©

Img 1723

  1. Home
  2. At the moment – EN
  3. Blog – EN
  4. The flora of our mountains

The flora of our mountains

The magnificent natural world around us is teeming with life. Here’s a small selection of the flowers that grow in our Vercors mountains, along with some information about these stunning plants.
💡 We’ll even let you in on a few spots where you can spot them in Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon.

Published on 16 June 2026
©

These purple flowers add a splash of colour to the green grass.

La Violette

This little flower takes its name from the colour of its petals. It is a charming flower that you’ll find in our mountain pastures from April and May onwards. It loves the sun and isn’t put off by high altitudes, as it pops up at altitudes of between 1,300 and 2,400 metres! That’s higher than the summit of the Grand Veymont!

Very similar to the pansy, the violet is edible and has been used (for centuries!) in medicine for its ability to treat respiratory ailments.

Did you know?

It is only the position of the petals that distinguishes violets from pansies!

Le Crocus

Although crocuses can be found all over France, the spring crocus is particularly prominent in the Vercors massif. Even before the snow has completely melted, this beautiful flower is one of the first signs of spring!

Often forming vast carpets, the alpine meadows are covered in them!

Did you know?

Don’t be fooled by appearances! The spring crocus is easily confused with the spring bulbocode (or colchicum). Simply count its stamens: 3 stamens = crocus; 6 stamens = bulbocode

*stamen: the stalk at the centre of the flower that carries the pollen

©

Crocus Tour de Rojasset | ©C.Breart

©

Southern tulip

|

© C.Bréart

The Southern Tulip

The Southern Tulip, a subspecies of the Wild Tulip, is easily spotted in mountain and subalpine meadows. Shortly after spring, its unassuming presence is nonetheless one of the most beautiful sights you can come across on the trails. This magnificent flower is delicate, so please do not pick it!

  • Flowering

    From April to July

  • Status

    Although the Southern Tulip is not currently at risk, it remains under significant threat from picking, uprooting and trampling.

    As wildflowers are at their most beautiful in their natural habitat, let’s leave them in the meadows and stay on the paths.

  • Distribution in the Vercors

    You can spot this rare gem in the Hauts Plateaux, all the way to the Trièves or even in the Diois!

Pnrvercors Copy
Did you know?

You may well have seen this silhouette before! Along with the willow grouse, it is the emblem of the Vercors Regional Nature Park

Martagon lily

The martagon lily covers the entire eastern half of the Vercors plateau! Large and bearing stunning flowers, it’s impossible to miss in summer and easy to spot. On your next hikes, keep an eye out along the paths and snap some lovely photos of these almost exotic flowers!

Did you know?

The term ‘martagon’ comes from the Turkish word ‘mârtagân’, which referred to a type of turban whose folds rise up like the petals of this flower!

©

Martagon Lily

|

© C.Bréart

The 5 golden rules Flore

1 – STAY ON THE PATHS
Staying on the paths helps to protect the soil and limit erosion. This allows flowers to grow freely and multiply.

2 – RESPECT THE CONSERVATION AREAS
Alpine pastures are home to a wide variety of flowers. It is therefore very important to respect these sensitive areas.

3 – DO NOT PICK THEM
When we spot a beautiful flower, let it grow so that it can flourish freely. We are free to admire it or take a photo of it, but under no circumstances should we pick it.

4 – LET’S BE CAREFUL…
Let’s avoid trampling on the flowers; we can be more careful where we put our feet. Let’s not forget that they are home to many insects.

You may also like

Guided hiking trips – EN
All our walks and hikes – EN
Visit and tasting at the farm – EN
Family fun
Gondola lift – Cote 2000 – EN