The Domaine des Ecouges

A 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…

discover the ecouges area on a hike

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.

Find out more

• Bertrand Bodin / Department of Isère

• Bertrand Bodin / Department of Isère

• Bertrand Bodin / Department of Isère