GR® de Pays - The Coulmes loop - Stage 1 Presles > Malleval-en-Vercors

Museum Overview

Starting from Presles, this first stage leads to Malleval-en-Vercors via forest paths, alpine pastures, and viewpoints overlooking the Vercors cliffs. An immersive introduction amidst unspoiled nature and remarkable panoramas.

This first stage offers a wonderful immersion in the iconic landscapes of the Coulmes massif. From the very first kilometers, the trail climbs through vast beech and fir forests, where calm and coolness reign. As you progress, gaps in the vegetation reveal the impressive cliffs of Presles, a renowned climbing destination, as well as magnificent panoramas of the Isère valley and the surrounding mountains.
The route alternates between forest tracks, shaded paths, and more open sections through clearings and alpine pastures, revealing the full diversity of the Coulmes landscapes. Along the way, the remains of old charcoal kilns bear witness to the intense forestry activity that shaped the massif for centuries. These circular platforms, where wood was transformed into charcoal, recall the charcoal burners' expertise and the close connection between the local inhabitants and this bountiful forest.
Arriving at the village of Malleval-en-Vercors, nestled in a green setting and steeped in history, marks a welcoming stop before continuing the adventure around the Coulmes.

Type : Marked trail

Maximum altitude : 1280m

Rates / opening