Bec de l'Orient

Bec de l'Orient is a 1,554 m summit rising above the Gève plateau, just outside the village of Autrans, within the municipality of Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors. It sits in the northern part of the Vercors massif and ranks among the more popular day-hike destinations near Grenoble.

How do you get there?

The easiest approach starts in Grenoble on the D531 toward Villard-de-Lans, passing through Engins and the Furon Gorges. At the roundabout in Lans-en-Vercors, turn right toward Autrans and Méaudre, cross the Col de la Croix Perrin, and descend into the village of Autrans. From there, marked trails lead up onto the Gève plateau, where the climb to the summit begins. The full loop covers roughly 10 km with a combined ascent and descent of about 588 m, taking around four and a half hours. The trail is rated difficult (orange level), so it's worth allowing extra time and wearing proper hiking footwear.

What will you see?

The climb is rewarded with a full 360-degree panorama, considered one of the best effort-to-view ratios anywhere in the Prealps. From the summit, the view stretches across the Isère Valley and the surrounding ridges and valleys of the Vercors. The light in late afternoon is especially striking, adding depth and color to the panorama. The summit draws hikers in summer and snowshoers in winter, when the plateau is blanketed in snow.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn are best for hikers in good shape, when visibility over the Isère Valley tends to be at its clearest. In winter, a snowshoe route via La Ture becomes the preferred way up, adapted to snow conditions on the plateau. Because the trail is demanding and mountain weather can change quickly, check the forecast before setting out and avoid days with poor visibility — the panorama is the whole point of the trip.

Who is this hike for?

Bec de l'Orient suits hikers with some mountain experience: the route is long and requires stamina, though no technical climbing gear is needed. It's a solid choice for visitors to the Vercors region looking for a full-day hike with a guaranteed view, without tackling higher, more technical summits.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Bec de l'Orient? The summit reaches 1,554 m above sea level.

How long does the hike take? The full loop is about 10 km and takes roughly four and a half hours, with around 588 m of elevation gain.

Is the trail difficult? It's rated difficult (orange level) and recommended for hikers with prior mountain hiking experience.

Can you hike it in winter? Yes, a popular snowshoe variant via La Ture is used in winter, adapted to snow conditions on the Gève plateau.