Things to Do around Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors

The Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors is the largest terrestrial nature reserve in metropolitan France, covering 17,030 hectares. It is located within the Vercors Regional Natural Park and is characterized by diverse landscapes, including limestone cliffs, dense forests, and alpine grasslands.

The reserve offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, and touring cycling. There are more than 40 routes available, with an average rating of 4.54 out of 5 stars from over 174,000 visitors.

While the core reserve has no permanent roads, the broader Vercors Natural Park is renowned for its spectacular road cycling routes. These routes, including the "Via Vercors," offer scenic panoramas and significant elevation changes around the periphery of the reserve. Explore options in the Road Cycling Routes around Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors guide.

The reserve is a premier hiking destination with extensive marked trails, including sections of the Grande Traversée du Vercors (GTV), GR® 91, and GR® 93. Popular destinations include Grand Veymont and Mont Aiguille. Find more information in the Hiking around Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors guide.

Mountain biking is permitted only on authorized marked routes, such as the Grande Traversée du Vercors by Mountain Bike (GTV VTT). These trails offer varied terrain and spectacular views. Refer to the MTB Trails around Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors guide for route details.

Yes, there are family-friendly hiking options available around the reserve. These routes are designed to be accessible for various ages and skill levels. Consult the Family-friendly hikes around Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors guide for suitable trails.

The reserve features dramatic limestone cliffs, extensive plateaus, and dense forests, including the largest mountain pine forest in the limestone Alps. Key natural landmarks include the Grand Veymont (2,341m) and Mont Aiguille. Unique geological formations like lapiaz are also present.

Late summer and early autumn are particularly recommended for cycling in the Vercors area. During these seasons, the vibrant colors of the landscape and moderate temperatures enhance the touring experience. Conditions are generally favorable for both road and touring cycling.

No, dogs are not allowed in the Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors, even on a leash. This regulation is in place to minimize disturbance to the diverse wildlife within the protected area.

Strict regulations are in place to protect the ecosystem. Activities like open fires are prohibited. Bivouacking is allowed only between 5 pm and 9 am, and dogs are not permitted, even on a leash. Staying on marked trails is crucial to avoid disturbing flora and fauna.

The Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 174,000 visitors having explored its routes. The available routes have an average rating of 4.54 out of 5 stars from over 16,000 ratings.

Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Road Cycling Routes, Hiking, and MTB Trails. There are also guides for family-friendly hikes and traffic-free bike rides.

The Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors is managed by the Vercors Regional Natural Park. The official website is parc-du-vercors.fr/nature/reserve.html, and the phone number is +33 4 76 94 38 26.