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The Regional Wildlife Park of the Vercors consists of 370,000 acres of protected natural resources. The park overlaps the departments Drôme and Isère.
The mountain range, primarily made up of limestone, belongs to the prealpine massif. Thus the Vercors is an area of transition between Alps and Provence. |
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St-Nazaire-en-Royans
For many years our starting point to explore the Vercors. The aqueduct, which characterises the village, is still operational.
You may jump on the steam wheeler for a round trip as well as visit the prehistoric caves of Thaïs. |
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Pont-en-Royans
This village is officially classified among the loveliest 100 French villages. The Maisons Suspendues , suspended on the cliff above the River Bourne, make up a picturesque attraction. |
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... Gorges of the Bourne
Upright rocks sometimes elevate to 2,000 feet over the water level of the river Bourne. |
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... Gorges of the Bourne
This itinerary was constructed in the 19th century and demanded tens of years of precarious labouring. This allowed the Vercors to get out of its isolation. |
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Choranche Caves
The Choranche Caves were discovered around 1875. The Siphon Gallery displays a marvel of nature that is unique in Europe. Thousands of very fine, tubular stalactites, some up to 3 m in length, make this beauty spot exceptional. These stalactites are called soda straws . They are sparkling white and are reflected in the water like in a mirror. |
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High plateaus of the Vercors
In the end we reach the high plateaus of the Vercors, which shelter outstanding flora and fauna, breathing a charming tranquility. |
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St-Martin (Fouleé Blanche)
The Foulée Blanche belongs to our favorite little restaurants. In front of this typical family-business stands a spacious tree, throwing its shade on the guests tables. |
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... St-Martin (Fouleé Blanche)
Wieske is feasting on the cheese dish, leaving behind as little as possible. |
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The Grands Goulets
Touristic route of unmatched beauty, hewn in the rocks between St-Eulalie-en-Royans and les Baraques-en-Vercors. |
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... The Grands Goulets
The tiny river Vernaison is forcing its way into the gap. |
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... The Grands Goulets
The route came to its conclusion in 1854 at the expense of enormous human and financial sacrifices. |
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Domanial forest of Léoncel
A trip towards the abbey of Léoncel winds across the outstandingly beautifull forest of Léoncel. It's certainly worthwile to interrupt your journey, take a moment of reflection, and fill up your lungs with healty wood air. |
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Abbey of Léoncel
The abbey wittnesses the presence of Cistercian monks for many centuries. The monastry church was raised in Roman style. The monks are still in place. |
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Col de la Bataille
The 'Route des belvédères' reaches its pinnacle at the Col de la Bataille (4,306 ft.). |
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... Col de la Bataille
Gazing northwardly from the commanding heights of the mountain pass one overlooks the 'Cirque de Bouvante'. The valley of the Gervanne spreads in southern direction. |
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Combe Laval
Limestone rocks surrounding the 'Cirque de Laval' seem to reach the sky. This breathtaking route extends for 4 km. The views are spectacular with only a short wall separating the road from a 700 m drop. The Vercors, because of its natural defences and geographical position was isolated from the main theatres of the world wars, and the Resistance movement used this isolation in order to build up the area as a base from which to operate but were eventually defeated. |
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... Combe Laval
From the Col de la Machine one enjoys a fantastic panoramic view on the valleys of the Rhône and Isère. |
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Le Chat Vert
On the eve of our homeward journey the chef of le Chat Vert prepared us an unforgettable delicious dinner.
A votre santé! |
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| © 1998-2001 By Johan Jacobs. All photographic material is protected by copyright laws but can be utilized (except for photos owned by others) free of royalties, provided quotation of sources and written approval. |
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