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Just 1.5 hours from Lyon, this nature park ranks among the world's most beautiful autumn hikes

undefined undefined 15 septembre 2026 undefined 19h00

undefined undefined 16 septembre 2026 undefined 15h42

The Editor

Francois Roux

No need to cross the Atlantic to enjoy postcard-worthy landscapes this fall. Just 1.5 hours from Lyon, the Vercors has recently been ranked among the world's best hiking destinations, surrounded by stunning autumn colors.

According to a ranking by Icelandair, the Vercors regional natural park takes 9th place among the best destinations for an autumn hike. The study compared several sites around the world, taking into account factors like trail quality, the intensity of seasonal colors, and visitor feedback.

The results highlight landscapes spread far and wide across the globe. The Peak District in the United Kingdom takes the top spot, ahead of Rocky Mountain National Park in the United States and Acadia National Park. The Lake District, the White Mountains, and the Lake Tahoe basin also make it into the top rankings.

France certainly has nothing to be ashamed of. Two French destinations appear in this top 10: the Vosges, in 7th place, and the Vercors, in 9th. A wonderful recognition for our country's landscapes at a time when forests are trading in their summery greens for much more spectacular hues.

A festival of colors less than two hours from Lyon

In autumn, the Vercors transforms into a true natural palette of shades. The foliage gradually shifts from golden yellow to rusty and orange tones, while the limestone rocks add grayer nuances to the scenery.

The park's charm lies above all in the diversity of its landscapes. Cliffs, plateaus, valleys, waterfalls and limestone gorges succeed one another along the trails, creating that hiking experience where the panorama changes at virtually every bend.

And that's precisely what helps it stand out in the study. Vercors ranks 7th for the beauty of its autumn colors and 10th for its popularity with visitors. Enough to enjoy spectacular scenery without necessarily finding yourself in the middle of a crowd of tourists.

The perfect getaway idea from Lyon

For Lyonnais looking for an exotic autumn hike, Vercors certainly checks some particularly appealing boxes. The destination remains close enough to consider a day trip, while offering a radical change of scenery.

Autumn is actually one of the best times to discover its landscapes. Softer light, cooler temperatures, and colorful forests give the park's trails a completely different atmosphere. And contrary

Unlike certain international destinations on the ranking, you won't need to book a plane ticket to get there.

The complete ranking

1. Peak District, United Kingdom
2. Rocky Mountains National Park, United States
3. Acadia National Park, United States
4. Lake Tahoe Basin, United States
5. Lake District, United Kingdom
6. White Mountains, United States
7. The Vosges, France
8. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, United States
9. ParkRegional of Vercors, France
10. Snowdonia, Wales


Source : Icelandair