Organising a family holiday where everyone finds something to enjoy can sometimes seem complicated. Yet the Vercors, an unspoilt natural destination, offers a wealth of outdoor activities and unique experiences for all ages.
Discover accessible hikes, mysterious caves, picturesque villages and comfortable accommodation, and create unforgettable memories together in the heart of a breathtaking landscape.
The Vercors, a paradise for outdoor family activities
Hikes for all levels, for young and old alike
Enjoy a unique experience in the heart of the unspoilt nature of the Vercors. Accessible trails suitable from a child’s very first steps, such as the karst trail at Font d’Urle, are an invitation to family walks. Flat, safe routes, perfect for pushchairs, let you enjoy the breathtaking scenery without effort.
The Via Vercors links Villard-de-Lans to Engins, passing through the most beautiful villages of the massif. Along 55 km of safe paths, this friendly route welcomes walkers, cyclists and families with pushchairs. Rest areas and play installations line the route, making every stage captivating for children.
Thrilling activities for adventurous children
Share unforgettable moments on treetop adventure courses and aerial trails. In Autrans, Vercors Aventure offers courses from age 3 with a continuous safety line. Ludi Parc in Villard-de-Lans combines thrills and safety with challenges for every brave adventurer.
The Furon canyon offers an introduction to canyoning from age 9, with natural slides and refreshing dips. Les Trappeurs du Vercors lead fun snowshoe walks, while Vertic’O offers guided mountain biking on the plateau’s technical singletrack. Every activity combines wonder and learning.
Discover the magic of the caves and picturesque villages
Explore the mysteries of the Choranche cave and its spectacular rock formations. In Pont-en-Royans, the hanging houses make a picture-postcard setting. These sites, accessible to young children, combine wonder and discovery in an exceptional natural setting.
Site
Special feature
Average visiting time
Choranche cave
Unique soda-straw stalactites and underground lakes
1h à 1h30
Pont-en-Royans
Village with houses hanging above the river
Half a day
Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye
Listed among the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France), with medieval architecture
2 to 3 hours
Combe Laval
Spectacular road carved into the rock with stunning views
Varies depending on stops to admire the scenery
The Resistance memorial offers an interactive trail suitable for children aged 9 and over. In Saint-Antoine, the Médiévale festival invites families to explore the abbey’s thousand-year history. These visits combine learning and play 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. Safe beginners’ areas and lessons from age 3 let everyone 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 lead families to crystal-clear landscapes, while sledges race down the family slopes. “Trapper” stays combine airboarding, igloos and night-time walks for memorable moments.
Welcoming villages and accommodation for a successful holiday
Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon, Famille Plus-labelled destinations
Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors, resorts holding the Famille Plus label, offer families a quality welcome. This label guarantees services and activities suited to all ages, safe facilities and family rates. The Vercors experience is all about sustainable, responsible travel, in the heart of an exceptional natural setting.
Both villages offer facilities designed for families: swimming pool, ice rink, playgrounds and beginners’ areas in the mountains. Regular entertainment, such as evening gatherings or creative workshops, punctuates each stay. Restaurants adapt their menus to young palates, and practical services such as equipment hire make everyday life easier.
Other Vercors villages to explore with the family
The Vercors is full of charming villages that are ideal for a family stay. Lans-en-Vercors, Autrans-Méaudre and Gresse-en-Vercors each offer unique experiences, combining unspoilt nature and activities for all tastes. Each destination combines tranquillity and discovery in a mountain setting.
Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors – Both hold the Famille Plus label, with Villard-de-Lans offering a lively small town and Corrençon a picturesque mid-mountain village
Autrans-Méaudre – A municipality set within the Vercors Regional Nature Park, renowned for its international competitions and family activities
Lans-en-Vercors – Discover the Accrogrotte, an activity combining underground exploration and an aerial course for adventurous children
Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye – Listed among the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France), ideal for cultural family walks
Pont-en-Royans – A hanging village with its distinctive houses, perfect for memorable holiday photos
Gresse-en-Vercors – Follow in the footsteps of the Resistance fighters and enjoy a pizzeria restaurant for a tasty break
Les Coulmes (Presles, Rencurel and Malleval) – Treat yourself to relaxation and discover the wild nature of the Vercors in complete peace and quiet
Every village in the Vercors has its own character. Villard-de-Lans combines entertainment and modern comfort, while Corrençon charms with its authentic mountain feel. Lans-en-Vercors offers activities such as the Accrogrotte, a mix of underground exploration and treetop adventure. Pont-en-Royans enchants with its hanging houses, and Autrans-Méaudre delights winter sports enthusiasts with its Nordic trails.
Accommodation designed for family comfort
The Vercors offers a variety of accommodation suited to families: hotels, gîtes, holiday villages and chalets. There are options for every budget, with special facilities for children. Famille Plus accommodation guarantees a comfortable, well-organised stay so you can make the most of the massif’s unspoilt nature.
Le Chalet des Coulmes offers ideal accommodation for families, with spacious rooms and friendly communal areas. Close to the ski slopes and hiking trails, this chalet offers an exceptional natural setting. Supervised activities keep the children busy while parents enjoy a moment of relaxation, all in a spirit of sustainable, responsible travel.
Tips for choosing your ideal family accommodation
For families with young children, choose accommodation offering a cot, a high chair and a safe space. Properties holding the “Accueil Bébé” (baby-friendly) label guarantee a carefree stay with little ones, combining comfort and services suited to the needs of young families.
Look for the Famille Plus and Accueil Vélo labels to identify the most suitable accommodation. These certifications take into account the accessibility of activities, safety and the availability of children’s equipment. On booking sites, use the family-specific filters to quickly find accommodation that meets your expectations and make the most of your stay in the Vercors.
Itineraries and holiday ideas for a successful family adventure
Discovery weekends for a first taste of the Vercors
Enjoy a unique two-day experience in the Vercors. Set off to discover accessible trails, picturesque villages and activities for all levels. A perfect weekend to immerse yourself in unspoilt nature and share unforgettable family moments.
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 encounter with the Vercors.
Week-long stays for complete immersion
Take a week to explore the many facets of the Vercors. Discover its breathtaking landscapes, its varied activities and its traditional villages. A full stay for an unforgettable family adventure in the heart of the mountains.
Alternate easy hikes, visits to villages such as Pont-en-Royans and sporting activities such as mountain biking or canyoning. Explore the high plateaux and the caves, by way of Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon. This week will let you make the most of the nature and history of the Vercors.
Ideas for themed stays by season
The Vercors offers unique stays depending on the season. Hiking and mountain biking in summer, skiing and snowshoeing in winter, cultural discoveries in autumn, and spring for nature lovers. Each season reveals a different side of the massif.
In summer, enjoy hiking on the plateau trails and mountain biking in Méaudre. In winter, ski in Villard-de-Lans or head out on snowshoes. In spring, observe the flora and fauna, and in autumn, admire the blazing colours of the forests on guided tours.
All-inclusive packages and organised stays for families
Discover ready-made stays to make the most of the Vercors without stress. Accommodation, supervised activities and meals included for a carefree, well-organised family stay in the heart of an exceptional natural setting.
Hassle-free planning – All activities, accommodation and meals are arranged in advance for a stress-free family stay
Curated activities – Programmes suited to children, with supervised hiking, mountain biking and nature discovery activities
Expert guidance – Support from professional guides specialising in family mountain activities
Cost-effective packages – All-inclusive packages with preferential rates for families of all levels
Peace of mind – Safe stays with Famille Plus-labelled accommodation and dedicated services for children
Stays organised by specialist providers such as Arcanson or Vercors Expérience. These packages include comfortable accommodation, local meals and activities suited to every age. A hassle-free mountain holiday to make the most of the landscapes and activities of the Vercors.
Practical advice and tips for an unforgettable family stay
Preparing your family trip to the Vercors
Enjoy a unique experience by planning your stay in the Vercors. Book early to take advantage of preferential rates, especially in Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors. Kit yourself out according to the season: warm clothing in winter, sun protection in summer. Anticipate the children’s needs with suitable equipment for hikes and activities.
Whatever your level, plan to dress in several layers. In the mountains, opt for waterproof fabrics even in clear weather. Choose sturdy walking boots. Don’t forget the essential accessories: water bottle, compass, whistle and first-aid kit for a worry-free adventure.
Getting around easily with children
The Vercors has shuttles between villages and safe routes such as the Via Vercors, which is accessible with a pushchair. Regional buses and services such as Transaltitude make getting around easier. Travelling by car is best for greater flexibility.
Plan breaks every two hours at places with playgrounds. Bring snacks and games for the children. Use the free shuttles between villages and ski areas. The Via Vercors is ideal for family outings, on foot or by bike.
Enjoying your stay in complete safety
Prepare your hikes by checking the weather conditions with Météo-France. Choose routes suited to your level. Carry safety equipment such as helmets and whistles. Remember the emergency number 112 for any unforeseen situation.
Head to the medical centres in Lans-en-Vercors and Villard-de-Lans if needed. Keep to altitudes suited to the children’s age. Bring medication for fever, allergies and digestive problems, as well as a fully stocked first-aid kit.
Creating unforgettable family memories
Explore the Choranche caves and picturesque villages such as Pont-en-Royans, and take part in workshops with local producers. Children will love the river hikes and treetop courses. These unique experiences will stay with them for ever.
Get the children involved in creating a travel journal with drawings and anecdotes. Take part in educational activities such as farm visits or the Resistance museums. Set them treasure hunts to spark their curiosity and share rewarding moments.
Families who have visited the Vercors share their enthusiasm for the mountain activities and breathtaking landscapes. Le Chalet des Coulmes is often mentioned as ideal accommodation for its warm welcome and its activities for everyone.
Keep the adventure going once you are home by recreating local specialities such as Saint-Félicien. Read books about the prehistory of the Vercors or try craft activities inspired by your discoveries. Turn your memories into creative projects to share as a family.
With its accessible trails, welcoming villages and activities for all levels, the Vercors is a dream destination for families. Plan your next stay and enjoy comfortable accommodation and entertainment suited to children. Treat your loved ones to a mountain holiday where unspoilt nature and unforgettable memories come together beautifully.
What is the most beautiful spot in the Vercors?
It is hard to single out one “most beautiful spot” in the Vercors, as the region offers a wide variety of landscapes and activities. Several sources highlight villages such as Pont-en-Royans with its hanging houses, or natural sites such as the Gorges de la Bourne.
The choice of “most beautiful spot” will therefore depend on each person’s preferences and interests. Others suggest village resorts such as Lans-en-Vercors, ideal for families, or a variety of hiking spots.
Why is the Vercors historically famous?
The Vercors is best known for its role during the Second World War. As early as 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 set up a maquis. The Vercors became a symbol of the French Resistance, marked by the German attack on the maquis in July 1944.
Which is the most family-friendly village in the Vercors?
There is no clear consensus on the most family-friendly village in the Vercors, but several villages are often mentioned. Villard-de-Lans is particularly well suited to families thanks to its facilities.
Pont-en-Royans, with its colourful houses hanging above the Bourne, is often considered one of the most beautiful villages. Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, listed among the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France), is also a fine choice with its well-preserved architecture.
Which is the highest village in the Vercors?
Gresse-en-Vercors is the highest village in the Vercors, perched at an altitude of 1,200 metres. It lies at the foot of the Grand-Veymont, the highest point of the massif.
The village lies in the heart of the Vercors Regional Nature Park. Gresse-en-Vercors offers a magnificent setting with mountain scenery, including cliffs known as the “French Dolomites”.
Le dernier grand week-end de la saison : trois jours de bonnes affaires chez les commerçants du village, de 9 h à 19 h, à un quart d'heure du Sentier des Pins.
Pointus et voiles latines réunis dans le vieux port pour un week-end de tradition maritime : ateliers de charpente de marine, sorties en mer et joutes, à un quart d'heure du village.