An easy 4.9-kilometre circular hike and a hike of about 4.5 hours show the range of outdoor activities in La Chapelle-En-Vercors. There is also a Romanesque bell tower, a memorial site commemorating the history of 1944 and a cave with a remarkable fossil pit. When planning your stay, therefore, the question is not just how much time to set aside for hiking, but also whether cultural history, natural history or a seasonal market will shape your visit.

Hikes to suit your schedule and interests

Les Bruyères is an easy 4.9-kilometre circular hike that takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. The hiking route to Belvédère de Révoulat starts in the village of La Chapelle-En-Vercors and takes about 4.5 hours; the actual duration may vary depending on conditions. The difference in time required can help you plan your day: Les Bruyères is the much shorter option, while Révoulat takes up a longer hiking day. Allow some flexibility for the approximate duration of the Révoulat route.

The hike to La Roche du Mas offers a different view, with a panorama over the Hauts Plateaux and the eastern edge of the Vercors massif. Le Tour des Scies loops around the Bois des Scies to the banks of the Vernaison and can be done on foot or by bicycle. The focus differs: the panorama is the main attraction at La Roche du Mas, while Le Tour des Scies takes you to the riverbank. Rando Vercors specialises in hikes with bivouacs on the Hauts Plateaux. If you are planning this type of outing, confirm availability before booking.

Cultural history and a memorial site

The Romanesque bell tower of Église Notre-Dame dates from the 13th century and is classified or listed as a historic monument. The Cour des fusillés memorial site commemorates the execution of sixteen young hostages during the destruction of La Chapelle-En-Vercors in July 1944. The site includes a museum area in the restored barn next to the courtyard. The two historical landmarks have different focuses: Romanesque architecture and remembrance of a specific event in the 20th century.

A cave and a summer market

The Grotte de la Draye Blanche contains an exceptional fossil pit with more than 15,000 bones from 45 species. The cave also has a chamber measuring 100 metres long and 30 metres wide. This brings together the subject of fossils and a sense of the scale of the cave chamber.

From June to September, the La Chapelle-En-Vercors summer market showcases products and producers from Royans-Vercors, including cheese, honey, fruit and other regional specialities. Dates may vary from year to year; check the specific market dates before your visit.

Plan your journey and accommodation

Bus line 05 between Valence and Vassieux-en-Vercors passes through La Chapelle-En-Vercors. If you plan to use this service for your journey, check the current timetable before travelling. The different hiking durations also provide a practical guide for planning your day.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Jean-En-Royans, Épinouze, Hostun, Chauvac-Laux-Montaux, Bouvante, Mévouillon, Saint-Martin-D'août, Saint-Martin-En-Vercors.

For the broader travel guide: Drôme.