The Vercors regional natural park is a limestone citadel extending over 186 000 hectares between the Isère valley to the North and the Diois to the South. The objectives behind the creation of the Parc naturel régional du Vercors on 16 October 1970 were protect and enhance its rich natural heritage, maintain its economic activity and ensure harmony between a human presence and the setting.

The Vercors features an extraordinary variety of natural sites. Nearly 80 protected plants are known to be present; from the 'Sabot de Vénus '(Cypripedium calceolus) in the woods to the Campanule des Alpes (Alpine bell-flower - Campanula alpestris) on the scree slopes, not forgetting the "oreille d’ours" primrose in the cliffs and the wild tulips on the sub-alpine lawns. The Vercors massif is also home to 135 species of nesting birds, 65 mammal species and 17 reptile and amphibian species.

Since 1985 the Parc naturel régional du Vercors also includes the largest natural reserve in France: the Réserve Naturelle des Hauts-Plateaux, extending to 17,000 hectares. The reserve is not traversed by any road nor occupied by any village. This expanse of solitude and grandeur can be discovered through long distance footpaths (GTV - 'grande traversée du Vercors') supplied with basic emergency shelters. Sustainable tourism: the prime objective of the park.

For the last few years the park has moved towards a policy of sustainable tourism, most notably with the "Accueil du Parc" logo which includes around 70 offers of accommodation (hotels, gites, chambres d’hôtes, and tables d’hôtes, camp sites, restaurants, holiday centres) as well as providers of outdoor activities. Discovering the Vercors and being welcomed by a host with the 'Accueil du Parc' logo is a guarantee of a gentle and harmonious holiday with a difference.

In Parallel with this branding and under the aegis of the Fédération des Parcs, an extensive 'natural' accommodation network has been created (10 'Gîtes Panda' and 2 'Hôtels au naturel' in the Drôme part of the Vercors). These establishments, ideally situated for nature study provide books about the park and its heritage, and binoculars, magnifying glasses and educational games for the children. The owners are themselves nature lovers and have signed up to a series of concrete measures to preserve the environment (water use, use of renewable energy, agri-environmental measures, etc.)

Did you know?
The 85 villages situated in the Park represent 7 natural regions: The Four Mountains, The "Coulmes", The "Vercors Drômois", The "Royans", The "Diois", The "Trièves" and Thz "Gervanne" region.

Holidays at the Ferme Du Pescher
Set in the Vercors Natural Regional Park this ecological farm uses renewable energy (solar and water power) in the listed natural setting of the Gorges d'Omblèze.

From May to October the farm offers eco-friendly camping in Mongolian yurts and wooden chalets. There is also gite rental throughout the year. You can visit the farm (by appointment only) and there is a self service shop selling goat's cheese, jam and cordials etc. Activities include an organic cooking course.
For more information about the farm contact Florence Rety.
Tel: +33 4 75 42 93 18
www.lafermedupescher.com

Further Information

PNR du Vercors
255, chemin des fusillés
38250 LANS EN VERCORS
Tel. +33 4 76 94 38 26
www.parc-du-vercors.fr

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