Camping in Autrans: in the heart of the Vercors, France’s cross-country skiing capital
Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors. Behind this name lies one of the most authentic mountain destinations in Isère — and one of the best kept secrets of the French Alps. Perched at 1,050 metres above sea level on the northern Vercors plateau, just 34 km from Grenoble, this characterful village boasts an impressive sporting reputation: ranked the 3rd best Nordic skiing area in France for the 2024–2025 season, awarded the Nordic France 5-fir rating — the highest distinction in cross-country skiing — and an Olympic site from the 1968 Grenoble Winter Games.
Staying at a campsite in Autrans means waking up every morning in a real, living mountain village. A preserved environment, a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and direct access to one of Europe’s most renowned Nordic ski areas: Autrans offers that rare feeling of truly experiencing the mountains at your own pace.
Discover our campsites in the Vercors and Trièves to find your ideal accommodation in Autrans and the surrounding area.
Autrans in winter: France’s cross-country skiing capital
Autrans in winter means the Vercors at its best: 100 km of Nordic ski trails, alpine skiing, biathlon, and snowshoeing. But the real pleasure is returning to your campsite after a day in the mountains.
Campsites are designed for winter comfort: heated sanitary facilities, drying rooms for equipment, and close proximity to the ski tracks. Some sites even offer heated indoor pools. You can stay in a mountain-designed mobile home or park your campervan and live at the rhythm of the village.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with many returning guests who come back year after year — this is what camping spirit is all about. In the evening, people share a well-earned meal, compare routes of the day over a traditional Vercors raclette with Bleu du Vercors cheese, and children fall asleep happily. The next day, it starts again — or not, because in camping, you are free to take a rest day whenever you like.
Autrans in summer: the Vercors through forests and ridges
When snow gives way to flowering alpine meadows, Autrans reveals a different side: mountain biking, hiking, zip-lining, mountain swimming pools, and local markets — days are full and varied.
At the campsite, a different rhythm takes over. Breakfast is enjoyed outside overlooking the mountain ridges. In the afternoon, some relax in the shade on their terrace while children play in the leisure areas. In the evening, everyone gathers around a good meal — sometimes at the campsite barbecue area — chatting with neighbours who know every trail in the region. And you start thinking about coming back next year. That’s mountain camping in summer.
Campsites in Autrans offer a wide range of accommodation: tent pitches and campervan sites for those who enjoy direct contact with nature, fully equipped mobile homes for a comfortable stay, and sometimes unusual accommodation that delights children. What they all share is a privileged location — either in the heart of the village or just steps from the trails and ski slopes, in a peaceful natural setting.
Village life: an authentic and gourmet Vercors
What makes Autrans different from high-altitude resort towns is its village character. The villages of Autrans and Méaudre have kept their year-round shops, active farms, traditional restaurants, and beautiful stone houses.
Farming remains an important part of local life: milk from plateau cows is used to produce Saint-Marcellin and Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage (AOP), two iconic cheeses of the Isère region. The latter is used in “Vercouline”, a local raclette made with Bleu du Vercors — a must-try after a day in the mountains.
How to get to campsites in Autrans, Isère
From Grenoble (34 km, ~45 min): RN 531 and 532 towards Villard-de-Lans via Sassenage and Lans-en-Vercors. Or D106 via Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte (38 km).
From Lyon (130 km, ~1h30): A48 towards Grenoble, exit Villard-de-Lans/Autrans (first exit after the Grenoble toll), then RN 532 and 531.
From Valence (80 km, ~1h15): A49 towards Grenoble, exit Baume-d’Hostun, then towards Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans and Villard-de-Lans via the Bourne Gorges.
By train: Grenoble TGV station (34 km), then seasonal shuttle buses or taxis to Autrans. Grenoble-Isère Airport (Saint-Geoirs) is about 60 km away.
FAQ
What is the altitude of Autrans?
Autrans village sits at 1,050 metres above sea level on the northern Vercors plateau. The alpine ski area reaches 1,710 metres, while the Nordic ski area of Gève lies between 1,200 and 1,600 metres.
Where can you ski in Autrans?
Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors offers two complementary ski areas. Alpine skiing includes 35 family-friendly slopes between 1,050 and 1,710 m. Cross-country skiing covers 100 km of trails at Gève, ranked 3rd in France for Nordic skiing (2024–2025 season), awarded the Nordic France 5-fir label.
Is Autrans suitable for families?
Absolutely. It is designed for families: small-scale infrastructure, and activities for all ages including biathlon, sledging, zip-lining, caving, mountain biking, and swimming.
Can you try biathlon in Autrans?
Yes. The David Moretti biathlon stadium in Gève offers introductory sessions supervised by French Ski School instructors. It is accessible from age 10 and available both in winter (on skis) and year-round on roller skis.
Are campsites in Autrans open in winter?
Some campsites remain open in winter and offer campervan pitches and heated accommodation, ideal for combining comfort with direct access to Nordic ski trails.
How much do campsites in Autrans cost?
Prices vary depending on accommodation type, rating, and season. Check real-time availability and prices via our search engine — no commission fees are applied. Early booking offers are recommended for the best rates.
Book your campsite in Autrans, Isère
Autrans-Méaudre en Vercors is mountain life at its best: authentic, peaceful, sporty and human-sized. Whether you come for cross-country skiing in winter, cycling the Vercors ridges in summer, or simply to relax in nature, this destination offers everything you could want from a mountain escape.
