Villard de Lans
Why Villard de Lans Village?
- Short transfer time being only 35 mins from Grenoble Airport
- Excellent selection of summer activities
- Traditional pretty mountain village
Villard de Lans Village Information
Villard de Lans and Corrençon existed long before the development of tourist resorts. Even today, their tranquil village life goes on, following the seasons, as the two villages have managed to preserve their quality of life: busy local life, local products, new builds respecting tradition and the identity of the region.
Villard de Lans is a lively village - the largest market centre of the Vercors massif. At the foot of the Grande Moucherolle, the village has retained its architectural heritage and friendly atmosphere, both of which are a legacy from the early 20th century. Before winter sports took off in 1925, it was fashionable to come here for “healthy air and milk”. Today, the town has a population of over 4000, with pedestrian streets, a market, shops, a wave pool, an indoor ice rink, an exceptional sledging space, a bowling alley, a casino, a museum and other amenities that are busy round the year.
Villard/Corrençon ranks among the top 10 best-equipped resorts in France! And, for nature lovers, hundreds of kilometres of marked trails, a bike resort, a trail running resort and an 18-hole golf course popular with golf lovers awaits you.
An important page in the history of Mountain Biking was written at Villard de Lans in 1987. The village earned its reputation as the “Mecca” of Mountain Biking in France, following the success of the 1st Mountain Bike World Championships. For the 1st time, top-ranking American and European competitors gathered at the same starting line to vie for the title. 400 pioneers came head to head for two days and three different challenges, the first a downhill race from the summit of the gondola lift Cote 2000, a promotional race and a top challenge for world champions. The event contributed to the popularity of Mountain Biking and the Vercors region, which is perfectly adapted to this new discipline and draws the attention of cycling fans who wanted something off the beaten tarmac. The Descente and Enduro Bike Parks appear in the list of top ten French resorts and provide a global offering adapted to all levels of practice, nine itineraries with permanent downhill runs, four Enduro itineraries, one pump track and one Trial zone.
They are very proud of their ski champions, having trained for over 40 years here. Altitude and terrain have naturally made the two villages the homes of some of the best French winter sports athletes.
5km away from Villard de Lans you have the village of Correncon en Vercors, which stands against the backdrop of the largest Natural Reserve in France.
The Vercors Park boasts many prestigious AOPs (products with a protected origin) such as the famous Grenoble walnuts (since 1938), Picodon cheese (goats cheese), the Clairette de Die, and the Châtillons en Diois wines plus Fario trout. The favourite: the Blue cheese from Vercors Sassenage, produced here for over 600 years! "La Villarde" is a mixed breed of cattle from Villard-de-Lans that is raised as much for its quality meat as for its milk. This latter is used to produce the AOC cheese "Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage".
Top summer activities to experience in Villard de Lans
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website
Here are some ideas of activities, however there is plenty more on offer!
Mountain biking/Electric mountain biking
Discover the VTT/FFC No 25 mounting-biking site! From Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors, three starting points are offered: Les Bains hill, Bois Barbu and Les Hauts Plateaux.
These cover 10 fully redesigned, reorganised and signposted routes, providing something for all levels with three green, four blue, two red and one black route. These routes are also supplemented by the GTV Vercors Long-Distance Crossings, representing 318km of trails.
The Bike Park de Villard de Lans is the 1st French domain to open at the beginning of June. This DH and Enduro area, located in the Villard-Corrençon region, is easily accessible via the Cote 2000 gondola, which can carry 3 mountain bikes plus their rider.
Parcours Aventure à Ludi Parc
Climbing adventure with cords and cables in the trees. Thrills guaranteed! One of the biggest parks in Tyrolean of the region.
Market
All year round on Wednesdays. In the heart of the village of Villard de Lans, the marketplace is the perfect opportunity to discover regional products, experience village life as the locals do or simply stroll through the village streets.
Hot air ballooning
With the wind on your face, savour the magnificent scenery from above. Patrick Poussardin offers hot-air balloon lessons for beginners leaving from Villard/Corrençon to explore Vercors with a bird’s-eye view.
Open all-year-round, daily. Subject to favourable weather. Cancelled in case of bad weather.
Paragliding - VILLARD PARAPENTE
In the heart of the Vercros, in the Villard de Lans/Côte 2000 ski area, fulfil your dreams. Take off with Cédric, a state-qualified instructor, get a real bird's eye view of the Vercors plateau and its snow-capped mountains (Cornafion, Grande Moucherolle, the Gerbier ridge, etc.).
Tandem paragliding flights from the top of the Cote 2000 cable car, landing at the bottom of the Villard slopes (an altitude drop of 600m). Flights possible on skis or on foot. We recommend you dress warmly (ski clothes).
Donkey hiking
From ½ day to multi-day tours, guided or non-guided.
Leisure centre - swimming and ice rink
In the centre of Villard de Lans, the leisure centre includes the aquatic centre and its famous wave pool, the André Ravix ice rink, which plays host to ice hockey games from the local Les Ours (the bears) team, as well as the fitness and relaxation centre. All year round, whatever the weather, you will be able to enjoy this unique experience.
Swimming pool
Aquatic centre (Wave swimming pool, paddling pools, outside swimming pool (in summer), balloon party, aquaerobics) - no waves after 5pm.
Ice rink
With its 1800m2 of ice, the ice rink can provide a welcome breath of cool air in summer as well as being an ideal addition to your winter sports activities.
As well as traditional public sessions throughout the year with the possibility of skating lessons, "Ice Party" sessions, loved by teenagers, have been added in the evenings. Light shows, smoke machines, DJ, entertainment and lots of prizes... a real "techno-disco" night guaranteed! Free for children below the age of 5. The use of a helmet is compulsory for children, and is advisable for beginners, as is the use of gloves. Helmet rental at the door.
Le Rex cinema
Le Rex is a 360 seat cinema with 3D projection, screening international events, live shows...Screenings every day at 3pm, 5:30pm and 8:30pm. Open all year round.
Bowling
Villard de Lans 10-pin bowling alley is a great way to spend an evening (or afternoon!). Under 16s need to be accompanied by an adult.
Boules
Played all year round on the indoor bowls pitch, depending on availability. Petanque pitch and competitions organised. Open all year round.
The Via Vercors paths
Gentle mountain path! It connects the various villages of the Quatre Montagnes plateau, all year long. Discover these accessible routes, adapted for various disciplines and available all year round! A total of six sections are available, connecting Villard-de-Lans, Corrençon-en-Vercors, Lans en Vercors, Autrans, Méaudre, Saint-Nizier du Moucherotte and Engins.
You can even do a short additional loop from the Pont de l’Amour to the La Fauge waterfall! Refreshing in summer and icy in winter, it’s well worth the detour.
3 routes:
- Between Correncon en Vercors and Villard de Lans on foot - 8.5km
Don’t miss the old luge track from the 1968 Olympic Games along the way. - Through the gorges of Villard de Lans and Meaudre by electric bike - 10km
Discover this portion of the Via Vercors, which will lead you through forest paths, wooden pontoons on stilts and its footbridges to make your way across the Méaudret river. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Vercors Lait Cooperative, famous for producing the famous Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage cheese. Option to continue to Autrans, though this will add another 9 km - Take the former tram line between Villard de Lans and Lans en Vercors - 8km
Almost completely flat Via Vercors trail. In the past, this path was used by the tram from Grenoble heading towards Villard, hence its very straight layout.
Casino
Every day throughout the year. The casino includes 50 slot machines, stud poker, blackjack, bar, restaurant. The casino is open until midnight on weekdays and 2am on weekends. Entry prohibited to minors - ID required.
Horse riding
For beginners and more advanced riders, the Haras du Vercors stables are open throughout the year, in a welcoming new centre with an indoor arena. You could opt for discovery rides, lessons, courses and horseback tours in the snow.
Potholing
Discover the inner beauty of the Vercors (geology and karst), and become an explorer… A unique and rare adventure open to all above the age of 6. Beginners and the more experienced.
Tennis
Two indoor tennis courts, five outdoor courts, the possibility to play badminton. Note: variable opening depending on the weather.
Wellbeing/beauty
The Spa of the Grand Hôtel de Paris*** in the centre of Villard, in a private property covering three hectares, come experience an unforgettable time where the watchwords are relaxation and well-being. The spa has a pool with massage nozzles and a counter-current swimming machine, a Jacuzzi, a sauna and Turkish baths. Get yourself pampered with the modelage or body treatments using Sothys products, have your eyelashes extended and/or coloured, get depilatory treatment etc. (professional beauty advice and gift vouchers available).
The spa at the Hôtel des Clarines*** in the heart of Corrençon, in a contemporary and cosy mountain setting that uses natural materials, this warm and peaceful spa is also open to those who are not guests at the hotel. It offers care treatments and a relaxation area with a sauna, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi. Its professional beauticians are trained in a variety of techniques and can provide modelage, body care and facial treatments. The Cinq Mondes and Deva beauty rituals will suspend time and fill your senses.
Orienteering
There are 15 permanent orienteering circuits to discover in the villages all year round and they were created following the organisation of the World Championships in 1996.
Villard de Lans bars and restaurants
There are lots of bars and restaurants to choose from as Villard de Lans is a year-round town.
Getting to Villard de Lans, France
By road:
Driving distance from Calais to Villard de Lans is approx. 555 miles (894km), approx. 9hrs.
By rail & air:
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras. See our train services page for more information as we can pre-book the trains for you. The nearest train station to Villard de Lans is roughly 22 miles away (35km) in Grenoble (approx. 45 mins). You could also get the train to Valence, which is also served by the fast TGV from Paris. This is a similar distance from Villard de Lans as Grenoble is but Grenoble has more regular public buses to Villard.
4 international airports nearby.
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Villard de Lans is roughly 65 miles (105km), approx. 1hr 30
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Villard de Lans is roughly 70 miles (114km), approx. 1hr 30
Geneva Airport to Villard de Lans is roughly 115 miles (186km), approx. 2hrs 30
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Villard de Lans is roughly 41 miles (66km), approx. 1hr
Private taxi transfers:
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
