The Domaine des Écouges , located in the Vercors region, is a remarkable protected natural area where beech and fir forests, alpine pastures, cliffs, and historical heritage intertwine. This vast estate offers numerous landscapes to explore on foot and provides a true haven for exceptionally rich flora and fauna.
WHAT characterizes the domain of ecouges?
Bertrand Bodin / Department of IsèreA mosaic of ecosystems
Covering an area of 918 hectares, this sensitive natural space extends from 880m to 1636m above sea level. Its natural richness is linked to its different environments (various forest species, pastures, cliffs, forests, meadows, rocks, etc.) and to the presence of several water sources, which are rare in the Vercors. Perched at altitude and surrounded by cliffs and canyons, the Domaine des Écouges remains a secret place where we find a still preserved wildlife. It is particularly known to be the living place of chamois, marmots, golden eagles but also hosts more than 70 species of birds, 22 areas of mammals, 10 species of reptiles and fish.
A place steeped in history
It is also a territory with more than ten thousand years of human presence in which there are many vestiges of human ingenuity related to the use of natural resources. Among them: logging for the supply of wood for the royal cannon foundry of Saint-Gervais, ruins of the former monastery of Chartreuse des Écouges, hydraulic heritage, manufacture of charcoal from the Middle Age and old millstone quarry to supply neighboring villages…
Hiking at Domaine des Écouges
In the middle of the beech and maple groves on the slope, take a 17km marked trail to discover this sensitive natural space in the heart of the Vercors massif.
A beautiful pre-Alpine space which preserves the memory of the Carthusians, the maquisards and the workers who occupied it, in which you can enjoy dizzying views of the Isère plain and marvel at torrents and waterfalls.
Bertrand Bodin / Department of Isère
Bertrand Bodin / Department of Isère
Bertrand Bodin / Department of Isère
Before leaving
Prepare your visit to the Domaine des Écouges
Nestled between forests, alpine pastures, and the cliffs of the Vercors, the Domaine des Écouges offers a privileged setting for hiking and nature exploration. This sensitive natural area, however, requires some care to fully appreciate the landscapes while preserving their richness.
Prepare your hike
Before you set off, choose a route suited to your skill level and check the current conditions. Bring good shoes, water, and clothing appropriate for the weather: conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.
Preserving a sensitive natural area
Stay on the paths, respect the wildlife, plants, and pastoral activities, and take your trash with you. These simple actions help preserve the landscapes and natural environments of the Domaine des Écouges for both visitors and the species that live there.