The forest: the richness of the Vercors

Looking for total immersion in unspoilt nature?
The Vercors forest is the ideal place for walkers, adventurers and biodiversity enthusiasts. Explore the forest’s quiet trails, where ancient trees, peaceful clearings and winding paths mingle. The Vercors forest offers you a real nature break, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life…

The Vercors forest

It’s a link between villages, between species, between man and nature. It is both visible and secret, omnipresent yet discreet. It is a place of encounters, wonder, exploration and well-being. It occupies almost 70% of our territory. You guessed it, it’s the forest!

Through it, we read our history. You’ll meet rangers, golfers, hikers, swimmers and mountain bikers. You’ll find panoramic views, unusual inns and undergrowth paths. You can even learn the forestry trade with the marteloscope, a unique educational tool that helps visitors understand how this wealth is managed on a daily basis!

At its extremities, you’ll find our mountain villages and two nature reserves: the Hauts Plateaux Nature Reserve, the largest in France, and the Vercors International Dark Sky Reserve!

A history rooted in the Resistance 80th anniversary of the Vercors battles

The Vercors forest stands out not only for its natural beauty, but also for its rich and poignant history. During the Second World War, the Vercors massif was a hotbed of the French Resistance. The Vercors maquis played a crucial role in the fight against Nazi occupation, providing refuge for resistance fighters and organizing sabotage operations. Today, numerous monuments and memorials pay tribute to this heroic past, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in this defining period of French history.

Highlights 80 years of fighting

Rich biodiversity

The Vercors forest is a veritable sanctuary of biodiversity. Thanks to the diversity of its habitats, from dense forests to alpine meadows, it is home to exceptional flora and fauna. Nature lovers will be able to observe emblematic species such as chamois, tawny owls, pine martens and the emblem of the Vercors Regional Nature Park: the black grouse.

Find out more on the Park website

Bearded Wood discovering an atypical hostel & school

The Malaterre Inn

After a lovely 4km walk from Bois Barbu, in the heart of the Alloubière forest and its hundred-year-old trees, discover the unique world of the Malaterre inn. Let yourself be lulled by the stories and legends told by Bernard and Lydia, as you savor the fine dishes prepared by Alice. On the table, you’ll find dishes prepared with local produce: fresh mushroom omelettes, delicious tatins baked in a wood-fired oven, homemade hot chocolate or homemade bread with jam to match!

Keep your eyes peeled for witches, goblins and more… 🧙‍♀️

Le Marteloscope – Forest School

Have you always wanted to understand the secrets of the forest? Then Le Marteloscope is for you!
This life-size game, created by the Office National des Forêts, invites you to discover the challenges of forest management in a fun and educational way.
By choosing which trees to keep or cut, you’ll contribute to the health of the forest and leave with a better understanding of this precious environment.

Do you dream of unlocking the secrets of the forest? Join Manuel Rapp and his team for workshops all summer long. This article will give you a taste of the exciting job of a forest ranger. 🌲⤵️