La Buffe

La Buffe is a summit in the commune of Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors, marking the northernmost point of the Vercors massif's western ridge. At 1,623 metres, it doesn't tower dramatically over the surrounding cliffs, but it juts forward like the prow of a ship above the Voreppe gorge, giving it a striking presence despite its modest height.

What can you see from the top?

The summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama. Looking outward toward the Isère valley and Grenoble, you can pick out the Voironnais region and the Chartreuse massif, with Belledonne, the Taillefer, and the Écrins ranges visible further away — and on a clear day, even Mont Blanc appears on the horizon. Turning inward, the view opens onto the entire Méaudre-Autrans valley along with neighbouring peaks such as Grande Moucherolle, Pic Saint-Michel, and the nearby summit of La Sure. This dual perspective — outward toward the Grenoble basin and inward across the heart of the Vercors — is what sets La Buffe apart from other viewpoints in the massif.

How do you get there?

Most hikers start from the Autrans ski resort. The straightforward route climbs through forest toward the Mortier tunnel, then follows a steeper path up to a scenic balcony trail leading to the summit. An alternative approach uses the Grande Brèche forest road. More ambitious walkers extend the outing into a loop combining La Buffe with the neighbouring La Sure summit, sometimes returning via the Trou de la Guêpe. The long-distance GR9 trail also passes through the area, making it easy to fold La Buffe into a longer ridge itinerary.

The ascent is considered easy and safe, running mostly through shaded forest — a real advantage during hot summer days. That combination of gentle grading and tree cover makes it a solid choice for families with children or anyone after a short walk that still rewards them with a wide-open panorama at the top.

When should you visit?

The hike works year-round, though its character shifts with the seasons. In summer it's a calm, largely shaded forest walk, well suited to a family day out capped by the summit view. In winter, the slopes around La Buffe turn into a popular snowshoeing area — the gentle incline and proximity to the Autrans resort make it one of the more frequented winter outings in this part of the Vercors.

What else should you know before visiting?

Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors sits in the Isère department, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and is best known as a cross-country skiing hub and a gateway into the wider Vercors massif. La Buffe is one of the more accessible walking destinations nearby, which makes it a good first outing after arriving in the area — it offers a quick sense of the massif's layout, taking in both the Grenoble-facing edge and the interior of the Vercors.

Frequently asked questions

How high is La Buffe? The summit reaches 1,623 metres above sea level and marks the northernmost point of the Vercors' western ridge.

How long does the climb take? It's a short, easy route running mostly through shaded forest, making it accessible to families and hikers without much mountain experience.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Most people begin at the Autrans resort, following the trail toward the Mortier tunnel; the Grande Brèche forest road offers an alternative approach.

Can La Buffe be combined with another route? Yes — a popular loop links La Buffe with the neighbouring La Sure summit, and the long-distance GR9 trail also runs through the area.