Les Drayes du Vercors — Vercors Trail

Les Drayes du Vercors: A Legendary Trail Since 1994

Created in 1994 by Daniel Gaulupeau, the Drayes du Vercors trail is one of the pioneers of trail running in France, born the same year as the famous Trail des Templiers. Since its first edition, this sporting event has established itself as a must-attend event for trail running in Drôme and the Vercors massif.

Four Races in the Heart of Vercors

Les Drayes du Vercors offers four courses adapted to all levels of runners, with start and finish in the historic village of La Chapelle-en-Vercors:

• Les Drayes (55 km / 2,200 m D+): the main event, a demanding course that crosses the most beautiful landscapes of Vercors, with steep climbs, forest passages, and panoramic ridges. Start at 7:00 AM.
• La Vertaco (35 km / 1,600 m D+): an intermediate course that combines technicality and landscape beauty. Start at 9:00 AM.
• La Lyrette (21 km / 1,100 m D+): an accessible trail that offers a beautiful overview of the Vercors massif. Start at 9:00 AM.
• Le Réa Bicquet (12 km / 300 m D+): a discovery course ideal for beginners and families. Start at 10:30 AM.

A children's race is also organized to allow the youngest to experience the trail.

Spectacular Landscapes

The routes of Les Drayes du Vercors cross landscapes of striking beauty: deep forests of beech and fir trees, vertiginous limestone cliffs, high-altitude meadows, enclosed gorges, and panoramic viewpoints over the Alps and the Rhône valley. The routes are designed by experienced local trail runners who know the massif intimately and select the most beautiful itineraries, often accessible only on foot.

A Family-Friendly and Welcoming Event

Born from the initiative of Daniel Gaulupeau, the Drayes du Vercors trail has always been distinguished by its simple, family-friendly, and welcoming atmosphere. The organization, driven by passionate volunteers, prioritizes authenticity and closeness to the runners. The village of La Chapelle-en-Vercors buzzes with the event, with a welcome area, generous refreshments, and a festive atmosphere at the finish line.

La Chapelle-en-Vercors, Cradle of Trail Running in Drôme

La Chapelle-en-Vercors is a mountain village located at an altitude of about 1,000 meters in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. Marked by the history of the Resistance, this commune in Drôme is also a major center for trail running and outdoor sports. Les Drayes du Vercors contribute to its sporting and tourist influence, attracting runners from all over France each year.