The Scenic Mountain Escape In France With Snowy Slopes And Year-Round Adventure

One of the most idyllic small towns in France, Villard-de-Lans is nestled in the lush and rugged Vercors massif in the French Pre-Alps. In addition to its stunning location and enchanting ambiance, the village boasts opportunities for year-round action, from skiing and snowboarding on pristine slopes in winter, to hiking, cycling, and other outdoor sports in the warmer months. While anyone who appreciates nature can find something to love about Villard-de-Lans, this destination is especially appealing to adventurous families, with its diversity of activities for people of all ages and its friendly, laid-back vibe. 

Given its remote and mountainous location, one might assume that getting to the town would be a major headache. But this isn't the case at all. Villard-de-Lans is easily reachable via highway D531 from the city of Grenoble, with the 24-mile trip taking only about 45 minutes. Accommodations in the town are plentiful and range from luxurious resorts to charming boutique hotels, secluded chalets, rustic campsites, and equestrian lodges. To fuel up for your adventures, fill up on sweet and savory crepes, Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage cheese, brown trout, and other local dishes at an eatery in downtown Villard-de-Lans or in the neighboring town of Corrençon-en-Vercors.  

Winter glory in Villard-de-Lans

While Villard-de-Lans is truly a multifaceted destination, it is a well-known spot in France for winter sports. Its nearby ski resort is the largest and highest in the Vercors. It has more than 77 miles of slopes, with terrain to suit all kinds and every level of skier and snowboarder. With ample amounts of gentle terrain and four dedicated areas for beginners, Villard-de-Lans is the perfect place for families to introduce their young ones to the joys of winter recreation. Ready to assist with this endeavor are more than 100 instructors at local ski schools, which offer instruction in both Alpine and Nordic skiing. 

Besides Alpine skiing, the area offers plenty of other opportunities to get active in the colder seasons, including Nordic skiing on 96 miles of packed and marked trails, snowshoeing through glittering alpine and forested landscapes, and adrenaline-filled sledding to provide thrills for kids of all ages. After exhilarating days on the slopes, stroll through enchanting downtown Villard-de-Lans. Set against the pine forests and snow-streaked cliffs, the town looks like a Christmas card that has magically sprung to life. 

After all that playing in the powder, you might be feeling chilled to the bone. If so, indulge in some serious warmth and relaxation at the nearby Spa les Clarines, where you'll find a bubbling hot jacuzzi waiting. The spa also offers a hammam, sauna, an herbal tea room, massages, and various other treatments to soothe body, mind, and soul for the winter weary.

Year-round action for outdoor lovers

In Villard-de-Lans, the melting of the snow heralds the changing of the seasons and a cascade of new possibilities for outdoor recreation. The area offers a variety of hiking routes in terms of length, difficulty, and terrain, with some ambling through mountain meadows while others lead to lakes or lofty mountain tops. Right from the town itself, numerous footpaths lead into the Vercors Regional Natural Park, which boasts more than 1,800 miles of signposted trails. This stunning wilderness area features dramatic limestone cliffs, deep gorges, and a striking array of flora and fauna, including 79 species of orchids, 140 species of nesting birds, and 72 species of mammals, including wild boar, ibex, and deer. 

Cycling is another popular activity around Villard-de-Lans and neighboring Corrençon, with ample opportunities for road and mountain biking. In addition, downhill enthusiasts can ride their hearts out at the Villard-de-Lans Bike Park (a dedicated area for downhill biking), while those curious to try something new can partake in gravel biking. This is a cross between cyclotourism, road biking, and mountain biking on routes with both paved and unpaved sections of road. Other summer activities available in the Villard-de-Lans area include rock climbing, canyoning, paragliding, golf, tennis, donkey trekking, and the list goes on. While the Vercors region is sweet all year long, you might want to consider the best time of year to visit southern France if you want to avoid crowds.