Hautes-Alpes (05), France - June 16, 2022: The Gioberney Refuge in the heart of the Ecrins National Park massif late Spring- Summer. Valgaudemar valley in the French Alps 1470482197 ecrins national park, gioberney refuge, gioberney, alpine, ecrins massif, vaccivier peaks, les rouies, high mountain, paca, tourist attraction, peak, refuge

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Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors

Dauphiné

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Mountains, limestone cliffs and dense forests create a high-drama landscape within this 2062-sq-km preserve, a few kilometres southwest of Grenoble. The Gorges du Furon are a prime attraction for walkers, canyoners and abseilers, and the park is well known for caves like the vast Grotte de la Luire. Capping the park is the 170-sq-km Réserve Naturelle des Hauts-Plateaux, France's largest terrestrial nature reserve.

Hikers can ply 3000km of trails, looking out for chamois, birds of prey and 75 different varieties of orchid.

In winter, guides lead snowshoers through the frozen landscape.

Transisère (www.transisere.fr) buses 5100 and 5110 (€5.60) link Grenoble with Lans-en-Vercors (45 minutes, nine daily) and Villard de Lans (1¼ hours, four to seven daily) in the park.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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Nearby Dauphiné attractions

1. Grotte de la Luire

4.64 MILES

Filled with karst springs and enormous, spectacularly lit chambers, the Grotte de la Luire was used as an emergency hospital during WWII. When it's open,…

2. Gorges du Furon

20.93 MILES

Canyoning, abseiling and walking are all popular in the spectacular Gorges du Furon, carved through the Vercors limestone by the rushing Furon River. You…

3. Maison des Têtes

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4. Cathédrale St-Apollinaire

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5. Musée de Valence

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6. Parc Jouvet

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7. Le Magasin

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8. Cité du Chocolat Valrhona

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