Etape 8 Col d'Ornon Alpe du Grand Serre

A very little-used, off-the-beaten-track hike. Moderator’s note regarding the route: This route apparently follows an off-trail path; our author, starting from Combe Jargeatte, has only mentioned straight lines. It is quite clear that following these lines will not be possible, so please bear this in mind during your outing.

Starting from the car park at the church in the hamlet of Chantelouve, this circular route, mainly through forest, offers numerous views of the village hamlets. The aim is to reach the shepherd's summer chalet and the pastures where the local sheep graze.

Breathtaking views of the village of Chantelouve and the Col d’Ornon valley as you pass by the Cabane des Charmettes. A path appears to have disappeared at ::5:; see reviews

A technicolour skyline route… After a gruelling 500m climb on a more or less pleasant track, the forest finally opens out. At around 2,100m, the adventure begins. You need to make your way to the summit of Les Clottoux as best you can. From up there, the rest of the route is clear. A ridge walk to Le Neyrard, then above Lac du Vallon to La Berche Noire.

Ascent to Le Rochail from the hamlet of Les Bosses via Lac du Vallon. A very interesting route, both visually and technically. Be careful, however, as the slopes are steep and the ridge walk between the Col du Rochail and the summit can be dizzying.

A lovely walk linking the family-friendly resort of Col d’Ornon to Villard-Reymond via the Col de Corbière and the Tête de Louis XVI. Return via the same route.

At 3,049m, Pointe de Malhaubert is the highest of the peaks surrounding Lac du Vallon above Chantelouve, offering a unique, unobstructed 360° panorama of all the Alpine massifs.Ibex, chamois and griffon vultures frequent the nearby peaks and slopes. Warning:Reaching the summit requires proficiency in ridge walking (grade 3 climbing, with constant exposure) both on the ascent and descent. The snowfields require crampons and an ice axe, as well as an early start.

A wild hike around the Vaunoire waterfalls and along the exposed ridge leading to the Grand Armet (2,792m), a viewpoint offering a unique panorama of the Dévoluy, the entire eastern barrier of the Vercors, the Taillefer, Belledonne, Mont Blanc, the Grandes Rousses, and the whole of the Oisans. Much of the route is off-trail and requires a (very) good sense of direction or the use of a GPS. The ridge, almost 2 km long, presents no technical difficulty but is exposed.