Vertige des Cimes viewpoint, cliff edge, Les Ramées

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This walk offers magnificent views of the Grenoble area, the Belledonne massif, Mont Blanc, the Chartreuse and the Oisans. It can be done in the middle of an autumn afternoon to enjoy the sunset light around point (4), but do bring a torch for the return journey and take extra care.

⚠️ Allow 4½ hours for this walk. PLEASE READ THE PRACTICAL INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

⚠️ Hiking is prohibited during the winter months (December to April inclusive) to respect the capercaillie’s quiet zone. See the practical information.

Details

n°28649487
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.51 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,775 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,749 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,650 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,560 ft
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Photos

Belvédère des Cimes
Vertige des Cimes viewpoint

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the foot of the Sierre ski lift.

(S/E) Walk up the ski runs at the foot of the Sierre ski lift. Continue until you are directly opposite the Combe des Virets ski lift.

(1) Turn right and wind your way past the base of this ski lift to reach the top station and then the Vertige des Cimes viewpoint. Take the opportunity to cross the secure footbridge and enjoy the view stretching all the way to Mont Blanc.

(2) Head back down from the viewpoint, then turn right to follow a narrow path along the cliff face. Gradually, but only slightly, move away from the edge of the cliff to reach the Trou-Saint-Michel.

(3) Continue towards the Moucherotte, following the green and yellow markings, then small red markings on the rocks on the ground, and finally blue markings. You’ll reach another viewpoint.
Please note that, over time, these markings tend to fade…

(4) Turn left and begin the descent through the mountain pasture to reach, a few hundred metres further down, the junction withthe GR®®91. Turn right here to easily reach the Cabane des Ramées, also known as Habert des Ramées.

(5) Continue straight ahead on theGR®® to reach the junction with the Piste des Virets.

(6) Turn right, then right again about a hundred metres further on to rejoin a track. Follow it to the left and, at the next junction, head straight ahead to find, in the woods, the junction you passed on the way there.

(1) Retrace your steps along the route you took on the way out to reach the Virets ski lift car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,564 ft - Car park at the Virets ski lift
  2. 1 : mi 0.35 - alt. 4,810 ft - Crossroads of the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 1.31 - alt. 5,541 ft - Vertige des Cimes footbridge
  4. 3 : mi 2.3 - alt. 5,325 ft - Trou Saint-Michel
  5. 4 : mi 2.64 - alt. 5,315 ft - Viewpoint
  6. 5 : mi 3.14 - alt. 5,341 ft - Habert des Ramées
  7. 6 : mi 3.49 - alt. 5,217 ft - Les Virets
  8. S/E : mi 4.51 - alt. 4,560 ft - Car park at the Virets ski lift

Notes

  • Avoid in wet weather or fog.
  • The painted trail markings tend to fade over time...
  • This walk includes several off-trail sections that are unsecured, unmarked and exposed along the cliff edges: it is therefore only suitable for very experienced and well-equipped walkers who are accustomed to navigating and moving across technical, rugged and exposed terrain.
  • The red and blue markings mentioned are not official signposting and will not be sufficient to ensure safe navigation.
  • The Trou Saint Michel is difficult to access and dangerous
  • Out of respect for biodiversity, the section along the cliff edge is strongly discouraged to minimise trampling of the flora (notably the mucronate sedge), soil erosion and disturbance to wildlife (including protected birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon, which nests and hunts along this route).

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
3.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 9253834

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A walk where you "can't get lost"... but in fact, there is a whole section in the undergrowth that is difficult to follow without the help of GPS.... We came across a flock of sheep with sheepdogs... we waited 20 minutes for them to pass.

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Stanlaie
Stanlaie

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in early May 2025 with a 10-year-old child... so no dogs to report and no particular difficulties. However, the route between points 2 and 3 is indeed arduous and located in a protected area for grouse.

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abv
abv

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike... but as mentioned previously, there is a lack of markings and part of the trail is no longer visible or marked... if you follow the Visorando markings, you will get lost. But you quickly forget that once you reach the viewpoint! A very beautiful panorama... Good elevation gain throughout, but the return trip is very easy and relaxing... A hike not to be missed ☺️

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FS38h
FS38h

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We parked in the car park as indicated by Visorando.
It was a lovely walk to the Belvédère, where the view of Grenoble and its surroundings is magnificent. Then the route through the forest between points 2 and 4 is complicated because there are lots of small paths. But if you read the map carefully, there's little chance of getting lost.
We completed this walk in 3 hours and everyone enjoyed it.

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Gabrielle-STG
Gabrielle-STG

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The hike starts with an uphill climb, which is normal to reach the viewpoint. The path is well marked for two-thirds of the climb, then there are no more signs for the last third, just signs for skiers. We went too high, towards the Grand Cheval. The Belvédère is difficult to locate, even with an IGN map, and yet it is definitely there. The view is magnificent, overlooking the Grande Chartreuse massif, the city of Grenoble, Mont Blanc... Return via the Ramées refuge. A beautiful afternoon's hike.

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he-gauth
he-gauth

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The path down to the viewpoint is difficult to follow under the trees, but otherwise the view from the viewpoint is magnificent

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nojolu
nojolu

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Hello,
For this route, you absolutely must have a GPS, despite the markings on the stones. I admit that I sometimes had doubts as we progressed. We met a couple who had also gotten lost.
The markings were helpful, but the GPS was our saviour.
I would like to thank the people who created this route and put up the markings. It must not have been easy. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
Advantage: hiking in the woods in the fresh air, really enjoyable. The arrival at the Belvédère was great. We had fog and therefore no view of the cliffs, but we had a good time.
Disadvantages: stony trail, narrow passages, markings present but not obvious, not recommended for young children.
We'll do this hike again now that we know the way.
Thanks to the whole team

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JOELLE55
JOELLE55

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

This hike is very pleasant, but should be done on a day with better visibility.
However, we had difficulty finding our way between points 2 and 4. Between the rocks and dense vegetation, the markings are not easy to see, even when following the GPS route.

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paccoud isabelle
paccoud isabelle

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful climb followed by the cliff... not suitable for young children... a splendid view at the top. A little disappointed with the footbridge, which I thought would be longer and therefore less impressive than expected. The return journey was more disappointing, on a mountain road used by 4x4s. We did the walk in half an hour less than expected.

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renatore
renatore

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely, easy family hike with beautiful views of the Grenoble basin, Belledonne, Chartreuse and Ecrins mountains, returning via the Refuge des Ramées. A great day out.

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grefrog
grefrog

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Let's talk about hiking
Stunning views of all the surrounding mountains. A bird's eye view of Grenoble, with views of the Ecrins, Belledonne, Mont Blanc, etc. MAGNIFICENT!!!
No major difficulties. The progress is steady and this hike can be done at a normal pace without getting tired.
Various viewpoints, each as beautiful as the next.

The downside is the presence of three Patou dogs... and not small ones.
We were forced to turn back because, although their barking did not suggest they would attack, their presence at our side was not very reassuring (given the comment of 15 August).
So we moved 300-400 metres away to climb up a ski slope to the footbridge.
If you have dogs, as we did, be careful!!!

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Eric-Gaston
Eric-Gaston

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello, an easy hike with a superb view from the lookout point!

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VictorM
VictorM

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful view. Very exposed to the sun, so be careful during hot weather.

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Jacques L1.
Jacques L1.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

An excellent hike for its views and ease, even with a few steep sections... We decided to visit the beautiful viewpoint at Croix des Ramées, taking a short detour after point 5. And it's well worth the detour! Beautiful view of the Vercors plateau. No regrets.
The Vertige des Cimes viewpoint is very interesting because of the size of the panorama and the number of peaks and mountain ranges visible, thanks in particular to the orientation table. Our friends from Maine-et-Loire, who are not used to mountains, were delighted!

Thank you for this hike.

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danielfr40
danielfr40

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We did it the other way round
The view of the ridges is fabulous
Climbing up the ridges towards the dizzying peaks, we didn't see any holes on Michel at point 3.
However, a little further on, staying on the ridge (your trail does not go down lower), 100m further on there is a fault, probably used for rock climbing, as there was a quickdraw fixed to the wall.
The fault leads to a tunnel that opens onto the cliff with a flat area.
The vertigo of the peaks is fun
Thank you for this trail

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Other walks in the area

Walking Le Moucherotte via the Vertige des Cimes and Les Ramées

Visorando Member
Le Moucherotte par le Vertige des Cimes et les Ramées
↔7.33 mi ↗+1,952 ft ↘-1,955 ft ◔5h 05 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
A hike on the eastern flank of the Vercors above Lans-en-Vercors takes you to Le Moucherotte via the Vertige des Cimes, a footbridge that juts out two metres above the void. An easy hike offering spectacular views of all the surrounding mountains and Grenoble.

Walking Pic Saint-Michel via the Vertige des Cimes

Visorando Member
↔6.58 mi ↗+2,110 ft ↘-2,474 ft ◔4h 50 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
A very classic route that takes you to four remarkable viewpoints in succession, offering views of Grenoble and its valley, as well as the Vercors plateau, the Rocher de l’Ours and the Roc Cornafion. It’s a hike you should do at least once if you’re in the area. Ideally, you should take two cars up and leave one at the finish, which is at the Parking des Barnets, two hairpin bends below the start point at the Lans-en-Vercors resort.

Walking Pic Saint-Michel via the Combe Oursière and return via the Chemin des Anciens

Visorando Member
Pic Saint-Michel par la Combe Oursière et retour par le Chemin des Anciens
↔5.79 mi ↗+1,850 ft ↘-1,860 ft ◔4h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
One of the peaks bordering the Vercors Regional Park to the east. Relatively easy to access, in good weather it offers a wide panorama from Mont Blanc on your left to the Écrins massif via the Belledonne chain. The climb via the Combe Oursière is less frequented than via Les Allières. A well-shaded route for most of the way.

Walking Le Moucherotte

Visorando Member
Le Moucherotte
↔7.56 mi ↗+1,821 ft ↘-1,837 ft ◔5h 05 ▲Moderate
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Walking Les Allières, Grandes Roches de Saint-Michel and Les Ramées

Visorando Member
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↔7.44 mi ↗+1,916 ft ↘-1,913 ft ◔5h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
An extraordinary hike, passing through the little-visited Combe Oursière and offering an unusual ascent through the sharp limestone pavement towards Grand Cheval (Grandes Roches de Saint-Michel). Magnificent views over the Trièves, the Taillefer and, in good weather, Mont Blanc. A hike best suited to summer or autumn, requiring a good sense of direction and reserved for experienced walkers.

Walking Pic Saint-Michel via Croix des Suifs from the Barnets car park

Visorando Member
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↔5.81 mi ↗+2,274 ft ↘-2,257 ft ◔4h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
Overall, this is an easy hike with varied landscapes both uphill and downhill, offering a unique panorama at the summit. A must-see in the region. For the Visorando moderator: hike inspired by two others: 1- Pic Saint-Michel via Croix des Suifs. 2- Pic Saint-Michel. Very similar but, in my opinion, an improvement on the other two: it's up to you to decide whether it's publishable or not.

Walking The Suifs Cross

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La Croix des Suifs
↔5.66 mi ↗+869 ft ↘-840 ft ◔3h 20 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
More of a walk than a hike, this double loop allows you to discover the large Allières plateau above Lans-en-Vercors. The route is clearly marked with signs at the various crossroads and is a great outing in winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Walking The Pic Saint Michel

Visorando Member
Le Pic Saint-Michel
↔5.39 mi ↗+2,234 ft ↘-2,238 ft ◔4h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
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.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.