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Le Gua (Isère) walks
Rocks of Ranc des Agnelons and Roc Cornafion from Prélenfrey
Visorando Member
9.83 mi
+4,216 ft
-4,216 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Le Gua (Isère) (Isère)
This is an aerial hike, partly off-trail on the ridge extending from the Gerbier to Roc Cornafion, where you can encounter the wildlife of the Vercors, particularly ibex and chamois.
The difficulty of the hike is due to its length, the absence of a trail for a good quarter of the route, and the short climb leading to Roc Cornafion.
Pas de l'Œille
4.18 mi
+2,182 ft
-2,182 ft
3h 50
Difficult
Departure from Le Gua (Isère) (Isère)
A challenging hike that takes you over one of the passes on the eastern edge of the Vercors.
The final climb is difficult. Please be careful
Grande Moucherolle and Pas de l'Œille via the Pré de l'Achard
9.08 mi
+5,289 ft
-5,289 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Le Gua (Isère) (Isère)
A very beautiful circular route allowing you to get up close to the ibex and, at times, to use your hands on the rocks leading to the Grande Moucherolle, the border between the Northern and Southern Vercors, whilst avoiding the ski runs.
The hike follows a path that is partly faint and sparsely marked with cairns, and even off-trail along the ridges, but the route is always clear.
The karst landscapes of the Pré de l'Achard are stunning and very quiet.
Prélenfrey via the Pas de l'Échalier, from Les Petits Amieux
6.08 mi
+1,663 ft
-1,637 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Le Gua (Isère) (Isère)
A short half-day walk that will take you through the hamlets in the commune of Le Gua and offer some views of the Gresse Valley.
The Flaming Fountain circuit
6.00 mi
+1,342 ft
-1,319 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Le Gua (Isère) (Isère)
A hike that visits one of the 7 Wonders of Dauphiné.
Route around the Saillant du Gua, waterfall on the Champa stream
4.74 mi
+741 ft
-738 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Le Gua (Isère) (Isère)
A short walk suitable for all seasons, offering a chance to discover the many facets of the Grenoble conurbation. The route takes you through the village of Saillant du Gua and its numerous hamlets, the Gresse Valley and a little-known waterfall, which usually flows in spring when the snow melts.
Please note that this walk is easily accessible by public transport via TAG bus route 17; get off at the terminus.
Pas de la Balme
9.03 mi
+3,586 ft
-3,579 ft
7h 15
Moderate
Departure from Le Gua (Isère) (Isère)
This beautiful hike takes you to one of the passes of the Vercors and offers an exceptional view of the Petite Moucherolle and Grande Moucherolle, which dominate Corrençon and Villard de Lans on the other side.
The Jonier and Ferrière ridges, a circular route from the Col de l'Arzelier
5.21 mi
+1,946 ft
-1,965 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Le Gua (Isère) (Isère)
A circular route mainly through woodland with magnificent panoramic views. Some sections are steep, though not precipitous.
Note: this hike begins with a 125-metre descent and ends with a 125-metre climb, but the setting is lovely and it’s a very pleasant walk.
Circuit passing by the Fontaine Ardente
4.67 mi
+1,184 ft
-1,188 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-de-la-Cluze (Isère)
This easy half-day circuit takes you from the bottom of the Gresse valley to the Miribel-Lanchâtre plateau, passing by one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné: the Fontaine Ardente. On the plateau, there are some beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
The Pas de l'Oeille and its ibexes
5.89 mi
+1,056 ft
-2,900 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
A hike in the heart of the Vercors to discover ibex (numerous and not shy in these mountains). And as a bonus on arrival, beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Lac de la Moucherolle
7.18 mi
+1,280 ft
-3,136 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
This walk leads to Lac de la Moucherolle and the Fauge valley.
This hike allows you to discover a multitude of landscapes ranging from a mineral world to pastures and forests with beautiful panoramic views of the entire northern Vercors.
Col des Deux Sœurs and Lac de la Moucherolle from the cable car
4.73 mi
+1,362 ft
-1,345 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
Winter ascent to the Col des Deux Sœurs via Lac de la Moucherolle from the Cote 2000 cable car station in Villard-de-Lans. Also possible in summer.
Col des 2 Sœurs - Grande Moucherolle - Sophie - Pas de l'Œille circular
10.08 mi
+5,528 ft
-5,531 ft
8 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Château-Bernard (Isère)
This magnificent figure-eight route combines the ascent of Grande Moucherolle, the second highest peak in the Vercors, with the crossing of two challenging passes and the discovery of the Rocher des Deux Sœurs ridges.
This hike includes two short climbing sections (less than 5 metres each), which are not particularly difficult but are exposed. A good quarter of the route is on poorly marked paths, requiring a good sense of direction even though orientation is easy.
Marmots and ibex are on the menu.
Ferrière and Jonier ridges from Miribel-Lanchâtre
6.54 mi
+2,530 ft
-2,533 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Miribel-Lanchâtre (Isère)
A ridge trail offering beautiful views of the eastern Vercors, Dévoluy and Trièves.
Crossing the Grande and Petite Moucherolle, from the Deux Sœurs to La Balme
8.39 mi
+4,259 ft
-4,239 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Château-Bernard (Isère)
A magnificent, fairly challenging traverse, taking in the Grande and then the Petite Moucherolle, ascending via the Col des Deux Sœurs and descending via the Pas de la Balme, starting from the Arzelier resort.
Several sections require caution, either due to the steepness of the rocky outcrops to be crossed or the deterioration of the historic path, but the views, both along the route and from the summits, more than make up for the effort required.
This hike is classified as very difficult for the reasons explained in the “Practical Information” section.
Crête de la Ferrière and Pré Playnet
4.00 mi
+1,522 ft
-1,522 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Château-Bernard (Isère)
Make no mistake, this short circuit is a real hike. The climb is steep in places but fortunately short, and the passage over the Ferrière ridge is a real treat (you are almost directly above the Gresse valley and the village of Miribel Lanchâtre). The view from the summit is well worth the detour.
Le Grand Brion from La Merlière
3.35 mi
+1,060 ft
-1,040 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Vif (Isère)
This route allows you to explore, in half a day, the rather wild wooded ridge of the Grand Brion, situated between Vercors and Matheysine. Fortunately, beautiful meadows offset the austere nature of this forested massif.
Fauge Shelter - Jasse du Play Shelter
15.97 mi
+2,552 ft
-1,575 ft
9h 35
Difficult
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
This is the longest stage of this traverse, but also the one that marks the entrance to the high plateaus.
Roybon Hut – La Peyrouse Hut
10.88 mi
+2,182 ft
-1,719 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
Day2 of a traverse of the Vercors via the balcony path.
La Lassière and the Chemin de la Crête
5.77 mi
+1,181 ft
-1,181 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-de-la-Cluze (Isère)
This route runs mainly through woodland and can be enjoyed in all seasons. You’ll discover a viewpoint over the Vercors massif, the Gresse valley and the Drac valley with the Notre-Dame-de-Commiers reservoir. You’ll also pass close to the Château de Paquier, which has been converted into a guesthouse.
Circuit around Saint-Martin-de-la-Cluze
4.80 mi
+735 ft
-768 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Saint-Martin-de-la-Cluze (Isère)
This short hike will allow you to discover this part of the Trièves. First, at the highest point, you will enjoy a magnificent 360° view of the Vercors, the Obiou and the western slope of the Senepy. You will then be able to see the Drac valley, Lake Monteynard and the route of the little train from La Mure along the mountainside.
The Tour du Pieu
6.54 mi
+2,054 ft
-2,077 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul-de-Varces (Isère)
This route allows you to discover the eastern slope of the Vercors as well as the view of the Gresse Valley and the massifs to the east (Taillefer, Belledonne).
The vegetation on the eastern slope of Le Pieu is very characteristic of Mediterranean regions, even though we are in the heart of the Alps.
Moderator's addition on 17/05/2021: Please note: parking problem at the start. See suggestion at the beginning of the description and the comment dated 17/05/2021
La Grande Moucherolle via the Fenêtre ridge and the east ridge
11.15 mi
+4,160 ft
-4,177 ft
8h 45
Extremely difficult
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
Although located within a ski resort, this circular route avoids deforested and lunar landscapes as much as possible. The ascent is mostly through forest on little-used tracks. The crossing of the north-west ridge is superb, culminating in the magnificent Arche de la Fenêtre. The aerial descent of the east ridge leads to the Col des Deux Sœurs.The return journey to the Pas de l'Œil is via a little-used path that continues along the foot of the Gerbier ridges. Via the Combe Charbonnière, the route joins theGR®®91, which takes you back to the Balcon de Villard.
Sommet du Pieu or Le Bémont
6.67 mi
+2,976 ft
-2,982 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul-de-Varces (Isère)
One of the most beautiful viewpoints over Grenoble, but you have to work for it – the climb is steep! Definitely avoid this route after or during rain. Walking poles are highly recommended. The difficulty of this hike is concentrated in the 300 m of elevation gain before the summit, where the slope through the undergrowth is very steep, on soft, slippery ground with only faint tracks in places. The descent is then very gradual and pleasant, which is why it’s worth taking the route in this direction.
Roybonnet circular
7.76 mi
+1,870 ft
-1,870 ft
6 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
A lovely circular, not always on the beaten track, which will allow you to discover most of the many types of landscapes that the Vercors has to offer: forest, alpine meadows, rocks and beautiful panoramic views.
Pas de l’Œille – Col des Deux Sœurs
8.94 mi
+3,517 ft
-3,491 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
An ideal hike for spotting ibex and magnificent scenery! The return via the resort could probably be improved by taking a different route to make this hike absolutely perfect!
Tour of the Vallon de la Fauge via the icefall
5.01 mi
+1,178 ft
-1,155 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
This snowshoe hike will take you to a pretty, unspoilt valley away from the ski resort.
The icing on the cake is a superb ice waterfall in the middle of the forest, creating a magical atmosphere.
La Fauge Waterfall
4.78 mi
+948 ft
-948 ft
3 hrs
Easy
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
A magical snowshoe hike with breathtaking scenery in the Vercors region of Isère, starting from the Villard-de-Lans resort.
Villard-de-Lans: From Les Clots to Col Vert, return via Combe Charbonnière
6.91 mi
+2,152 ft
-2,126 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
Climb from the very pretty spot called Les Clots towards the Col Vert and descend via the Combe Charbonnière, a scree slope that is a little tricky to navigate. View of the Belledonne massif from the Col.
This allows you to get a good view of the Vercors landscapes and enjoy the variety of the mid-mountain terrain.
Not to be attempted in winter! Between 6 and 7, there is a high risk of avalanches, especially towards the Combe de la Charbonnière.
Cascade de la Fauge from Les Glovettes
3.25 mi
+561 ft
-568 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
A short walk, partly through the woods, following the Ruisseau de la Fauge stream and discovering its pretty waterfall from the Glovettes car park.
You can also start from the Clos car park, which will shorten the walk and avoid the sunny, tarmac section (but you will miss out on the beautiful view...).
Lac des Prés at the start of Les Clots
4.56 mi
+1,050 ft
-1,037 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
A beautiful snowshoe hike above Villard-de-Lans, starting from the Clots car park and returning to Lac des Prés.
Beautiful scenery, stunning snow-covered forests, a fairly easy route, and the peace and beauty of the snow-covered fields.
The only challenge was a steep climb to reach the lake and then a steep descent. Be careful of ice patches.
La Grande Moucherolle
10.96 mi
+4,180 ft
-4,186 ft
8h 40
Difficult
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
A challenging hike with the ascent of the second highest peak in the Vercors, the Grande Moucherolle (2,284 m).
Pas de l'Œille via the Vallon de la Fauge and return via Grande Combe
7.90 mi
+2,733 ft
-2,723 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
You start from a place called Les Clots and head to the magnificent Vallon de la Fauge. At the bottom, you climb up the Combe Charbonnière, reach the Pas de l'Œille and look out over Prélenfrey at 1,960 m and the Lac de Notre-Dame de Commiers on the Grenoble valley side. The return route passes through Grande Combe, offering spectacular views, and follows the tracks down to 1,350 metres. You return to Les Clots via L'Aversin. A feast for the eyes, sometimes with chamois!
Circular route around the three hamlets beneath the Balcons de Villard
2.27 mi
+427 ft
-427 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
A short walk with minimal elevation gain, taking in three small hamlets: Les Guillets, Les Bouchards and Les Pouteils beneath the Balcons de la Cote 2000 / Villard-de-Lans, via paths that alternate between shade and full sun.
Tour of the hamlets south of Vif
7.28 mi
+1,102 ft
-1,089 ft
4h 20
Easy
Departure from Vif (Isère)
After a few modifications, I am once again offering this enjoyable hike on the hillsides, which will allow you to discover unexpected aspects of the A51 motorway as well as interesting views of the eastern side of the Vercors. You will also discover small hamlets in the south of the Grenoble metropolitan area.
Le Grand Brion
10.24 mi
+2,566 ft
-2,575 ft
6h 55
Moderate
Departure from Vif (Isère)
A lovely hike to enjoy in any season, offering a chance to discover the Grenoble region, the Drac Valley and the eastern cliffs of the Vercors (Pic Saint-Michel, Deux Sœurs, etc.).
The Uriol ridge
4.32 mi
+1,617 ft
-1,617 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Vif (Isère)
This short hike will take you to the ridge overlooking the Gresse valley and the Vif plain on one side, and the village of Saint-Paul-de-Varces on the other, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains: Belledonne, Vercors and Chartreuse.
From Vif to L'Échaillon, return via Les Saillants-du-Gua.
8.18 mi
+2,080 ft
-2,090 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Vif (Isère)
A beautiful hike, accessible in all seasons, but it is best to avoid the heat of summer. Discover the Gresse valley and the Montagne d'Uriol with its almost Mediterranean vegetation.
More walks in Le Gua (Isère)
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