Dauphiné walks

Visit the Trois Becs, the high points of the Forest of Saou. Correction: the elevation is 750 m instead of the 1071 m described.

A complete change of scene in this superb canyon between two narrow cliffs. An unusual place where a crevasse plunges into nowhere, with a peaceful and shady atmosphere between boulders, lichens and ferns.

This is a hike that starts with a ferry crossing. The objective is to take the two elegant bridges. The first bridge crosses the Drac. The second bridge crosses the Ebron. Satisfactory markings.

The west summit of Saou forest, which marks the beginning (or end) of this forest.

A long hike across the Vercors Highlands ("Hauts Plateaux du Vercors"), to reach the Grand Veymont. Breath-taking view of the entire Vercors massif and Mont Aiguille.

From Buis-les-Baronnies, walk around the Rocher Saint-Julien enjoying the views of the Baronnies and Mont Ventoux.

This easily accessed summit is located on a ridge between the "Vallée de la Gresse" and the Vercors plateau. It offers a breathtaking view on Belledonne, Les Rousses and a bit further Les Ecrins.

A day's walk, quite lovely and varied. You start by going through the Grand Platon Forest, then going along the south-east bank of the lake with beautiful views over the lake. You change banks and go along the Feydelière and Véronnière marshes ('Marais' - protected sites). The return is via the north-west bank of the lake with beautiful views over Chartreuse and, if the weather is clear, Mont Blanc.

Discover the Marmottes de Prapic. This easy, gentle hike is ideal for all the family. As well as the valley's magnificent scenery, it's also an opportunity to meet marmots almost without fail.

A walk through gorges is always pleasant, and in those of Méouge it's a real joy.

The highest point in the Vercors at 2341 m, the Grand Veymont offers 360° panoramic views.

A place of pilgrimage on 26 July on the feast day of Anne, this lake at the foot of the Col Girardin is an obligatory stop-off point for pilgrims on the famous GR®5.

Discover the old tramway line linking Saint-Marcellin (38) and Lyon (69).

The Lac du Lauvitel and its integral reserve (the first in France, created in 1995).

Easy walk on this “tooth” overlooking the Isère valley and offering an interesting view over the east foothills of Chartreuse.

A magnificent loop starting from the Chalet de la Charmette, via the Col de la Grande Vache and Col de la Petite Vache. An aerial walk with breathtaking views.

Panoramic view of Lake Serre Ponçon from the Pic du Morgon (2,324 m). A family hike that can test your legs on the last part. For information: The Morgon mountain pasture is closed to dogs from 15 June to 15 September. They are tolerated on a leash between 15 July and 15 August. 17.05.2023: The Grand Clos car park is only accessible via the Abbaye de Boscodon. If travelling by car, do not attempt to access the site via any other GPS route.

This hike will take you into the charming Gorges du Gorgonnet. It is a family-friendly route. However, caution is advised. Although the trail is wide and comfortable, there are no guardrails in some places, so keep an eye on children. At the end of the gorges, they can enjoy a natural swimming pool with particularly clear (and cold) water.

The "Passage de l'Aulp du Seuil" ("Aulp du Seuil" passing): this hike is one of the most beautiful hikes of the Chartreuse massif.

In a wood near Saint Barthélémy de Vals, these rocks form a group of 51 blocks arranged in three roughly concentric circles covering nearly 6 hectares, hence the name "Cromlech de la Roche qui danse" (Dancing Rock Cromlech). Legend has it that "at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, the rocks begin to dance". Please note: see the practical information section.

The great cliff of Rocher du Caire rises above Rémuzat. Look up and you'll see griffon vultures flying over the valley. Please note that a hiker has informed us that a municipal by-law (posted at the top) prohibits hiking in the opposite direction.

Hike facing the majestic panorama offered by La Meije, one of the queens of the Ecrins. Message from the moderator: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

The highest point of the Chartreuse massif. As a bonus, there is a cable to access the summit platform. Magnificent panorama of the Chartreuse, with views of Mont Blanc, Mont Aiguille and the Vercors.

A pretty lake in a rocky landscape, overlooking the Grésivaudan valley. From the lake, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Chartreuse mountains.

A remarkable circuit in the famous Fonts de Cervières valley, with a magnificent lake at the foot of the Pic de Rochebrune cirque.

A lovely little hike to the summit of Pégarnier, which offers magnificent views of the villages of Espenel, Vercheny and Aurel en Diois.

Please note: due to a major landslide, this hike is currently not possible. You start by walking along the Isère river through walnut trees. You then climb up the foothills of the Vercors, before returning via the Gaffe footbridge and the wild, steep-sided Gorgonnet gorges.

Between the Benedictine Abbey of Triors and the Chapel of Gillons, you may encounter monks who also enjoy the tranquillity of these paths, which pass by beautiful walnut groves and close to the foothills of the Drôme hills.

A hike in Drôme and Isère, but starting from the Vercors drômois side. The Vallon de Combau and the Tête Chevalière at 1951m. A panoramic view over the Trièves valley. During the months of May and June, the Vallon du Combau is must-visit destination, where you can enjoy the flora and fauna, particularly marmottes. A relatively easy hike up to the Pas de l'Essaure pass, then a little more difficult.

A route with changing landscapes between the Lyon plain and the Alps, shaded in summer with glimpses of the Alps.

This is a short, unusual walk that follows the Alloix torrent. Curious walkers will spend more time admiring the work of the water than walking. This walk can end with a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the old village or, as the locals say, "on the paths of yesteryear", where local markings will guide you.

Starting from Vercheny-le-Temple (or Vercheny le Haut), this is a very pretty hike on easy trails and paths, providing access to one of the ridges of the Grand Barry-Gaudichart, as well as the ruined castle of Barry. Exceptional panoramic views of the Vercors, the Baronnies and the Diois. The return journey is partly via the western slope, offering another panorama of the Saoû ridges, and partly via the eastern slope, via the Pas de la Bernarde, which has been cleared between the rocks (no equipment required).

Short family-friendly walk with a magnificent view, manageable on foot or on snowshoes.

This walk allows you to discover the castles of Pupetière and Virieu. You first walk along the Bourbre valley on the hillside, then through the forest, passing the Croix du Moine Mort, and finally return to the hill towards Virieu.

A family walk surrounded by works of art. With the added bonus of a splendid view of the Vercors.

Discover the south-western ridge of the famous Saou Forest.

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.

A family loop trail among waterfalls and flowers to Lac Bleu and Lac Lauzon, in the exceptional setting of the Cirque du Gioberney, above the Voile de la Mariée waterfall. Moderator's warning on 12/10/2020: Caution! The two small bridges over the Lauzon Torrent have been washed away. See the notice from Lnltrn dated 12/10/2020.

This is a lovely little hike, with a trail that takes you to the middle of a cliff overlooking the Bournillon cirque 400 metres below, offering magnificent views of the Bourne gorges. This route allows you to discover the springs of the Moulin Marquis, the Grotte des Gaulois and the Porte du Diable, a natural limestone arch. The total elevation gain for this hike is around 200 metres.

The start is at the Col du Rousset, on the Chamaloc side. If you want to see the Col de Rousset from a different angle, take this hike, which follows a magnificent path carved into the mountainside, with a via ferrata above if you feel so inclined. This path was used by mule drivers to reach Vassieux via the Col de Chironne. You will also admire the magnificent Chironne rocks overlooking the Chamaloc valley.

A classic of the upper Clarée Valley with a magnificent panorama of the Cerces and Ecrins massifs.

Out of curiosity, I mapped out this route when I discovered that a karstic cave bears the same name as me. This route winds through the Lente forest and offers beautiful views of the Vassieux en Vercors valley and the Grand Veymont. And for those with a sweet tooth, you can enjoy wild raspberries, wild strawberries and, more rarely, blueberries along the way.

Hike starting from Poët-Laval, offering sweeping views of the Vercors, the Rhône Valley and northern Vaucluse.

In the mountains of the Baronnies, imagine a lost hamlet inhabited by giants... Skeletons with very long shins were found in the crypt of the chapel. They are the source of the name of the locality.

Very nice hike without any difficulty, with stunning views of the Pas des Voutes, Pas de la Charmate and Pas de l'Allier.

This chapel is on the ridge of the Forest of Saoû, above the ruins of an old priory. At the top of the climb from La Clastre, hikers have breathtaking views of the hanging valley of Saoû.

A circular walk on Couspeau mountain, with the summit of the Grand Delmas offering views over the surrounding mountains, particularly the 3 Becs.

The Saracen Caves at the ruins of the old village of Béconne provide a short walk through the woods and fields of lavender and lead you on an enjoyable route among the vestiges of the past and let you indulge your imagination.

Very nice, accessible hike: no difficult passages, breathtaking views of the glaciers all the way, regular waterfalls, marmots, an incredible end to the hike with the Oules du Diable. Hike done on August 23, 2014, a year with a lot of water, we were lucky: waterfalls and torrents "at full throttle" and a very flowery route!

A short, easy and enjoyable stroll. You will walk alongside ponds, cross through woods on wide, pleasant paths (which can sometimes be a bit muddy...). The peaks of Pilat are visible in the distance. Thanks to Marc for this walk!