Organizing family holidays where everyone finds something to enjoy can sometimes seem complicated. The Vercors, a preserved natural destination, offers a multitude of outdoor activities and unique experiences for all ages.
Discover accessible hikes, mysterious caves, picturesque villages, and comfortable accommodations to create unforgettable memories together in the heart of breathtaking landscapes.
The Vercors, a Paradise for Family Activities in the Great Outdoors
Hikes Suitable for all Levels, for both Young and Old
Discover a unique experience in the heart of the Vercors’ preserved nature. Accessible trails from the very first steps, such as the karst trail at Font d’Urle, invite families for walks. Flat and secure paths, perfect for strollers, allow you to enjoy breathtaking landscapes effortlessly.
The Via Vercors connects Villard-de-Lans to Engins, crossing through the most beautiful villages of the massif. Over 55 km of secure paths, this friendly trail welcomes hikers, cyclists, and families with strollers. Rest areas and playful installations dot the route, making each stage captivating for children.
Thrilling Activities for Adventurous Children
Share unforgettable moments with tree-climbing and aerial courses. In Autrans, Vercors Aventure offers courses for children as young as 3 years old with continuous lifelines. Ludi Parc in Villard-de-Lans combines thrills and safety for challenges suitable for all brave souls.
The Furon canyon offers an introduction to canyoning from age 9, with natural slides and refreshing swimming spots. Les Trappeurs du Vercors lead fun snowshoe walks, while Vertic’O offers guided mountain biking on the technical singles of the plateau. Each activity combines wonder and education.
Discover the Magic of Caves and Picturesque Villages
Explore the mysteries of the Choranche cave and its spectacular formations. In Pont-en-Royans, the suspended houses offer a postcard-worthy backdrop. These sites, accessible to young children, blend wonder and discovery in an exceptional natural setting.
Site
Special feature
Average visit time
Choranche Cave
Unique soda straw stalactites and underground lakes
1h to 1h30
Pont-en-Royans
Village with houses suspended above the river
Half-day
Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye
Classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” with medieval architecture
2 to 3 hours
Combe Laval
Spectacular road carved into the rock with breathtaking views
Varies depending on stops to admire the landscape
The Resistance Memorial offers an interactive tour suitable for children from 9 years old. In Saint-Antoine, the Medieval Festival invites families to explore the abbey’s thousand-year history. These visits combine education and games to awaken young minds.
The Joys of Winter Activities for the Whole Family
Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon form an ideal ski area for families. Secure beginner areas and lessons from age 3 allow everyone to discover the pleasure of skiing in a snowy setting.
Cani-hiking offers an unusual experience in the company of sled dogs, accessible from age 4. Snowshoes guide families to crystal-clear landscapes, while sledding races down family-friendly slopes. “Trapper” stays combine airboarding, igloos, and night walks for memorable experiences.
Welcoming Villages and Accommodations for Successful Holidays
Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon, Family plus Label Destinations
Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors, Family Plus labeled resorts, offer quality accommodations for families. This label guarantees services and activities suitable for all ages, secure facilities, and family-friendly rates. The Vercors experience is part of a sustainable and responsible journey, in the heart of an exceptional natural setting.
Both villages offer family-friendly facilities: swimming pool, ice rink, playgrounds, and beginner areas in the mountains. Regular activities, such as evening gatherings or creative workshops, punctuate the stays. Restaurants adapt their menus for young palates, and practical services like equipment rental make daily life easier.
Other Vercors Villages to Explore with Family
The Vercors is full of charming villages ideal for a family stay. Lans-en-Vercors, Autrans-Méaudre, and Gresse-en-Vercors each offer unique experiences, blending unspoiled nature and activities for all tastes. Each destination combines tranquility and discovery in a mountain setting.
Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors – Labeled Famille Plus, with Villard-de-Lans offering a lively town center and Corrençon a picturesque village in mid-mountain
Autrans-Méaudre – A commune immersed in the Vercors Regional Natural Park, renowned for its international competitions and family activities
Lans-en-Vercors – Discover the Accrogrotte, an activity combining underground exploration and aerial courses for adventurous children
Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye – Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, ideal for cultural family walks
Pont-en-Royans – A suspended village with its typical houses, perfect for memorable vacation photos
Gresse-en-Vercors – Explore the traces of the Resistance and enjoy a pizzeria restaurant for gourmet breaks
Les Coulmes (Presles, Rencurel, and Malleval) – Treat yourself to relaxation and discovery of Vercors’ wild nature in complete tranquility
Each village in the Vercors has its own character. Villard-de-Lans combines activities and modern comfort, while Corrençon charms with its mountain authenticity. Lans-en-Vercors offers activities like Accrogrotte, a mix of underground exploration and treetop adventure. Pont-en-Royans enchants with its suspended houses, and Autrans-Méaudre delights winter sports enthusiasts with its Nordic trails.
Accommodations Designed for Family Comfort
The Vercors offers a variety of accommodations suitable for families: hotels, gîtes, holiday villages, and chalets. Solutions for all budgets with specific equipment for children. Famille Plus accommodations guarantee a comfortable and well-organized stay to fully enjoy the preserved nature of the massif.
Le Chalet des Coulmes offers ideal accommodation for families, with spacious rooms and convivial common areas. Close to ski slopes and hiking trails, this chalet offers an exceptional natural setting. Supervised activities keep children occupied while parents enjoy a moment of relaxation, all in a spirit of sustainable and responsible travel.
Tips for Choosing your Ideal Family Accommodation
For families with young children, prioritize accommodations offering baby cots, high chairs, and secure spaces. Establishments labeled “Baby Welcome” guarantee a serene stay with toddlers, combining comfort and services tailored to the needs of young families.
Look for the Famille Plus and Accueil Vélo labels to identify the most suitable accommodations. These certifications take into account the accessibility of activities, safety, and availability of children’s equipment. On booking sites, use specific family filters to quickly find accommodation that meets your expectations and fully enjoy your stay in the Vercors.
Itineraries and Stay Ideas for a Successful Family Adventure
Discovery Weekends for a First Approach to the Vercors
Discover a unique two-day experience in the Vercors. Set out to explore accessible trails, picturesque villages, and activities for all levels. A perfect weekend to immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and share unforgettable moments with family.
Start your weekend with an easy hike at Font d’Urle, ideal for children. The next day, explore the Choranche cave or enjoy the activities in Villard-de-Lans. These two days combine relaxation, nature, and discovery, for a successful first contact with the Vercors.
Week-long Stays for a Complete Immersion
Take advantage of a week to explore the multiple facets of the Vercors. Discover its breathtaking landscapes, its varied activities, and its typical villages. A complete stay to experience an unforgettable family adventure in the heart of the mountains.
Alternate easy hikes, visits to villages like Pont-en-Royans, and sports activities such as mountain biking or canyoning. Explore the high plateaus and caves, passing through Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon. This week will allow you to fully enjoy the nature and history of the Vercors.
Ideas for Themed Stays According to Seasons
The Vercors offers unique stays depending on the season. In summer, hiking and mountain biking, in winter skiing and snowshoeing, in autumn cultural discoveries, and spring for nature lovers. Each period reveals different facets of the massif.
In summer, enjoy hiking on the plateau trails and mountain biking in Méaudre. In winter, ski in Villard-de-Lans or go snowshoeing. In spring, observe the fauna and flora, and in autumn, admire the vibrant colors of the forests during guided tours.
All-inclusive Packages and Organized Stays for Families
Discover turnkey stays to fully enjoy the Vercors without stress. Accommodation, supervised activities, and meals included for a serene and well-organized family stay in the heart of an exceptional natural setting.
Hassle-free planning – All activities, accommodations, and meals are pre-organized for a stress-free family stay
Curated activities – Programs adapted for children with supervised hiking, mountain biking, and nature discovery activities
Expert guidance – Accompanied by professional guides specialized in family mountain activities
Cost-effective packages – All-inclusive packages with preferential rates for families of all levels
Peace of mind – Secure stays with Famille Plus certified accommodations and services dedicated to children
Stays organized by specialized providers such as Arcanson or Vercors Expérience. These packages include comfortable accommodations, local meals, and activities suitable for every age. Hassle-free mountain vacations to fully enjoy the landscapes and activities of the Vercors.
Practical Advice and Tips for an Unforgettable Family Stay
Preparing your Family Trip to the Vercors
Discover a unique experience by preparing your stay in the Vercors. Book early to enjoy preferential rates, especially in Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors. Equip yourself according to the season: warm clothes in winter, sun protection in summer. Anticipate children’s needs with suitable equipment for hikes and activities.
For all levels, plan to wear clothing in multiple layers. In the mountains, opt for waterproof materials even in clear weather. Choose sturdy hiking shoes. Don’t forget the essential accessories: water bottle, compass, whistle, and first aid kit for a serene adventure.
Getting around Easily with Children
The Vercors offers shuttles between villages and secure routes like the Via Vercors, accessible with a stroller. Regional buses and services like Transaltitude facilitate travel. Prioritize car trips for more flexibility.
Plan breaks every two hours with playgrounds. Bring snacks and games for the children. Use free shuttles between villages and ski areas. The Via Vercors is ideal for family walks, on foot or by bike.
Enjoying the Stay Safely
Prepare your hikes by checking weather conditions via Météo-France. Choose routes suitable for your level. Wear safety equipment such as helmets and whistles. Remember the emergency number 112 for any unexpected situation.
Visit the medical centers in Lans-en-Vercors and Villard-de-Lans if needed. Respect the altitude suitable for children’s ages. Bring medications for fever, allergies, and digestive issues, as well as a complete first aid kit.
Creating Unforgettable Family Memories
Explore the Choranche caves, picturesque villages like Pont-en-Royans, and participate in workshops with local producers. Children will love aquatic hikes and treetop courses. These unique experiences will mark their memory.
Involve children in creating a travel journal with drawings and anecdotes. Participate in educational activities such as farm visits or Resistance museums. Offer them treasure hunts to stimulate their curiosity and share enriching moments.
Families who have visited the Vercors share their enthusiasm for mountain activities and breathtaking landscapes. The Chalet des Coulmes is often cited as an ideal accommodation for its warm welcome and activities for everyone.
Extend the adventure after returning home by recreating local recipes like Saint-Félicien. Read books about the prehistory of the Vercors or engage in craft activities inspired by your discoveries. Transform your memories into creative projects to share with your family.
The Vercors, with its accessible trails, welcoming villages, and activities for all levels, stands out as a dream destination for families. Plan your next stay by taking advantage of comfortable accommodations and activities suitable for children. Offer your loved ones a mountain vacation where preserved nature and unforgettable memories blend wonderfully.
What is the most beautiful spot in the Vercors?
It is difficult to designate a single “most beautiful spot” in the Vercors, as the region offers a great diversity of landscapes and activities. Several sources highlight villages such as Pont-en-Royans with its suspended houses, or natural sites such as the Gorges de la Bourne.
The choice of the “most beautiful spot” will therefore depend on individual preferences and interests. Others suggest village resorts like Lans-en-Vercors, ideal for families, or various hiking locations.
Why is the Vercors historically known?
The Vercors is mainly known for its role during the Second World War. From 1940, it was identified as a place of refuge, particularly for victims of discrimination by the Vichy government.
In 1942, resistance fighters settled there, taking advantage of the massif’s terrain to organize a maquis. The Vercors became a symbol of the French Resistance, marked by the German attack on the maquis in July 1944.
What is the most pleasant village in the Vercors for families?
There is no clear consensus on the most pleasant village in the Vercors for families, but several villages are often mentioned. Villard-de-Lans is particularly suitable for families due to its infrastructure.
Pont-en-Royans, with its colorful houses suspended above the Bourne, is often considered one of the most beautiful villages. Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, is also a choice location with its preserved architecture.
What is the highest village in the Vercors?
Gresse-en-Vercors is the highest village in the Vercors, perched at 1200 meters altitude. It is located at the foot of Grand-Veymont, the highest point of the massif.
The village is located in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. Gresse-en-Vercors offers a magnificent setting with mountain landscapes, notably cliffs called “French Dolomites”.
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