Rising above Grenoble like a fortress, the Vercors became the largest natural park in the northern Alps in 1970. It is reached by narrow gorges such as the gorges of Engins, Grands Goulets or La Bourne. The high, open plateaux are covered with forests of beech and conifers to the north, whereas the arid, deserted southern uplands are more reminiscent of the Midi. Countless sink-holes and caves, such as Coufin cave, are heaven for pot-holers. In winter, alpine and cross-country skiers come here to savour the peace and quiet.