Report a change: info@vercorsdrome.com

Step-by-step itinerary

1

From the centre of the village of Vassieux-en-Vercors (alt. 1050m) take the street which runs alongside the church towards the Col de Vassieux , following the yellow and red markings of the GRP.

2

At the exit of the village, at Chenaux (alt. 1055m) , turn left, due south.

3

After an easy 2,2km walk at the bottom of the valley, you reach the Cerisiers crossroads (alt. 1115m) . Turn right onto the tarmac road, continuing to follow the GRP.

4

Walk alongside a house then watch for the start of a path on the left: take it and climb steadily to reach the Col de Font Payanne (alt. 1412m).

5

Turn right onto the GR93 towards the Col de la Chau . The track is very pleasant and leads to Les Gagères (1450m altitude) . Don't miss the exceptional panoramic view, 50m from the track, over the Quint valley and the rocky cliffs of the Font d'Urle plateau. Continue on this track towards the Col de la Chau , now following the yellow and green markers. The balcony route offers stunning views of the Vassieux-en-Vercors valley. Two observation points have been set up along the way to help you interpret the landscape.

6

Entering the forest, the trail begins to descend to open into the Prairie de la Chau (alt. 1325m).

7

Turn right and head towards the Col de la Chau (1337m) . Continue to the right up the concrete steps towards the Resistance Memorial. Go under the footbridge and find the path that descends, veering slightly to the right. The path is paved for the first part; it then joins Les Chenaux and Vassieux-en-Vercors via the GRP (Grande Randonnée de Pays).

What comes next?