Things to do and see
A good kilometre from the nearest hamlet, the Gîte de Ganisson is worth the journey. To find this increasingly rare tranquillity, you need to gain a little height (900 m above sea level) and distance from the crowds. Don't forget the bread! The nearest bakery is 13 km away. But if you love the outdoors, mountains and climbing, you will adore wandering along country paths, cycling the spectacular roads of the Vercors or even jumping into refreshing canyons.
The village of Presles sits on a plateau in the north of the Vercors, in the Coulmes massif. It is an unspoilt area, untouched by mass tourism. The Coulmes state forest covers 16,000 hectares. It is a mixed forest where beech, spruce and fir grow alongside maple, rowan, oak and lime, not to mention box on the south-facing slopes. All this lush vegetation is a perfect refuge for wildlife: red deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes, wolves and, more rarely, the lynx.
Summer activities
Nature is everywhere, inviting you to explore. The Vercors offers a wealth of outdoor activities.
Close to the Gîte de Ganisson, you have right on your doorstep:
- Walking: many short hiking trails (yellow and green waymarks) criss-cross the massif, ideal for day walks from the gîte. For a multi-day trek, try the Tour des Coulmes (red and yellow waymarks). Hiking maps and guidebooks are available at the gîte to help you find your way.
- Cycling: with the Royans-Coulmes FFC mountain bike centre and road cycling.
- Climbing on the Presles cliffs. They are iconic for their height (up to 300 m) and for their number of routes: 300 routes graded from 4a+ to 8b. The cliffs stretch for almost 6 km, and the steepness of the Presles walls makes it a site renowned for its difficulty, attracting elite climbers from all over the world.
- The Écouges canyon: there is nothing like it to discover unexpected landscapes up close to the elements. Slides, abseils, jumps: this canyon stands out for its variety, gets plenty of sun and offers an unforgettable adventure. The Écouges is a full-day trip, led by qualified instructors.
Winter activities
The Coulmes massif is renowned for its Nordic activities, especially cross-country skiing, starting from Presles de Patente (10 minutes from the gîte), where you can put on your skis and enjoy 50 km of groomed trails.
- Rencurel alpine ski area: a small family resort an hour’s drive from the Gîte de Ganisson, for downhill skiing fans.
Find all the practical information on their website. - Snowshoe trails: put on your snowshoes and explore the waymarked trails of the Coulmes Nordic area.
- Package stay: Nordic ski touring in the Coulmes and the Vercors with Philippe Brass, high-mountain guide.
See the full programme here (in French).
Within a 30-minute drive
Whether you love geology, picturesque little villages or exceptional natural areas, you are in for a treat!
Our location makes it easy to enjoy fun and educational visits to several sites near the gîte.
Among the must-sees is the spectacular Choranche cave.
The hanging houses of the medieval village of Pont-en-Royans, also popular for its riverbanks where swimming in the Bourne is allowed. For more nature, the Rimets fossil valley opens the doors of its protected natural area for walks exploring the geology and formation of the Vercors.
Eating out in Pont-en-Royans
- Pizz’Adèle: at last, a real pizza made entirely in-house. Salads, steak and chips, ravioles gratin and other snacks for a good meal, or simply a nice ice cream overlooking the banks of the Bourne! Phone: +33 4 76 36 15 75
- La Fring’Halle: snacks and organic ice cream. Phone: +33 6 67 22 60 90
- Le restaurant du Musée de l’Eau: fine dining showcasing local produce. Phone: +33 4 76 36 15 53
- Le Beau Rivage: traditional meals and regional cooking. Phone: +33 6 42 77 33 08
- Le Phoenix Pontois: home-made Asian cooking inspired by the flavours of South-East Asia. Phone: +33 6 15 49 51 92
In the village of Presles
Les Jardins Preslins: organic market garden and eggs. Farm shop opening hours:
→ May–June and September to December
Fridays, 4.30 to 7 pm
→ July–August
Saturdays, 4.30 to 7 pm.