Did you know? The marmot was reintroduced to the Vercors massif in the 1970s.
Between April and September, when the sun warms the rocks, these rodents sunbathe peacefully on the Vercors pastures.
But never with both eyes closed.
A wide field of vision lets the marmot pick up the presence of a possible predator like the eagle or the fox. If it has a doubt, it whistles to alert the group and rushes back to the burrow.
The Pied Vert mountain leaders offer an outing to discover the world of marmots and watch them in their natural habitat.
Book
As always with mountain wildlife, sightings are not guaranteed: we are not in a zoo.
On this outing we look at the life cycle of the marmot:
Where does the marmot live in winter?
It hibernates at the bottom of one of its burrows.
But what does hibernation actually involve? Does it pee? Plenty to discuss in the field while the spotting scope passes from eye to eye.
Is the marmot dangerous?
About as much as the wolf, in any case for humans. The marmot bolts if you get too close... but be careful not to put your face in front of a burrow: a marmot mother will protect her young as she should.
When are baby marmots born?
The young marmots are born in late May and June. July is then a good time to watch the first outings of these little balls of fur.
Where to see marmots in Villard-de-Lans?
Marmots nap or sunbathe on the heights above Villard-de-Lans: you need to hike up to the alpine stage, above the forest.
See our hikes in Villard-de-Lans.
Marmot photos
Taken during observations on the Molière plateau, between Lans-en-Vercors, Autrans and Engins:
Booking
To arrange a marmot outing, call us on 07 66 64 90 96 or write to (contactpiedvert.com ).
We adjust the physical difficulty of the outing to your group. Possible starts for this hike in Villard-de-Lans, Autrans, Corrençon-en-Vercors, etc.
Our rates slide: from 30€/person for a group of 6 on a half day.
And why not combine a marmot watch with a Vercors bivouac, a chance to watch the marmots at sunset and at dawn.
You can also gift a marmot outing with a nature gift box.
Also discover
Our outings on Vercors wildlife and our nature activities in Villard-de-Lans:
- Watching the
Alpine Ibex
- In the heart of the Vercors forests
Red Deer Rut
Isère: Vercors, Villard, Autrans - Watching the
Alpine Chamois - Vercors
