Belvédère de Château Julien
Bois Barbu · ≈ 7 min, on our road
- 1.5 km
- +30 m
- 45 min
- Very easy
A very short forest walk to a 360° viewpoint over the Vercors and, on a clear day, the Rhône valley. Ideal with young children or for a sunset.
← The area
Local guide
Walks, hikes and cycling
The chalet is on the road to Bois Barbu: within minutes, you are in the forest. From pushchair-friendly walks to the ridges where ibex live, here are our routes, with distance, height gain and time.
On the plateau, walks stay easy: the forests of Bois Barbu and Valchevrière, the Colline des Bains, viewpoints. To the east, the great limestone wall above Grenoble can only be crossed at a few passes, the Col Vert, the Pas de l’Œille and the Pas de la Balme: you climb up among the ibex, but the routes are steep, sometimes exposed and without water.
To the south, Corrençon opens onto the Hauts-Plateaux Nature Reserve, 17,000 hectares without a single road or village. And for cycling, there is something for everyone: the Via Vercors for families, waymarked mountain bike loops, the Côte 2000 bike park and the big road climbs.
Easy family walks
Short, with little climbing, and most of them less than 10 minutes from the chalet.
Boucle de Malaterre
Bois Barbu Nordic centre · ≈ 7 min
- 9 km
- +242 m
- 3 hrs
- Easy to moderate
A loop entirely through the forest to the Malaterre hut. You pass the Bellier fir, around 220 years old, and a side path leads to the Corrençon ice cave. In winter, it can be done on snowshoes.
Good to know: In winter, do not walk on the groomed cross-country ski trails.
Valchevrière, the martyred village
Porte de Bois Barbu · ≈ 7 min
- 7.2 km
- +284 m
- 3 hrs 30
A remembrance trail through beech and fir forest to the ruins of Valchevrière, a hamlet burnt down in July 1944. Only the chapel was spared; the viewpoint looks down over the gorges. A place of reflection, worth explaining to children before you set off.
Le Pont de l’Amour and the Fauge waterfall
Villard-de-Lans tourist office · ≈ 6 min
- 9.3 km
- +306 m
- 2 hrs 15
From the village centre, you climb via the Colline des Bains and then through the forest to the Fauge stream, crossed by a wooden bridge, and its little waterfall. The classic half-day walk without getting back in the car.
Good to know: With young children, simply walk to the bridge and back.
Col du Liorin
Corrençon tourist office · ≈ 9 min
- 5.5 km
- +130 m
- 2 hrs return
A gentle climb to the pass (1,226 m), facing the Grande Moucherolle and above the Bourne gorges. You can return to Villard along the Via Vercors.
Le Clariant
Corrençon golf course car park · ≈ 13 min
- 3.4 km
- Flat
- 1 hr 30
A flat loop facing the Grande Moucherolle, past the biathlon stadium, the ‘Champ de la Bataille’ (battlefield) of a clash in 1410, and the lapiaz, limestone pavements carved out by water.
Sentier du Clos de la Balme
Corrençon village · ≈ 9 min
- 3.4 km
- +150 m
- 1 hr
An old path between meadows and forest, dotted with two open-air sculptures, including ‘Andarta’, a tribute to a Gaulish goddess.
Belvédère du Ranc and Balme Riendre
Presles, Coulmes plateau · ≈ 35 min
- 6.7 km
- +234 m
- 2 hrs 35
Above the Bourne gorges: a viewpoint over the Bournillon cirque, a sinkhole topped by a 25 m natural stone arch, and the ruins of the hamlet of La Goulandière.
Good to know: No water along the way. The path down into the Balme Riendre is slippery: keep hold of children.
Hikes to the ridges and summits
Set off early, with plenty of water: springs are rare in summer. Avoid the ridges in fog or wet weather, and give a wide berth to flocks guarded by livestock guardian dogs.
Le Col Vert
Villard-de-Lans tourist office · ≈ 6 min
- 8.3 km
- +716 m
- 4 hrs
- Moderate
The most direct panoramic hike from the village: past the Roybon hut to the Col Vert, where the view drops away to Grenoble and the neighbouring massifs.
Good to know: The Grenoble side is steep and exposed: stay at the pass if you are not used to that kind of terrain.
Le Pas de l’Œille and its ibex
Les Clots, or the Côte 2000 gondola · ≈ 11 min
- 14 km
- +730 m
- 5 hrs
- Or 4.8 km with the gondola
A gap in the ridge (1,960 m) looking out over the Trièves and Lake Monteynard. You will almost always meet ibex, which are not shy, and marmots too. If you take the gondola up, the loop is only 4.8 km and +240 m.
Good to know: Gondola in summer only: €12 (2026), dogs welcome. One section needs a hand on the rock. Avoid in bad weather.
Crossing the Cornafion plateau
Les Cochettes car park, Villard-de-Lans · ≈ 8 min
- 9 km
- +824 m
- 5 hrs
- Difficult
Via the Croix des Plâtres and the Gobert path (GR 91, a long-distance trail) to the Roc Cornafion plateau (1,904 m), a wild world of limestone pavements and mountain pines just above the village. Down through the Chaulange and Pissavache combes.
Good to know: Carry all your water. Long trousers and walking poles recommended; a few sections are off-path.
La Tête des Chaudières via the Pas de la Balme
Clos de la Balme, Corrençon · ≈ 18 min
- 10.3 km
- +841 m
- 4 hrs 30
- Difficult
One of the few ways through the eastern wall, with a 360° panorama, then on to the Tête des Chaudières (2,025 m), facing the Grande Moucherolle.
Good to know: Summer pastures guarded by livestock guardian dogs: walk around the flock and let the dog check you out.
Le Pic Saint-Michel via the Vertige des Cimes
Lans-en-Vercors ski resort · ≈ 20 min
- 10.6 km
- +643 m
- 4 hrs 50
- Moderate
A ridge route via the Vertige des Cimes viewpoint, above Grenoble, to the Pic Saint-Michel (1,966 m). On a clear day, you can see Mont Blanc and La Meije.
Good to know: One-way route: you will need two cars, one left at the Les Barnets car park. Little shade and only one water point.
Le Moucherotte from Saint-Nizier
Below Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte · ≈ 23 min
- 12.3 km
- +969 m
- 6 hrs
- Moderate
Up the wild Forges valley to the Moucherotte (1,881 m), a viewpoint over Grenoble. Back via the Pas de la Bergère and the ski jump from the 1968 Olympic Games, now in ruins.
Good to know: No water in summer. The Pas de la Bergère is steep and rocky: avoid it in the rain.
Le Bec de l’Orient via the Pas de la Clé
Gève car park, Autrans · ≈ 29 min
- 10.4 km
- +444 m
- 4 hrs 30
- Moderate
A forest loop among limestone pavements to the north-eastern tip of the Vercors, facing the Chartreuse. On the way: a natural ice cave and the crash site of an RAF bomber that came down in 1944 while dropping supplies to the Resistance.
Good to know: Golden eagle nesting area: avoid the sector from January to August.
Le belvédère du Pas de l’Allier
Saint-Martin-en-Vercors · ≈ 25 min
- 13 km
- +550 m
- 4 hrs
- Moderate
From the ‘Sully’ lime tree in the heart of the village to an old mule track, surrounded by cliffs, overlooking the Vernaison valley and the Royans.
For experienced mountain walkers
Corrençon and Villard-de-Lans
- Very difficult
- Exposed sections
The Grande Moucherolle (2,284 m) by its cable-protected ridge, the off-path traverse of the Rochers de la Balme, the Cornafion via the Col Vert and the Col de l’Arc, or the big Col Vert – Pas de l’Œille loop via the east face (24 km, +1,446 m). Only for walkers used to exposed terrain; otherwise, go with a guide.
The Hauts-Plateaux Reserve
The largest land-based nature reserve in mainland France: 17,030 hectares without houses or roads, with shepherds’ huts, limestone pavements and summer pastures as far as the eye can see.
Crossing the Hauts-Plateaux on the GR 91
Starting from Corrençon-en-Vercors · ≈ 9 min
- 52.5 km
- 3 days
- Difficult
The great north–south crossing of the Reserve, from hut to hut, down to Châtillon-en-Diois. The first stage, to the Jasse du Play (19.8 km), can be done there and back in a day.
Good to know: No mobile signal, little water in summer and difficult navigation in bad weather. Arrange your return from Châtillon-en-Diois in advance.
Reserve rules
- No dogs
- Bivouac 5 pm–9 am
Dogs are banned all year round, even on a lead. Fires, picking plants, collecting fossils and drones are all forbidden. Bivouacking is only allowed from 5 pm to 9 am. Bikes are allowed only on waymarked routes (the GTV mountain bike route, the Coinchette loop and the Col de Papavet road).
By bike
La Via Vercors
Several access points in Villard-de-Lans · ≈ 5 min
- 55 km
- Car-free
- Pushchairs
A greenway closed to motor vehicles linking seven villages. Lans → Villard follows the old tramway line and is almost flat: perfect for families. Villard → Corrençon (about 8 km) runs along the old bobsleigh track from the 1968 Games. Villard → Méaudre (10 km, +300 m) is more demanding.
Good to know: Orange waymarks. An e-bike is recommended for Villard – Méaudre.
Mountain biking: ‘Traces de champions’
Villard-de-Lans tourist office
- 29 km
- 3 hrs
- Moderate
The mountain bike loop designed by biathlete Émilien Jacquelin: the Pont de l’Amour, the climb towards Côte 2000, forest trails towards Corrençon and the Col du Liorin, and back through the Bois Noir. The Regional Park also offers a trail-running route by Marie Dorin-Habert between the Pas de l’Œille and the Pas de la Balme.
Good to know: GPX track to download. Avoid in rain or fog.
Côte 2000 bike park
Balcon de Villard · ≈ 10 min
- 15 km of downhill
- Green to black
Six downhill and enduro trails starting from the gondola, which carries mountain bikes. One of the first bike parks in France to open each season.
Good to know: 2026: weekends in June and September, daily from early July to the end of August, 9 am–5 pm. Downhill bikes can be hired in the village.
Le tour des Quatre Montagnes
Road loop via Villard
- 42.5 km
- 2 hrs
- Col de la Croix Perrin
The road loop linking the four villages of the plateau through meadows and forests, with just one pass, the Croix Perrin (1,218 m), and a return through the Méaudret gorges.
Good to know: E-bike charging points along the route.
The big road climbs
- Bourne gorges
- Saint-Nizier
- Croix Perrin
The Bourne gorges from Pont-en-Royans (23 km, +795 m) on a road cut into the cliff; the Saint-Nizier climb from Grenoble (14.6 km at 6.5%) with its ten hairpins; the Col de la Croix Perrin from Sassenage (22 km, +1,013 m).
Good to know: Lights essential in the Bourne tunnels. Heavy traffic at weekends on the Saint-Nizier road.
Bike hire
Riders on the Storm, bike workshop
64 rue des Francs-Tireurs, Villard-de-Lans
- Electric mountain bikes
- Gravel
- Guided rides
Mountain bikes, electric mountain bikes, gravel bikes, cargo bikes and electric scooters by the half day or day. Workshop for all brands, and guided rides with an instructor on the Vercors singletrack.
Good to know: Book online; call before dropping by, as opening hours vary.
Sport Neige – Sportvercors
38 place des Martyrs, Villard-de-Lans
- Since 1898
- Accueil Vélo
The village’s family-run shop hires out e-bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, trailers and child carriers. Its shop next door is entirely devoted to cycling.
Good to know: Open daily, online booking.
Guillet Sports
Villard-de-Lans and Les Rambins in Corrençon
- Downhill
- Electric mountain bikes
Downhill and enduro bikes for the bike park, electric mountain bikes, trailers and a double pushchair. Guided mountain bike rides.
Intersport Villard-de-Lans
Villard-de-Lans
- Downhill
- Electric
Downhill and enduro bikes for adults and juniors, e-bikes and a repair workshop.
Le Pas de la Fenêtre
6 place de la Mairie, Corrençon
- E-bikes
- Mountain bikes
Sales, hire and repair of e-bikes, mountain bikes and hybrid bikes.
Going with a mountain leader
An accompagnateur en montagne (a qualified mountain leader) knows the best routes for the day, the wildlife and the history of the massif. Essential on the Hauts-Plateaux if you are not used to finding your own way.
Vercors Aventure
222 rue du Lycée Polonais, Villard-de-Lans
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Trail running
State-qualified instructors based in Villard for some twenty years: hiking, trail running, mountain biking and e-mountain biking, as well as canyoning, climbing and via ferrata.
Curieux de Vercors
Lans-en-Vercors
- Wildlife
- Plants
- Heritage
Mountain leaders and naturalist guides since 2003: themed walks and hikes in spring, summer and autumn, for families and groups.
Philippe Maret, rando nature
- From age 6
One example: ‘From the summer pasture to the farm’, a 2½-hour walk from the herds grazing in the mountain pastures to a farm visit.
Good to know: €21 per adult, €15 per child under 12.
accommodation.villarddelans-correnconenvercors.com ↗ 06 73 44 94 70
Nature Vercors
- Fossils
- Stars
- Bivouac
Themed hikes (the fossil valley, the Resistance, hiking and yoga), walks under the stars and mountain bivouacs.
Cimes-Ba, Bibiane Issenhuth
- Treks
- Trail running
- Hiking and yoga
A mountain leader based in Villard: hikes, treks with bivouacs, trail running, orienteering and hiking-and-yoga breaks.
Laurent Crestan, Expeditrek
Autrans
- Wildlife photography
- Multi-day treks
Multi-day treks on the Hauts-Plateaux, wildlife photography outings, geology, and trail running and orienteering courses.
Our tips
- Call in at the tourist office before heading up high: weather, path conditions, and the ‘Guide des balades’ walking guide (in French; €4, or free online). There are 3,000 km of waymarked paths in the area.
- The Cirkwi app, recommended by the tourist office, works offline: useful where there is no mobile signal.
- In the summer pastures, close gates behind you, walk around flocks and never run towards the livestock guardian dogs.
- In summer, set off early: the eastern ridges face due south and storms often build in the afternoon.
Information gathered in October 2026 from the providers and the tourist office. Prices, opening times and seasons change: please check before you go. We receive no commission from any of these businesses.
More ideas for days out
Skiing and snow activities Downhill skiing at Villard-Corrençon, cross-country skiing at Bois Barbu, snowshoeing, dog sledding, sledging and a night in an igloo. Outdoor sports and thrills Tandem paragliding, canyoning, caving, climbing, via ferrata, treetop adventure parks, horse riding, golf, swimming and activities for children. Farms and local produce Bleu du Vercors, goat farms where you can watch the milking, farm-reared meat, honey, herbs, craft beer and the plateau’s markets. Sightseeing, heritage and rainy days Caves, roads carved into the cliffs, the memory of the Resistance, wildlife, village festivals and ideas for rainy days.