Holiday rentals in the Vercors

Three iconic places to discover in the Vercors

The Vercors reveals its treasures to those who take the time to explore them. From fascinating underground passages to breathtaking landscapes and places of historical significance, the massif is home to a wealth of sites that tell the story of both the region’s geological and human history. Three destinations are particularly worth a visit during a holiday in a holiday let.

1. Choranche Caves

Venture into the Bourne Gorges and you’ll enter an underground world of rare beauty. The Choranche Caves unfurl their limestone galleries beneath your feet, revealing an inland lake with translucent waters and geological formations of remarkable delicacy. The hollow stalactites, among the finest in Europe, hang like stone needles, creating a surreal atmosphere. The underground tour combines a sense of wonder at these natural crystallisations with the almost religious silence of the depths. It is one of the most visited natural sites in the massif, and for good reason: the visit is well worth the detour.

2. Vercors Resistance Memorial

On the Vassieux-en-Vercors plateau, a memorial listed as a historic monument stands in tribute to the Resistance fighters who gave their lives for freedom. This solemn and moving site recounts the dramatic events of July 1944, when the Vercors Maquis faced the overwhelming superiority of the German army. Strolling through Vassieux means walking in the footsteps of a battle that was lost from the outset but never forgotten. The memorial offers a moment of reflection and invites visitors to gain a better understanding of local history – the story of the men and women who chose to join the Resistance.

3. The Bourne Gorges

Between Pont-en-Royans and Villard-de-Lans, the River Bourne has carved out a vertiginous canyon whose rocky walls rise several hundred metres high. The spectacle of the Bourne Gorges captivates the eye at every bend. The sheer cliffs, the narrow stretches of the winding road and the river glistening far below combine to create a cinematic landscape. Whether you’re driving along the scenic route or exploring the adjacent footpaths on foot, the Gorges embody the raw power of the Vercors.

These three sites embody the diversity of the Vercors: its geological wonders, its rich history and its untamed landscape. A holiday in a self-catering accommodation allows you to discover them at your own pace, alternating between contemplation and immersion in a region that never ceases to surprise.

The ideal season for booking a holiday let in the Vercors

Each season transforms the Vercors and offers a different experience. The best time to visit depends on what you fancy: summer hiking, autumnal scenery, winter sports or spring walks.

Spring brings the plateau to life with mild temperatures and lush green landscapes. The meadows are adorned with wildflowers, whilst waterfalls, swollen by the melting snow, create spectacular bodies of water. It’s the ideal season to explore the trails without the summer crowds, and to breathe in the fresh air of the fir and beech forests as they begin to come into their own. A holiday rental becomes the starting point for long walks amidst a landscape that is coming to life.

Summer attracts lovers of active outdoor pursuits. The moderate temperatures at altitude (20 to 25 degrees on average) provide a pleasant contrast to the surrounding plains. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, canyoning: there’s a wealth of outdoor activities on offer. Evenings remain cool, and the sunsets are spectacular from the heights. A holiday let allows you to enjoy the limestone gorges, lakes and hanging valleys at your own pace.

Autumn paints the Vercors in shades of ochre, red and gold. This is perhaps the most beautiful time of year: the larch trees turn golden, the forests blaze with colour, and the days grow shorter without becoming cold. The light becomes crystal-clear, whilst the mist in the valleys creates a contemplative atmosphere. Holiday rentals welcome visitors seeking tranquillity, landscape photography and leisurely walks.

Winter transforms the plateau into a winter wonderland. The peaks are blanketed in snow, creating pristine landscapes. Whether you enjoy snowshoeing, horse-drawn carriage rides or simply admiring the silent white landscape, a holiday let offers all the comfort you need for a winter retreat in the mountains. Temperatures are cold, but short breaks allow you to enjoy the experience without any worries.

Whatever the season, a holiday let in the Vercors offers the flexibility to explore the mountains at your own pace, without the constraints of a strict schedule. Every season has its own charm and unique activities.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in the Vercors

The Vercors offers an unrivalled playground for nature and adventure lovers. Whether you’re staying in a holiday let in summer or winter, three experiences capture the essence of this pre-Alpine massif: hiking along legendary trails, winter sports during the colder months, and exploring spectacular underground geological formations.

1. Hiking on the Vercors plateau along the GR 91

The GR 91 long-distance hiking trail crosses the Vercors plateau, offering panoramic views of the limestone cliffs and coniferous forests. Hikers discover wild mountain landscapes, with viewpoints stretching as far as the Alps on clear days. The route alternates between alpine meadows, rocks sculpted by erosion and small mountain lakes. It’s a chance to encounter the massif’s characteristic flora and fauna, from chamois to stunted juniper trees.

Address: Vercors Plateau, 38250 Villard-de-Lans.

2. Cross-country skiing and Nordic activities in Autrans-Méaudre in the Vercors

In winter, this area is transformed into a Nordic skiing paradise with kilometres of groomed trails winding through forests and clearings. Enthusiasts of snowshoeing, sledge riding or cross-country skiing will find ideal conditions here and an unspoilt setting far from the crowds. The resorts offer trails for all levels, from beginners to experienced skiers, with visitor facilities and catering options nearby.

Address: Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors, 38880.

3. Guided tour of the Choranche Caves

These underground caverns reveal the spectacular geology of the Vercors: impressive stalactites and stalagmites, passages carved out by water over millennia, and underground lakes of remarkable clarity. A guided tour offers an insight into how these natural wonders were formed and takes you deep into the heart of the mountain. The cool, damp atmosphere of the caves provides a pleasant contrast to the hot summers on the plateau.

Address: Choranche Caves, 38680 Choranche.

Our guests’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday let in the Vercors

When choosing a holiday let in the Vercors, the amenities are just as important as the mountain setting. Travellers are primarily looking for accommodation that combines everyday comfort with practicality. A well-designed property transforms a stay in the mountains into a truly relaxing experience, in both summer and winter.

• Efficient heating: in the Vercors, nights remain cool even in summer. Good heating is essential from autumn onwards so you can make the most of your stay without feeling the chill.
• Fully equipped kitchen: cooking your own meals allows you to savour local produce and adapt to everyone’s preferences and pace, especially when travelling with the family.
• Wi-Fi and internet connection: even on holiday, staying in touch or sharing photos is important. A good connection also reassures families who want to keep in touch.
• Outdoor space: a balcony, terrace or garden offers a natural extension to indoor living and allows you to enjoy the Vercors countryside in complete privacy.
• Washing machine: essential for long stays or family holidays, this convenience means you don’t have to overload your luggage and makes practical arrangements much easier.
• High-quality bedding: a good night’s sleep is key to a successful holiday. Travellers prefer comfortable mattresses and well-kept bed linen.
• Parking: having a secure parking space right next to your accommodation provides peace of mind and makes it easier to access activities in the mountains.
• TV channels: for quiet evenings or days when the weather is bad, watching television offers a pleasant break from the day.
• Storage space: ample cupboards and storage baskets make a stay much more enjoyable by avoiding the usual chaos of open suitcases.
• Modern bathroom: a functional and clean bathroom or shower is a key element of comfort, particularly after an active day in the mountains.

Ultimately, the ideal choice is a holiday let suited to the type of holiday you’re planning, the number of people and your budget. The right, well-thought-out facilities make all the difference between a mere visit to the Vercors and a truly rejuvenating holiday.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in the Vercors?

Holiday let prices in the Vercors vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a one-bedroom flat, you can generally expect to pay between 50 and 90 euros per night in the low season, and between 80 and 130 euros during the summer. A family property with three to four rooms tends to cost between 80 and 150 euros out of season, and between 130 and 220 euros during school holidays and in summer. Larger properties or upmarket rentals often exceed 150 euros per night and can reach 250 to 350 euros in high season.

Several factors influence these prices. Proximity to a ski resort, a tourist village or direct access to hiking trails tends to drive prices up. Weekly rates are generally better value than a single night’s stay: a discount of 10 to 20 per cent for a full week is common. Facilities (swimming pool, jacuzzi, terrace with mountain views, garage) as well as the services offered (final cleaning, beds made) also account for significant differences in price between two properties that appear similar.

Seasonality plays a major role. The winter months attract skiers and families on school holidays, which drives prices up. Autumn and spring often offer the best rates. When booking a holiday rental in the Vercors, it’s a good idea to compare several listings, read reviews from previous guests and book a few weeks in advance to get the best rates.