Discover Rencurel: Fossil Valley, trails and winter sports

For a stay in Rencurel, the landscape, activities and time of year offer different points of reference. At the heart of the area is the Vallée Fossile des Rimets, with its geological significance; in Les Coulmes, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowshoeing are also available. The options also include a stage of the GR de Pays, a mountain biking stage and three climbing areas. You can plan your trip around whichever aspect of the area interests you most.

Fossil Valley and landscape

The Vallée Fossile des Rimets lies at an altitude of 1,100 metres and has an exceptional abundance of fossils. Its landscape includes meadows, lapiaz and beech forest. The dry grasslands are home to numerous butterflies and orchids. The area is of geological, botanical, zoological and rural-historical importance, and is the only geological “Espace naturel sensible” in the Isère department.

The “Mémoire de roche” geological trail leads visitors to the Fossil Valley. Information sheets and signs help visitors understand and interpret the geological features visible on site. The trail thus connects the valley’s geological significance with a hands-on way to explore the landscape.

Routes through Les Coulmes

Stage 2 of the GR de Pays “Le tour des Coulmes” runs from Malleval-en-Vercors through the forests and clearings of Les Coulmes before reaching Rencurel. The described route makes the landscape along this stage a useful reference point when planning your trip.

Another type of route is stage 5 of the GTV VTT Rencurel / Autrans. It starts in Rencurel, is 25.9 kilometres long and has 1,207 metres of elevation gain. It is rated difficult and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. This gives you different points of reference for planning your routes: for the GR de Pays, the path through forests and clearings to Rencurel; for the mountain biking stage, specific details on distance, elevation gain, difficulty and duration.

Winter sports and seasonal information

Les Coulmes has more than 50 kilometres of cross-country ski trails for both classic and skate skiing, running from Presles to Rencurel. The Les Coulmes downhill skiing area at Col de Romeyère in Rencurel has three ski lifts, a conveyor belt for beginners and slopes of varying difficulty. This lets you distinguish between cross-country and downhill skiing without treating the two offerings as the same.

Several marked snowshoe trails start in Rencurel. The stated levels range from beginner to physically demanding, and suitability depends on snow conditions. Winter conditions can also affect cross-country skiing operations. Check conditions before setting out.

In winter, access to the Les Coulmes downhill skiing area and the Belvédère is via Col de Romeyère near Rencurel. When there is snow, the road to Mont Noir between the two sectors is closed to traffic. Take this seasonal information into account when planning your journey, and check road conditions before setting off.

Climbing and trip planning

Rencurel has three areas equipped with climbing routes: La crique, Cordet/Collavet and Rocher de Gonson. If climbing is part of your plans, check local conditions and the state of the equipment.

The facts offer several points of reference for choosing the focus of your trip: the Fossil Valley and its geological and landscape features, routes with varying levels of detail, and winter activities in Les Coulmes. If you are travelling in winter, snow conditions and seasonal road closures should also be part of your planning.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Vérand, Flachères, Thodure, Saint-Lattier, Saint-Baudille-De-La-Tour, Saint-Andéol, Saint-Ismier, Rives

For the broader travel overview: Isere.