A great wild traverse of the Vercors by trail
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationDrome / Vercors Massif
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions43.11 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
This trail running course in the Vercors invites you to explore an exceptional mountain range, punctuated by spectacular ridges , vast forests and breathtaking panoramas.
Led by a certified guide , you will refine your technical skills: effort management, downhill footing, and uphill acceleration. Each stage offers an opportunity to learn while admiring legendary peaks such as Roc Cornafion , Grande Moucherolle , and the majestic Mont Gerbier .
Off the beaten track, the adventure continues with picnics in the heart of nature and convivial evenings in a warm atmosphere. Designed for a small group , this trip combines personal challenge , immersion in the mountains , and unforgettable moments of sharing.
The highlights
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Traverse the Vercors on a trail run through wild forests, ridges and iconic peaks
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Improve your trail running skills with advice from your guide, both uphill and downhill.
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Admire the panoramas of Roc Cornafion, Grande Moucherolle and Mont Gerbier
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
Do you already practice trail running and want to take your mountain running to the next level? This expedition is designed to help you progress to longer formats, strengthen your endurance and move with confidence on challenging terrain.
This trip is for you if:
- You run regularly and already have experience with long trail runs.
- You are capable of maintaining a continuous effort of 4 to 7 hours per day in the mountains.
- You can cover 15 to 25 km and accumulate 800 to 1,200 m of elevation gain daily.
- You are comfortable on technical trails (stones, roots, scree).
- You are proficient in alternating walking and running uphill and know how to manage your effort.
- You manage your nutrition and hydration independently during a long effort.
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average distance/day: 25 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1100 m
- Average daily descent: 1200 m
Management
French
English
Passionate about the natural world, I enjoy using a variety of approaches to share the joy of adventure in the great outdoors. Hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, or bivouacking: so many ways to discover the land, experience new things, and satisfy our need for nature.
As a mountain guide and ecologist by training, I experience the mountains as a true adventure. A passionate trail runner, I love following ridges, connecting valleys, and feeling the freedom of movement at altitude. Bivouacking is central to my practice: sleeping outdoors, living in harmony with the elements, and extending the immersion. Each outing becomes a human adventure, a space for shared learning and wonder.
Program
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Day 1
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at around 6pm at the Quartier Libre hostel to get to know the group. This first evening will be an opportunity to share a friendly meal, learn about the itinerary, and discuss everyone's expectations before starting the trek through the Vercors.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we'll transfer to the starting point of our first major stage. A steady climb will quickly lead us to La Charande, the highest point of the day at 1,630 meters. We'll take some time to admire the panoramic views before continuing our ascent towards Villard-de-Lans.
The route continues on smoother trails, ideal for practicing downhill technique. A picnic break will allow you to recharge while enjoying the surrounding scenery, including a view of the Meillarot summit.
The end of this stage will still hold a few challenging sections before we reach our accommodation. A good meal will be waiting for us there to help us recover and regain our strength for the rest of the adventure.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 31 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Negative elevation 1600 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we'll set off on the highlight of this crossing. The day will begin with a descent towards Villard-de-Lans, followed by a challenging 6km climb. This ascent will be an opportunity to test our endurance and technique, while enjoying, weather permitting, a superb view of the Roc Cornafion.
We will then continue along trails more suitable for running, amidst remarkable scenery. The route will offer beautiful views of the Ranc des Agnelons, Mont Gerbier, Petite Sœur Sophie and Grande Moucherolle.
A final, sustained climb will take us to the Rocher de Balme, at nearly 2,000 meters altitude, before we begin the descent to our accommodation. The day will end with a delicious meal in a friendly atmosphere, a chance to share the highlights of the trails and recover before the final leg.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a final shared breakfast, we'll set off for the last leg of our journey towards the Quartier Libre hostel. A first descent will take us to Saint-Martin-en-Vercors, before tackling the final climb of the trip.
Once at the summit, we will enjoy a final panoramic view of the mountain range and share a picnic to savor these last moments in the mountains.
We will then return to the trails to reach our starting point and complete this crossing of the Vercors. Upon arrival, a friendly drink will allow us to celebrate the kilometers covered and the memories shared. A shower will also be available at the inn before heading back, with the option to extend your stay with an additional night, to be booked and paid for separately.
Day 4
Accommodation
Hostel Quartier Libre
Auberge des Montauds
Roybon Inn
Access
Go to the starting point
- By bus (Drôme Regional Bus Network - Line D09): Regional buses run directly from Valence TGV train station (or Romans-sur-Isère) to Saint-Jean-en-Royans. Get off at the Saint-Jean-en-Royans - Centre / Place de la Mairie stop. The journey takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes (tickets cost around €2.00 to €3.00 one way). Hostel Quartier Libre is then less than a 5-minute walk away (approximately 300 meters).
- By taxi / private hire vehicle: The journey takes approximately 30 minutes from Valence TGV station (estimated fare between €60 and €90 depending on the time slot).
Free parking is available on site, at the Hostel Quartier Libre, to leave your vehicle for the duration of the expedition.
Consider carpooling: a Whatsapp group is open 10 days before departure to organize with other participants.
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a mountain guide.
- Hostel and dormitory accommodation
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 4
- The transport of business
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
