Uncover the charms of Choranche, Isère, Rhône-Alpes

Discover the cirque de Choranche, an exceptional real open book on the history of the Vercors. Departure from the village of Choranche. At the parking lot, take the direction of the Choranche site 5 via La Ranconnière 1 and then the Carrefour des Buis 2. Always follow the yellow and green signs all along the route. From there, it is possible to reach the underground lake of Gournier via the Ruisseau de Gournier 3 or to directly reach the site of Choranche, passing under the cascade de tuf then the Belvedere of the waterfall 4 .The return to Choranche (village) is done by the same route.

Discover the forest of Coulmes, occupied from the man of Neanderthal to the present day, passing by the lumberjacks of the last century.Circuit developed in partnership with Departure from the car park near the Fontaine de Pétouze. Go through Sous Pétouze 1 and then take a piece of the road momentarily to join Resiron 2. From there, go through the undergrowth of the path of the Tour des Coulmes (yellow and red markings) and reach the Haut de la Goulandière 3 then the Abri de la Goulandière 4. Continue south to the Belvedere du Ranc 5, Warning near the cliff!After having admired the magnificent panorama, retrace your steps, then once back at the crossroads of the Haut de la Goulandière take on the right the nice path to reach Beauregard 6 and Prélétang 7. Finish this pleasant stroll by joining Sous Pétouze and the Fountain of Pétouze. Find more information in the guide Vercors, land of prehistory, available in bookshop and in the shop of the Parc du Vercors.

Located between the Petits and the Grands Goulets, this circuit makes you discover the charms of Echevis and its valley. Departure of Echevis (in front of the church), direction Châtelus, cross the departmental road (pay attention to the cars!) And join the crossroads Binla 1.Turn right into the hamlet of Chardière, then take the path and cross the Bayard combe (well follow the yellow and green markings) to Ranc des Gardes 2.From there, you have the possibility either to go down directly to Binla to rally the village of Echevis, or to continue your discovery by joining Les Saffrières 3 to start the descent to Pont d'Echevis 4.Attention, from here the return to Echevis takes place along the departmental road on a small kilometer (the greatest caution is therefore de rigueur!)

The village of today bears the imprint of yesterday. Departure from the village of Saint-André-en-Royans, take the direction of Saint-Romans. Follow the yellow and green markings that guide you all along the circuit. At La Vieille Eglise 1, go on the left, cross the hamlet of Les Courtioux and then the stream of Tarze and uncork at Monteux 2.Always following Saint-Romans, join Les Granges 3. From there, take the road that goes left and reach Le Tarze 4, continue to the village via Chemin de Bise 5.

An exceptional view of a 400-metre waterfall.

Discover the geological curiosities of the Vercors. Stunning landscapes await you with waterfall, cavity and spectacular passages. 4.">Departure from Saint-Julien-en-Vercors village, direction Porte du Diable 4. 1, de là, rallier Les Barons 2, Le Devet 3.">Take the road passing behind the church and then left to the crossroads of Ponson 1, from there, rally Les Barons 2, Le Devet 3. The itinerary continues through woods and clearings before ending on a rocky outcrop; Cross in a few laces in order to join the Moulin Marquis on the left. From there, go back to the cave of the Gaulois, then we follow the cliffs that overhang the circus of Bournillon. Along the way, beautiful belvedere on the cave of Bournillon and the cascade of Moulin Marquis (caution, notably with the children). Some laces in the forest (well follow the yellow and green markings) go up to the Porte du Diable. Pass under the rocky bridge, climb carefully on a rocky vire (be careful in wet weather) to unclog the plateau of Saint-Julien (opposite, small belvedere on the Bourne gorges). The return to Saint-Julien-en-Vercors takes place for a good part in undergrowth before joining the crossroads of Ponson.

A wild and forest hike ideal for starting the activity Le Chargeoir (1046 m) is located on the forest road of Pra l'Etang between the hamlet of Les Ailes and the place called Les Antis. From the Chargeoir, go up to Les Antis 1 (1100 m - ruins) turn left and then follow the GR 9 signs that lead to the ancient village of Les Antis. Continue to reach the unguarded shelter of Goulandière 2 (1065 m) which is reached in less than an hour.From the Goulandière refuge, continue along the GR 9, leaving on the right the path that runs along the Siva. After a hundred meters, leave on the left the GR of country that joins Presles. Continue north towards Beauregard 3 (1255 m) then Pra l'Etang 4 (1245 m). Reach the refuge of the Serre du Sâtre 5 (1354 m) located on the route of the GR 9.From the refuge of the Serre du Sâtre, take the cross-country ski trails for a hundred meters. Then join Les Gelinottes 6 (1340 m). Leave the traced tracks and follow the markings of the GR to the Chargeoir. From the refuge to the Chargeoir, count about 30 minutes of descent.

This hike makes you discover the main riches of the natural and cultural heritage of Saint-Laurent-en-Royans. Leaving the village of Saint-Laurent-en-Royans, take the direction of Saint-Jean-en-Royans always following the marks of yellow-green markings. 1 puis poursuivre vers le sud et atteindre La Carrière 2.">Pass through the Arboretum 1 and continue south to La Carrière 2. 3.">At the junction, on the left, a pretty road joins the road to the crossroads of Le Saut 3. 4 puis Serre Châtelard 5.">The circuit then finds the route of the GR 9 and is extended in the undergrowth by a trail in laces that gradually takes the height, passing by the crosses of Pierre Plate 4 then Serre Chatelard 5. 6, vous pourrez admirer le panorama exceptionnel sur la mosaïque de paysages du Royans qui est offert depuis ce point haut remarquable.">From there, by a round trip to the belvedere of La Croix 6, you can admire the exceptional panorama on the mosaic of landscapes of Royans which is offered from this remarkable high point. 7 d'où l'on laisse le GR 9 poursuivre sa route plein sud.">Return to Serre Châtelard, continue until Serre Mouchard 7 from which the GR 9 is left to continue its road due south. Take the forest road on the left towards Saint-Laurent-en-Royans, further on, turn left again (directional sign) to join the Pierre Plate crossroads. 8, le village de Saint-Laurent-en-Royans n'est alors plus très loin.">Descending to join Le Saut before crossing the road to reach Les Rayes 8, the village of Saint-Laurent-en-Royans is not very far.

Meander between meadows and forest by pleasant ways to go without moderation! Departure from the crossroads of Patente, descend to the Fontaine de Bury 1 then the Prairie de Ganasse 2.Continue towards Clos Michet 3 and the Clos Michet car park, before taking the forest road for a few hundred meters.Always follow the beacons of the MTB circuit n ° 19 Blue and mark the yellow and green paint between each directional panel. At the Croisettes 4, the trail sets off again towards the north in the undergrowth to join the Clairière de Patente 5 then Patente.

This walk will take you to one of the most noteworthy sites of remembrance in the massif. Tucked away in the forest, the Resistance used the village of Valchevrière as a camp. Violent clashes broke out in July 1944: members of the Resistance died with their weapons in their hands as the village was razed to the ground. Only the chapel remained standing. Starting from the Valchevrière belvedere, follow the path that drops into the forest towards the site of Valchevrière, where you will find information panels dotted along the route that recall life in the village before the events of 1944. At the end of the path, the scenery opens up onto the landscape and village of Valchevrière. You can walk around the ruined houses, visit the chapel and explore the history of the village thanks to the information panels above the site. Now carry on a little further (200 m) along the signposted path leading towards Baraque de Chalimont, and follow the forest track that heads back towards the starting point, the Valchevrière belvedere.

A true paradise with a thousand springs for a vast botanical world tour. Rare plants acclimatised in a sumptuous natural setting of ponds and waterfalls. For a magical moment, discover the phenomenon of petrification, when water becomes stone.

A 30-minute walk from the village of Corrençon via the GR 91 in the direction of the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors (the Vercors Highlands). Whetheron foot, on snowshoes or cross-country skis, this is an easy excursion providing a “taste” of the picturesque ambiance of a true mountain refuge.

Rental/ Sale of equipment: Winter sports: Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, hiking shoes Sale of clothing, shoes, and sports accessories. Summer sports: Electric bikes, mountain biking, road, hiking, running. Present since 1898, our store is located opposite the church in the center of the village. With a strong family history and know-how passed down from generation to generation, we are proud to equip you for your favorite activities. Discover a selection of quality equipment: skis, boots, technical clothing and accessories. Our team of enthusiasts is at your disposal to advise you and guide you towards the right equipment, summer and winter. You can book your skis and bikes online or come directly to the store. 20m from our main store, discover our Sportvercors store entirely dedicated to cycling. We offer a complete range of bikes, accessories, equipment. Sportneige, your ally for sport, summer and winter.

With 125 km of slopes (36 slopes : 12 green, 9 blue, 7 red and 8 black), the Villard-Corrençon ski resort is the largest and highest of the Vercors alpine resorts.

Mélanie and Laurent Baras welcome you to the Haras du Vercors to show you the production of organic mare's milk and the organic cosmetics and food supplements made from the milk of Haflinger mares.

Les Gorges du Furon, framed by steep limestone cliffs, have been shaped by the torrent which today flows at the bottom of the gorges.

Visit this unique site, inaccessible by all other means, with the "Monteynard" cruises. It can be discovered either by day or by night, with a group or with friends, The Mira boat adapts to everyone's needs... Let the festivities begin. Cross timetables : * SAVEL departure : 8h30, 9h50, 14h40, 16h, 17h20 * TREFFORT departure : 9h10, 10h30, 15h20, 16h40, 18h Please note : Not all the cross are open everyday (depending on the season...). Check on our website www.la-mira.com for every cross departure.

Both wild and welcoming this 600 acres site with its 45 km of walking paths will surely give you plenty of room to roam around in. You will be able to watch stags and deers, moutain goats, wild boars and many varieties of birds..

The Shoe Museum invites you on a journey to discover the world of this timeless, universal object: the shoe. Situated in Romans, a town that owes its renown to leatherworking and shoemaking. The cells, once occupied by the Visitandine nuns, are now the setting for a collection of shoes from their origins to the present day: from unusual pairs from the 4 corners of the world to contemporary designers. All forms of footwear are on display, from the oldest to the most contemporary, from the most classic to the most extravagant and the most exotic, not forgetting the creations of famous bootmakers past and present. Musketeer boots, Chinese women's ankle boots for mutilated feet, medieval poulaines... 16,500 collector's items from antiquity to the present day, representing 4,000 years of history, are displayed in rotation in the cells once occupied by the Visitation nuns. There are also paintings (17th, 18th and 19th centuries) and temporary exhibitions. All presented in the former Visitation convent (17th century), set in landscaped gardens listed as a historic monument.

Come and find out about the story of the 'Pogne Pascalis' brioche! Self-guided tour of the workshops, a film showing and a tasting of the famous brioche that dates back to the Middle Ages. We want this ancestral know-how to be passed on so that it lasts as long as possible. That's why we're offering you a 100% free tour, so you can get away from it all and discover the products of our magnificent region. A guided tour of the working bakery will allow you to see the bakers at work. Afterwards, a film will be shown to learn more about the Pascalis family, and discover their history through the museum's various media. We'll end with a tasting of our speciality...

Le village de Choranche occupe une position stratégique dans les Gorges de la Bourne. Son exposition au Sud et le rayonnement thermique des hautes falaises calcaires favorisent un micro-climat. Et l'eau n'est pas en reste car la rivière Bourne qui draine le fond de vallée est alimentée par plusieurs rivières souterraines qui convergent à Choranche. Les traces d'agriculture en terrasses et de vignes attestent que l'Homme a su tirer profit de cette situation favorable depuis fort longtemps.

The Bourne is the main river of the Vercors, which drains all the rainwater, make snow, but also all the waters that have circulated in the kilometers of galleries and caves. These subterranean waters recover the open air by resurgences which form periodic majestic cascades emerging as if by enchantment of the rock and coming to dress up the great limestone cliffs, symbols of the landscapes of the Vercors. This torrential river also marks the territory as a way of communication between the top and the bottom. It stimulates the passions, like a magnet in this relatively dry territory, since a large part of the water circulates in the subsoil. She quietly finishes her race at St Nazaire-en-Royans in a lake located at the confluence with the Isère. For the fishermen this river is still a myth in front of the richness of its aquatic ecosystem which is home to a large population of trout and other fish. We must ensure that uses (hydropower, irrigation, agriculture, development) do not degrade this vital vein for the territory, in an uncertain future subject to the vagaries of climate change.

La Grotte de Choranche est découverte en 1871 par des habitants de Choranche qui connaissaient l'entrée depuis longtemps mais n'avaient pu jusque là se frayer un passage. La hauteur des eaux du lac et l'éboulis issu de l'effondrement du porche extérieur empêchaient toute progression. Ce resserement rocheux donnera son nom à la grotte de Coufin. Ils explorent alors uniquement la zone d'entrée. Il faut attendre 1897 pour que O. Descombaz progresse dans les limites de l'actuelle grotte touristique et visite également l'entrée par la grotte Chevaline. C'est à partir de 1943 que l'exploration se fera plus systématique pour atteindre en 1968 la jonction entre les deux réseaux de Coufin et Chevaline par J. J Garnier et le groupe spéléologique valentinois. La Grotte de Choranche est aujoud'hui activement étudiée d'un point de vue scientifique et permet de bénéficier d'un "témoin" géologique qui nous informe des évolutions naturelles passées et actuelles du Vercors.

The Cascade de Tuf de Gournier is a living witness of the quantities of limestone "removed" from the mountains and that circulate invisibly in water. Rainwater runs through the fissures laden with carbonic acid in the soil. This acidity has the power to dissolve limestone. In favor of a change of environment, the calcite can be re-deposited giving rise to the concretions in the caves, or as here in Tuf which is a symbiosis with the mosses.

Le sondage archéologique effectué à Balme Rousse a permis de mettre en évidence une séquence de 120 000 ans d'occupation humaine, de la préhistoire jusqu'au moyen âge. Il nous renseigne sur les climats, la faune, la flore et l'occupation humaine. Les archéologues ont trouvées des silex taillés du Magdalénien (env 15000 ans), des traces de foyers et faune domestique du Néolithique ancien (-5000 ans), des objets indiquant une industrie sur silex et sur os (Néolithique final). Ces traces anciennes nous montrent que l'enfoncement des réseaux karstiques a libéré des porches de grotte de toute activité hydrologique et permi à l'homme d'installer son habitat. Ces porches étaient judicieusement positionnnés non loin d'axes de déplacement, à proximité de zones à gibier et de points d'eau.

La grotte de Gournier draine les eaux d'une partie de la forêt des Coulmes. C'est l'une des cavités des plus réputées du Vercors ! Bien qu'elle soit connue depuis longtemps, ce n'est qu'en 1899 que O. Decombaz explore le lac d'entrée. A partir de 1947 l'exploration s'accelère. En deux ans seront découverts successivement le passage de la Méduse qui donne ainsi accès à la galerie fossile, puis l'accès à la rivière souterraine. Une course à la découverte s'engage ensuite pour remonter la rivière et trouver une jonction avec la surface, toujours espérée aujourd'hui.

From the path, a belvedere allows you to admire the waterfall of Moulin Marquis and the Cirque du Bournillon. With its 400 m of fall, it is one of the most important waterfalls in France. At its foot stands the cave of Bournillon with its magnificent porch. This cave is today the temporary emergence of the largest karst basin of the Vercors.

The ruins of Goulandière tell the story of men who came to cultivate the land in this hamlet lost in the heart of the forest of Coulmes, without any water, as a challenge to nature. The houses are built on the rock, not to reduce the fields gained on the forest. The recent rehabilitation of the hamlet makes it possible to imagine this rude existence. Theme circuits invite you to discover the lifestyles of the Middle Ages.

The cave of Preletang is the witness of human and animal occupations dating back several tens of thousands of years. Indeed, it has been the den of cave bears, species now disappeared, as evidenced by the rock made smooth by their repeated friction against the walls of the cave ("bear polis"). And the collapse of part of the porch sealed the traces of the Neanderthals who had stayed there 46,000 years ago.More than 300 flint tools were discovered on the site. They are made up of scrapers, spearheads, and waist chips. Most of the tools were not made locally but brought by the Neanderthals who were sheltering under the porch of the cave during hunting expeditions. The remains of wildlife brought to light consist of stag, deer, wild boar, marmot and ibex.Thus, thanks to this exceptional site, it is known that Neanderthals traveled the plateau of Vercors before the last glaciation. These men, our distant cousins, knew perfectly where to shelter, hunt and collect flint. It will be necessary to wait until the end of the last ice age (the Würm) so that the man, this time modern, ventures again on the massif.

This museum, which is interactive, fun and educational, takes you on an aquatic journey to discover the element of water. A disovery of water as you have never seen it ! Learn about the cycle of this fundamental element, its rôle in our body and its distribution on our planet; wander through a tropical or a glacial environment simulation; dive through deep sea in our 3-D cinema... At the entrance of the Vercors Natural Parc, the Musée de l'eau is located in Pont-en-Royans, one of the most beautiful and curious villages of the Dauphiné. A village born out of the interaction between humans and water... From the Musée de l'Eau watch the river Bourne and its diverse wildlife. Get a taste of some of the purest and rarest waters of the world at the water bar, and learn about howwater dictated the geological formation and human occupation of our landscapes. Exhibition 2018 in partnership with Electricité de France : From Water to Electricity Opening hours and much more information on our website (English Version available)

The philosophy behind the Au Roman du Vercors restaurant can be summarised with their motto: "Gastronomy is the art of using food to create happiness". Come and enjoy an authentic experience with fantastic food and drink. "At the heart of an environment in constant evolution, I am proud to say I am fulfilling my passion for cooking. I express my creativity through authentic cuisine, centred around the products. Far from the idea of 'ready-meals', I showcase the taste of simple, top-quality ingredients from our local producers, in concocting dishes you are not likely to forget in a hurry. The Au Roman du Vercors restaurant in Beauvoir-en-Royans is a dream-come-true for my wife Isabelle and I. We created this restaurant because we wanted to share our passion and the pleasure of great food, in a welcoming place that really reflects who we are. I am always inspired by this fascinating profession and by the professionals of the industry I am lucky to meet. The menu at the Au Roman du Vercors restaurant changes depending on our culinary discoveries, and our inspirations at the time! Great products, cooked to perfection, and a warm welcome in complete simplicity... we can promise you a wonderful, gourmet experience at the Au Roman du Vercors restaurant, in a simple, welcoming atmosphere."

In the secret of the forest of Alloubière, among the hundred-year-old trees, Alice welcomes you and perpetuates the family tradition. The Auberge de Malaterre keeps its peasant and bewitching identity. Bernard and Lydia will still tell you their country and its legends. Alice will cook your favourite dishes and many more. Access by snowshoeing or skiing in winter. By car in summer.

Recharge your batteries out in the country and enjoy numerous summer activities (hiking, mountain biking, climbing, caving, etc.).

With golfing in summer and downhill skiing in winter, the restaurant is open every day from 9am to 6pm. The biggest appetites will be satisfied with a slow-cooked stew or menus à la carte. Traditional cooking.

The best Vercors products on your plate. Depending on the season by the fireplace or on the terrace. Several menus are available. Nicolas Fayollat our chef proposes a cuisine sensitive to local tastes.

A 30-minute walk from the village of Corrençon via the GR 91 in the direction of the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors (the Vercors Highlands). Whetheron foot, on snowshoes or cross-country skis, this is an easy excursion providing a “taste” of the picturesque ambiance of a true mountain refuge.

Set in the heart of unspoilt countryside, this small rustic lodge welcomes you for a night, a meal, a snack, or a stopover!

Le Bon Roy offers a daily special during the week when booking is not required, and a full menu in the evening and at the week end when booking is needed. Specific meals are available on order and the bar is open every evening; a three course meal including wine and coffee costs €13.50.

Shady terrace with panorama over Monteynard's lake, cosy atmosphere. Traditional cooking Our open kitchen lets you experience the creation of your dishes at first hand. Talk to our chefs, ask for advice on food and wine pairing...

Take away beers and drinks. The tasting and the sale are done on the spot as well as the consumption on the terrace: homemade beers, homemade aperitif drinks, homemade lemonade, homemade syrups, wines. In summer, you can enhance your appetisers with local products or artisanal icecreams. You can also homemade dishes.

The hotel of the Water Museum, in a old convent, at the edge of the river. Panoramic view near the suspended houses, opposite a waterfall, its restaurant suggests at an outside table or inside, a quality French cooking with local products.

At 1,226 metres altitude, just a few minutes from Villard de Lans, after climbing into the forest; you will reach the guest house with beautiful views on the mountains . 2 small rooms well conceived opening out onto extensive grounds Each room has a washbasin, shower and private WC. Nordic Ski area 5 minutes. Golf course at Corrençon en Vercors.

The carette hut is an old sheepfold restored by the Parc du Vercors and transformed into an unguarded refuge. This beautiful hut indicates the entrance to the Natural Reserve of Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors.

The Fauge Shelter is a large, unguarded hut. With a fireplace, it can accommodate 20 people. It is named after the valley of the Fauge.

The shelter of Peyrouse (Abri de la Peyrouse) located on the balconies East of the Vercors is an unguarded stone hut, 2 places are planned to sleep there, but you will not find there water nor stove to warm you.

The Baraque of Veymont is an unguarded cabin of the Forest Service. It can accommodate 8 people for the night, but plan your equipment because it does not have mattresses or stove.

The cabin of the Aiguillettes is a former shepherd's hut dating back to the time when the pastoral units were smaller. This hut, open to the public, accommodates only 4 people by tightening a little and does not have a stove.

The shelter of the pass of Vassieux is an unguarded shelter built in 1976 and restored in 2014-2015 by the Regional Natural Park of Vercors.With a maximum capacity of 15 people, it is open all year and free of access. However, as with most shelter huts in the territory, certain rules must be respected if the service is to last for a long time (most of them are recalled to you inside the shelter).

At the crossroads of several important trails, the Cabin de Pre Peyret is one of the most frequented of the massif. Located at the entrance of the high plateaus at 1600 m, this unguarded stone hut can accommodate 10 people for the night. It has a stove.The place exudes an old tradition of welcome because it is an old cabaret where those who were penniless went to drink at the Fountain of the Endettés, which bears his name well.