Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Martin-En-Vercors - Top 20

The region is rich in natural beauty, being part of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. You can experience dramatic landscapes like the Cirque of Combe Laval, a spectacular road carved from cliffs, or the panoramic views from Machine Pass. The area also features impressive waterfalls, such as the White Waterfall on the Vernaison River, and extensive cave networks throughout the Vercors massif.

Yes, the area offers a blend of history and culture. The village of Saint-Martin-en-Vercors itself has a welcoming atmosphere. Nearby, you can visit Pont-en-Royans, a historical site known for its picturesque charm and old houses hanging above the Bourne river. The wider Vercors massif also holds significant history related to the French Resistance during WWII, with sites like the Memorial to the Resistance near Vassieux-en-Vercors.

The Vercors massif is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. You can find numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Saint-Martin-En-Vercors guide, the MTB Trails around Saint-Martin-En-Vercors guide, and the Cycling around Saint-Martin-En-Vercors guide. The Plateau d'Herbouilly is particularly popular for walks, mountain biking, and in winter, cross-country skiing.

Absolutely. The natural environment provides many family-friendly options, such as easy walks in the Vercors Regional Natural Park. For a unique adventure, consider Filambule near the Nordic chalet of Herbouilly, a giant tree-climbing course with nets for all ages. The charming village of Pont-en-Royans with its unique architecture and a water museum can also be an engaging visit for families.

For breathtaking views, the Machine Pass offers a spectacular panorama of the Vercors massif. The Cirque of Combe Laval is renowned as one of the most exceptional places for road cycling due to its dramatic cliff-carved road, providing an unforgettable scenic drive. Additionally, the Quiet route in the upper Vernaison Valley offers beautiful views of the regional nature park's mountain range.

In winter, the Plateau d'Herbouilly transforms into a cross-country skiing paradise with scenic trails. The Vercors Regional Natural Park offers opportunities for snowshoeing and other winter sports, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy snowy landscapes and activities.

Beyond Saint-Martin-en-Vercors itself, the village of Pont-en-Royans, approximately 9 km away, is famous for its medieval houses perched along cliffs above a river gorge. Further afield, Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye is listed as one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages' and is renowned for its impressive abbey complex.

Visitors frequently praise the spectacular natural beauty, especially the dramatic roads and panoramic views like those at the Cirque of Combe Laval and Machine Pass. The picturesque charm of villages like Pont-en-Royans and the refreshing experience of waterfalls like the White Waterfall are also highly appreciated.

Yes, many natural areas in the Vercors Regional Natural Park are suitable for walks with dogs. For example, the White Waterfall is noted as a dog-friendly spot, offering a beautiful and peaceful environment for you and your pet.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring caves, with the village hosting events like the Linden Festival in early August. Winter (December to March) is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the Plateau d'Herbouilly.

The White Waterfall on the Vernaison River is an impressive sight, known for its foaming white water, and you can even swim there if you don't mind the cold. In Pont-en-Royans, the Bourne river offers opportunities for a refreshing swim, and the village itself features a waterfall in its center.

The Vercors region is famous for its extensive network of underground caves, with around 3,500 identified. While not directly in Saint-Martin-en-Vercors, the Grotte de Choranche is a well-known cave system in the Vercors, offering tours through its large galleries and impressive formations.