ACTIVE FRANCE ❘ VERCORS
“YOU SEE THE REFLECTION OF THESE STRAW-LIKE STALACTITES IN THE EMERALD POOLS OF WATER,”
the Musée de l’Eau in Pont-en-Royans will have you sampling some of the 900 different sparkling and still waters on offer at the bar.
Clockwise from top: The magical Grotte de Choranche; magnificent waterfalls near
Pont-en-Royans; zipwires in the woods above Autrans
to Pont-en-Royans and the Grotte de Choranche. Full of cavernous spaces, chasms and underground rivers, the cave was fi rst explored in 1871. We follow the illuminated trail and learn that it is through the same karstic terrain that we saw on our nature hike with Gaël, that drops of water have dripped down into the caves, becoming lime-saturated on their journey before depositing a solution which over years forms into stalactites and stalagmites. These fragile fi stulous stalactites can grow to be up to three metres long; these caves, we are told, are home to some of the best examples found in Europe. It’s a fairytale experience in which you see the
refl ection of these straw-like stalactites in the emerald pools of water, and in the vast Cathedral chamber – 40 metres wide and nearly 25 metres high – there’s an immersive sound and light show which tells the tale of the four elements and the creation and discovery of these otherworldly caves. For a less adrenaline-fi lled activity and spot of respite, a water-tasting session at
VERCORS ESSENTIALS GETTING THERE
Fly to Grenoble or Lyon, then pick up a hire car to explore the region at your own pace.
WHERE TO STAY Auberge de la Croix Perrin
Located in Lans-en-Vercors, this eco-conscious auberge has rooms from €79 per night for two people sharing, and also has a restaurant with forest views and a spa. Tel: (+33) 4 76 95 40 02
vercors-hotel.com
Zecamp Zecamp offers
accommodation from €88 per night, a restaurant and a wide range of sporting activities. Tel: (+33) 6 47 57 74 48
zecamp.fr
Or if you’re feeling inspired by the fresh air and want to meditate on your time spent in the Vercors, François Querini runs yoga classes around the region, and will even meet you – as he did with us – on the grass just outside Zecamp. It’s a great opportunity to relax, recharge and refl ect on a fun-fi lled adventure in the Vercors… and maybe even begin to plan a return visit in the winter season. After all, there are many more adventures to be had in this magical and most natural of adventure playgrounds. FT
Musée de l’Eau Stay at the museum’s hotel from €70 per night and enjoy the riverside setting, spectacular views and a cinema room. The excellent on-site restaurant serves a lunchtime menu du jour (€13.90). Tel: (+33) 4 76 36 17 90
musee-eau.fr
WHERE TO EAT Les Hauts Plateaux In Corrençon-en-Vercors, at the entrance to the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors reserve, the restaurant sources ingredients from local producers and includes a salon de thé and wine bar. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of activities. Tel: (+33) 4 76 95 29 97
les-hauts-plateaux.fr
90 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Aug/Sep 2022
Le Clariant en Vercors A picturesque mountain auberge serving lunch, or enjoy the gastro dinner (€65) or torchlit dîner soirée à la fl amme (€45) experience in the evening. Tel: (+33) 6 82 42 45 19
leclariant.com
WHAT TO SEE & DO Biathlon Ski-Roue initiation Half-day track pass with equipment hire (includes boots, poles and roller skis) €14.50. Tel: (+33) 4 56 00 56 30
skiroue.vercors.fr
La Glisse Velectrip Experience the ViaVercors on an electric mountain bike. Tel: (+33) 4 76 16 84 27
velectrip.fr
Musée de l’Eau Enjoy a water-tasting session at the museum, entrance €6.90 for adults, €4.50 for children. Tel: (+33) 4 76 36 15 53
musee-eau.fr
Grotte de Choranche Explore the cavernous spaces, chasms and underground rivers of these magical caves. Entrance €12.
visits-nature-vercors.com
Tree Climbing, Autrans €20 pp
www.vercors-
aventure.com
Nature Hike in Réserve Naturelle des Hauts Plateaux – explore the area with local guide Gaël Ferrari. Tel: (+33) 06 76 13 80 49 for more information.
Outdoor Yoga session with François Quérini. Tel: (+33) 06 82 63 16 28
sport-nature-yoga.fr
Pottery Workshop with Hélène Rochas. Tel: (+33) 06 71 00 57 50 ateliercreatifpetitesfees.over-
blog.com
Via corda session with Jehan Roland at Les Trois Pucelles €50/ £43pp
www.alpidyllik.com/les-3- pucelles
CONTACTS
Tourist information
isere-tourism.com; vercors. fr;
tourisme.saintmarcellin-
vercors-isere.fr
Département: Isère (38)
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