Self-guided · French Prealps
A limestone fortress
in the sky.
Circumnavigate the extraordinary Vercors massif, where white limestone cliffs rise like a wall from the surrounding plains to protect a hidden world of high pastures, deep gorges, and Alpine views.
- Days
- 7
- Distance
- 86 km
- Ascent
- 3,685 m
- Grade
- Moderate to challenging
“An amazing and very memorable experience”Bhagyashree & Akhil · Tour du Mont Blanc
Read the reviewsTrip Essentials
The walk
France's largest
Natural Park.
Perched between the Drôme and Isère, the Vercors is a true fortress of the sky. This massive limestone plateau is defined by its vertical cliffs, deep canyons, and vast forests of fir and spruce. It is the largest Regional Natural Park in France and a sanctuary for both wildlife and history, famously serving as a stronghold for the French Resistance during WWII.
This seven-day circuit leads you through the best of the 'Northern Vercors'. Starting and ending in the village of Lans-en-Vercors, you'll cross the high pastures of Molière with views across to Mont Blanc, descend into the mysterious gorges of the Bourne, and explore the 'suspended' houses of Pont-en-Royans. The paths follow ridges and ancient passes ('pas') cut into the limestone walls, offering constant panoramas of the surrounding Alps.
The 'comfort' version of this tour means you'll stay in hand-picked two and three-star hotels, several of which feature swimming pools to soothe your legs at the end of the day. With luggage transfers included, you can focus on the dramatic scenery and the remarkable flora of this unique island in the sky.
The route, day by day.
A fixed self-guided package: every stage, every night's accommodation and every luggage transfer is arranged before you set off.
- 01
Arrival in Lans-en-Vercors
Arrival dayArrive in the traditional mountain village of Lans-en-Vercors in the afternoon. Settle into your 3* hotel, enjoy the swimming pool, and prepare for the week ahead in the heart of the Prealps. Dinner included.
- 02
Lans-en-Vercors → Autrans
6 h · +705 m / −675 m · 16 kmClimb to the crests of the Northern Vercors via the Pas de Bellecombe and Pas de l'Ours. Crossing the Molière pasture, you're treated to a 360-degree panorama of seven mountain ranges, including the unmistakable white dome of Mont Blanc. Descend through small hamlets to the village of Autrans.
- 03
Autrans → Rencurel
5 h · +400 m / −680 m · 12 kmFollow the GR trail through the 'footsteps of Pertuzon'. The path leads through pleasant forests and open country to the quiet, secluded village of Rencurel. A relaxing day that lets you soak in the limestone scenery.
- 04
Rencurel → Pont-en-Royans
5.75 h · +370 m / −950 m · 16 kmA day of exceptional water and rock. Follow the path along the Bourne river to the Choranche caves, a natural circus of white cliffs. Continue to Pont-en-Royans, famous for its historic houses that hang directly over the river. Night in a 3* hotel.
- 05
Pont-en-Royans → La Chapelle-en-Vercors
5.5 - 6 h · +700 m / −480 m · 15 kmA short transfer to Baraques-en-Vercors starts the day. Hike across the Central Vercors via the Révoulat viewpoint, where the true scale of the massif's gorges and cliffs is revealed. End the day in the village of La Chapelle-en-Vercors.
- 06
La Chapelle-en-Vercors → Bois Barbu
6 h · +890 m / −510 m · 15 kmTransfer to Saint-Martin-en-Vercors. Climb to the Pas de St Martin and cross the Herbouilly plain. You'll pass the poignant ruins of Valchevrière, a village lost during the war, before reaching the high forests of Bois Barbu above Villard-de-Lans.
- 07
Bois Barbu → Lans-en-Vercors
5 h · +620 m / −785 m · 12 kmA final high-level balcony walk. Transfer to La Conversaria, then climb to the Col de l'Arc for a magnificent final view of the Belledonne and Oisans ranges. Descend through the Machiret meadows to complete your circuit in Lans-en-Vercors.
Where you'll stay
A good bed at the end of every day.
Premium comfort throughout. You'll stay in a mix of 2* and 3* hotels in double rooms. Several of these feature swimming pools (perfect for a post-walk dip), and all are chosen for their local character and high-quality regional cuisine.
Getting there
The easiest access is via Grenoble. From Grenoble SNCF station (accessible via TGV from Paris), take the regular T64 or T65 Transisère bus directly to Lans-en-Vercors. The bus station is located right next to the train station.
What's included?
A fixed self-guided package — accommodation, luggage transfer and route notes all taken care of before you arrive.
Six nights in hand-picked 2* and 3* hotels
Half-board (breakfasts and dinners included every day)
Daily luggage transfers between accommodations
Digital roadbook with detailed route notes and maps
Organisation fees
Expert support and planning from our local partners
Not included
- Tourist taxes, which some accommodation may ask you to pay locally
- Picnic lunches (can be ordered at hotels or bought in villages)
- Return travel to the start/end point in Lans-en-Vercors
- Personal expenses, drinks, and souvenirs
- Paper roadbook (available as an optional extra)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Guiding — this is a self-guided tour
Reviews from walkers
What it's like to travel with us.
Every review here comes from someone who actually travelled with us — we only ask once the trip's over, and we don't edit what they say.
From walkers on our other trails.
Different routes, same team doing the planning, the bookings and the hand-holding — so these say a lot about what to expect here too.
“An amazing and very memorable experience”
We had a really wonderful experience and are very happy that we went ahead with the trek. It was challenging at times, but overall it was an amazing and very memorable experience. The scenery, the trails and the whole journey were absolutely beautiful. Bhagyashree did have some issues with her knee during the trek, which made a few sections difficult. We didn't let that stop us — we completed most of the trek and, wherever necessary, adapted our plans and took a bus or train for certain stretches rather than putting too much strain on her knee. Managing the trek despite the knee issue made the achievement feel even more special.
Thank you once again for all your help and guidance in planning the trek. Will definitely recommend Big Trail Adventures to all.
“Solo or in a group, I would do this again tomorrow!”
One of the best experiences I have had. I did this solo and felt supported all the way with the BigTrailAdventures team, especially in inclement weather. The vistas were incredible and overnight accommodation was faultlessly organised. Pushing myself during the day ( I ran rather than walked the trail), and then being fed and watered in a hotel in the evening was a treat.
The planning was exceptional and all details were covered.
There is a special time every day when you are overcome with the beauty of the nature that you are seeing, the sweeping vistas and the gratitude for being able to experience this. It rejuvenates your soul.
“Awesome support from start to finish”
The hike, which challenged me in different ways each day, was great. There was so much to see in every direction. The Highlands are simply stunning, clouds and all. The stays were good for the most part, some better than others (one night my room was above the kitchen so it was quite noisy until late into the night and the haunted Inn was a bit much for me :)). The Rowardennan Hotel and Craig Nevis guesthouse were my favorites. All of them offered great breakfasts and most had dinner options with good selections as well.
The planning was amazing. No glitches, except for one minor one at the start where the luggage van changed their drop off location without my knowledge. Thankfully Craig was there in the morning and quickly figured out where they were and even dropped off my luggage for me. Everything else was planned and executed perfectly; my itinerary for each day included great detail of what to expect. The app was awesome and my friends and family loved tracking me every day with the GPS. I had read that the West Highland Way is very popular in spring (when I initially had planned to go) and late summer. It took a lot of back and forth communication about potential dates but Craig very patiently worked it all out. All communication was prompt and thorough. I very much appreciate all the support I received prior and during my adventure!! Thank you Craig!
There are so many moments I will carry with me for a long time, like my first glimpse of the Highlands, all the water everywhere, the coos, day 2 along Loch Lomond when I wished I was a mountain goat and was grateful that it did not rain, arriving at Kingshouse after 19 miles, midges (haha), and so much more.
This route. These nights.
One clear price.
You are booking the itinerary above: your walking days, your overnight stays and the support that carries you between them.
Organising this trail for friends? Build a group trip with individual payments
- Free cancellation to 60 days
- Confirmation within 24 hrs
- ABTOT financially protected
We'll start planning your trip right away. Not happy with anything? We'll adjust it or refund you — no questions asked.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Big Trail Adventures (member 5690). Protection is provided for non-flight packages. Full details in our booking conditions.
Things walkers ask us.
What is the terrain like?
The Vercors is a limestone plateau, so expect mountain trails with some rocky sections but no technical difficulties. The stages are reasonably long, but the paths are well-maintained. You'll walk through high pastures, thick forests, and along balcony paths with steep drops (safely fenced or wide enough for comfort).
How difficult is this tour?
We rate this a Level 3/4. You should be in good physical condition and used to walking 5 to 7 hours a day with up to 1,000m of ascent. Regular hiking, cycling, or running in the months before your trip will ensure you enjoy the scenery rather than focusing on your feet!
Is there a single supplement?
Yes, this tour is designed for a minimum of two people. If you wish to travel solo, a single supplement applies (subject to availability) and the base price will be higher. Please enquire for a specific quote.
When should I go?
The season runs from mid-May to mid-September. June and early July offer the best wildflowers, while September provides cooler walking temperatures and stable weather. Peak summer (August) can be warm but the altitude keeps the air fresh.
What about the luggage transfer?
Luggage transfer is included in the 'comfort' package. You only need to carry a daypack with your water, lunch, and layers for the day. Your main bag will be waiting for you at your hotel each evening.
Is the Vercors Tour tour self-guided?
Yes. This is a self-guided trip: you walk the 86 km route independently, with no guide and no group. Accommodation for all 6 nights is booked for you, route notes and maps are provided, and there is local support in the region if anything goes wrong.
Do I need a guide or can I walk it alone?
No guide is needed. The route is walked on marked paths with the notes and mapping supplied in your pack. You choose your own start date within the season (May to September) and walk each day at your own pace.
Who arranges the accommodation?
We do. Premium comfort throughout. You'll stay in a mix of 2* and 3* hotels in double rooms. Several of these feature swimming pools (perfect for a post-walk dip), and all are chosen for their local character and high-quality regional cuisine.