Saint-Andéol: Discover Hiking and Climbing

The activities offer different points of reference for planning your day: circular walks vary in length and scenery, the climbing area lists wall height and difficulty grades, and the farm focuses on tours and hands-on workshops.

Hiking: Circular Walks and a Vercors Stage

The Sous la Tune de l'Ours circular walk is 10.8 kilometres long, marked, and intended for hikers. It starts in Bourgmenu in Saint-Andéol and climbs beneath the eastern barrier of the Vercors. This gives you a clear indication of the route length and a clearly named starting point. Check seasonal trail conditions before setting out.

Another circular walk, Abri de la Peyrouse, starts in Saint-Andéol and runs on foot along imposing rock faces at the foothills of the Vercors. Here, the rocky scenery defines the description of the route. By contrast, the Sous la Tune de l'Ours walk is described in terms of its length and trail markings—two different points of reference when planning hiking days.

Stage 3 of the GTV on foot follows a balcony trail at the foot of the eastern balcony ridge of the Vercors. It overlooks Château-Bernard and offers views along the northern Vercors range as far as the village of Saint-Andéol. This stage adds a different type of route to the circular walks, along with sweeping views across the mountain landscape.

Climbing at Site d'escalade du Merlé

At Site d'escalade du Merlé, technical climbing is available on a 25-metre-high grey limestone wall, with difficulty grades ranging from 5c to 6c. The beginner sector has four routes, each 10 to 15 metres long and graded from 4a to 5a. The details on wall height, route length, and difficulty make it easy to distinguish between the two climbing areas.

The climbing area is open daily year-round and is free of charge, weather permitting. Since access depends on the weather and route equipment may change, check current conditions and the state of the equipment before your climbing trip.

Dairy Farming and Farm Visits

The GAEC des Gentianes farm keeps 60 dairy cows and produces organic milk. Visits are offered year-round by prior reservation. Visitors can also take part in workshops on making faisselle or butter. You can choose between different types of visit: a reserved tour of the farm or a workshop focused on making these products.

If you plan a visit, you need to book in advance. The year-round schedule gives you flexibility in choosing when to travel; it does not mean that you can visit without a reservation. If you are interested in processing milk, you can also include one of the workshops in your itinerary.

Natural Areas and a Renovated Shelter

The natural environment is also an important consideration for mountain biking: Stage 2 of the GTV mountain bike route includes an area of heightened environmental sensitivity associated with the Réserve naturelle nationale des Hauts plateaux du Vercors.

The Abri de la Peyrouse shelter was renovated in 2022 through a joint initiative by the Parc du Vercors, the municipality, and local residents. This renovation is a dated part of its history; nevertheless, check the shelter's current condition before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Étienne-De-Saint-Geoirs, Bilieu, La Mure, Lavars, Saint-Lattier, La Tour-Du-Pin, Grenoble, Pont-Evêque

For the overview of the wider region: Isere.