The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors

The Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 290 routes suitable for various ages and abilities, with 79 of these specifically rated as easy.

The terrain in the Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors is diverse, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, expansive plateaus, and a mix of Alpine pastures, dense forests, and rocky areas. While some trails are rugged, many family-friendly options navigate through enchanting landscapes shaped by pastoral heritage, offering relatively gentle paths.

Yes, there are several circular routes perfect for families. For a moderate option with stunning views, consider the View of Mont Aiguille – Chichilianne loop from Donnière, which covers about 8 km with manageable elevation changes.

The region is rich with natural beauty and impressive viewpoints. You can aim for sights like Grand Veymont, the highest point of the Vercors massif, or enjoy the panoramic vistas from The Pas des Chattons. Many trails offer glimpses of the iconic Mont Aiguille.

While the reserve is known for its wild, undeveloped nature, making many trails unsuitable for strollers, there are easier paths and sections of trails that can be enjoyed with toddlers, especially those that are shorter and have less elevation gain. Always check the specific trail details for suitability.

The best time for family hiking is generally from late spring to early autumn. During these months, the weather is more stable, and the Alpine pastures are vibrant with wildflowers. Summer offers pleasant temperatures, but be prepared for rapid weather changes at higher altitudes.

The Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors is a protected area with specific regulations to preserve its biodiversity. It's crucial to check the current rules regarding dogs, as access may be restricted or require them to be on a leash to protect wildlife and grazing animals.

Absolutely! Many trails provide spectacular views of Mont Aiguille. A great option for families is the Essaure Pass – View of Mont Aiguille loop from Combeau, which offers stunning vistas of this iconic peak.

The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in the Réserve naturelle des Hauts Plateaux du Vercors, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the profound sense of wilderness, the breathtaking panoramic views, and the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife like marmots and chamois.

Within the reserve, you'll find basic, unguarded huts that provide rudimentary shelter, such as the Carette shelter. These are typically devoid of modern amenities like water or electricity, offering a true wilderness experience. For day hikes, you'll generally rely on your own provisions.

The reserve itself has no roads or permanent settlements, meaning access points are typically on its periphery. Parking is usually available at trailheads or nearby villages. Public transport options are limited, so planning your journey by car to reach the starting points of your chosen family hike is often the most practical approach.

For families with older children looking for a bit more challenge and elevation, the Platary Summit – Chichilianne loop from Chichilianne is a great choice. It's a moderate 10 km route with nearly 600 meters of elevation gain, offering rewarding views.