The Herbouilly plain, starting from the Herbouilly Nordic Centre

A wonderful way to explore this site via its forest trails, sun-drenched meadows and breathtaking viewpoints. It’s an opportunity to push your boundaries. First, with the engraved stone marker that has marked the boundary between the territories of the Lord of Sassenage and the Bishop of Die since the early 17th century. Then, with a little extra effort, you can reach the boundary between the Drôme and the Isère on a round trip to the Col d’Herbouilly (alternative route: +2 hours return).

Details

1214126
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Snowshoeing
    Activity: Snowshoeing
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.70 mi
  • ◔
    Duration according to the author: 2.5 hrs 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 325 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 305 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,380 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,199 ft

Description of the walk

Snowshoe trail no. 8.
(S/E) From the Porte d’Herbouilly signpost (alt. 1,280 m), in the car park, head straight on along the snow-covered D221. Follow the edge of the forest alongside the cross-country ski trail.

(1) Turn left onto the dedicated snowshoe trail which winds its way through the trees. Follow the markings to quickly reach a small clearing. Turn left towards the west and head for the Gardette viewpoint.

(2) Continue along the track and look out for the start of a small trail on the right in a hollow. Follow it, climbing slightly before descending to the Pot du Loup (alt. 1,300 m).

(3) At the crossroads of the cross-country ski trails, continue straight ahead on the white trail.

(4) At the junction with the cross-country ski trail, turn right onto the route and head for the crossroads of the trails. Continue straight ahead into the woods, turn left, then right to tackle a steep climb. Follow the trail along the ridge through the woods heading south, then descend and rejoin the cross-country ski trail.

(5) Cross the track, follow the specific snowshoe markings through the trees to emerge behind the Roybon inn. Go round it to the left to reach the snow-covered road and turn right. After the inn, at the Fork in the road, go down to the left. You’ll soon reach the reception building and then the car park. (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,209 ft - Port d'Herbouilly signpost (alt. 1,280m)
  2. 1 : mi 0.31 - alt. 4,275 ft - Clairière
  3. 2 : mi 0.68 - alt. 4,327 ft - La Gardette Viewpoint
  4. 3 : mi 1.09 - alt. 4,239 ft - Pot du Loup signpost (alt. 1,300m)
  5. 4 : mi 1.3 - alt. 4,219 ft - Crossroads of cross-country ski trails
  6. 5 : mi 2.04 - alt. 4,301 ft - Cross-country ski trail
  7. S/E : mi 2.7 - alt. 4,209 ft - Poteau Porte d'Herbouilly (alt. 1280m)

Notes

In the event of an accident, call the resort on 04 75 45 54 76 and the emergency services on 112.
Hikers must be self-sufficient and responsible for themselves and any animals they bring with them. Respect for the natural environment and other users of the ski area is also part of responsible behaviour for hikers.
Snowshoes are not permitted on the ski slopes.
Winter weather conditions can be changeable and difficult: check the forecast before setting off, adapt your equipment accordingly, take some provisions (water and sugary foods), take your mobile phone, inform someone of your route before setting off, and avoid ridgelines.

- Herbouilly Nordic Area
04.75.45.54.76
Email: herbouilly@ladrome.fr

- Vercors Drôme Tourist Office
04.75.48.22.54 / www.vercors.com

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
PatrickGa
PatrickGa

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 31, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

perfect for a scorcher

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Claude R3.
Claude R3.

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Avoid visiting in winter if you’re crossing the Pas de Saint Martin when it’s snowing.

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jprouquette@free.fr
jprouquette@free.fr

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2022
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk.
We did it after visiting the Vassieux Resistance Memorial and Museum. When you reflect on our history as you approach the ruins of the farm where men lived in the name of our freedom, the walk takes on a whole new dimension

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randonneur38
randonneur38

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 24, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Great for a family outing and a lovely spot in Herbouilly.

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