Château Richard viewpoint from Nances

Park at La Cantine, in the village of Nances, in a small car park with a picnic table.

(S/E) Head due north along the yellow-marked trail. Near the cliff, you’ll reach a crossroads marked by a cairn.

(1) Take the path on the left. Continue uphill and, after passing the hamlet known as l’Échaillon, you’ll come to a crossroads with several routes.

(2) Take the path on the left, then, immediately afterwards, the one on the right. Follow an easy climb to reach the Belledigue Forest Road.

(3) Turn left onto it for a few dozen metres, then turn right onto a path which joins the Route de la Grande Vie.

(4) Turn right onto this road, walk alongside the Table des Princes, then reach the junction leading to Château Richard.

(5) Turn left; you’ll soon reach the ladders, leading on to the viewpoint. Note regarding the ladders: this section is slightly vertiginous and technically challenging. For those who find this section daunting, it is recommended to take the route to the right for both the outward and return journeys. However, it is not advisable to descend via the ladders.

(6) Continue straight ahead to complete the loop and return to the previous junction.

(5) Follow the route you took on the way out in the opposite direction to return to the Cantine car park (S/E).

You won’t find any water along the route.
It’s important to wear good, grippy shoes. The slope is sometimes steep and can be a bit slippery when the ground is covered in leaves, especially if it’s wet. Walking sticks are a useful addition to your kit.
Note: No special equipment is required to climb the ladders.

(S/E) You can stop at the viewpoint by the roadside heading towards Nances, or carry on to the Col de l’Épine, where there are picnic tables at the pass.
A quick dip in Lake Aiguebelette after the walk is just what the doctor ordered.