Bison loop and Croix des Albans

Park your vehicle in the free car park near the municipal swimming pool.

(S/E) Return to the roundabout and immediately turn left, heading north, onto Rue du Tortolon: signposted "La piscine - Autrans 1h40 et 6 km". Follow the signs towards Autrans.

(1) Just after the craft buildings on the right, take the white gravel road heading north-northwest: signposted "Les Marais - Autrans 1h35 - 5.8 km". The road is reserved for pedestrians and bicycles in summer: take care. When you reach Cochet, recognisable by the artificial caving structure, look for the bison from the Prés Lauzés farm on your left. Continue to a crossroads at a place called La Bohème Blanche.

(2) Turn left towards the west and follow the grassy path lined with flat stones to get closer to the herd. Please note that bison are dangerous animals: do not attempt to approach, call or provoke them. Retrace your steps to La Bohème Blanche.

(2) Turn left back onto the original path heading north towards Entre les Aygues.

(3) When you reach Les Aygues, leave the road towards Autrans. Turn right and follow the sign for "Chemin Blanc - 5 min - 0.5 km". Follow the path eastwards for less than 200 m, cross the small bridge and turn left immediately after. Cross the meadow, join a stony path and come out onto the RD106c. Cross at the pedestrian crossing: sign: "Les Chaberts - 5 min - 0.3 km". Take the white path opposite, heading east, until the next crossroads.

(4) At the top of the white path, turn right onto the paved road heading south, following the general direction of "Méaudre".

(5) At the fork, leave the road and take the stony path on the right, still heading south. Climb up to the Croix des Albans, then descend to the paved road called Chemin de la Croix Blanche.

(6) Turn right and head south until you almost reach the departmental road.

(7) Turn right just before, keeping on the paved Chemin de la Croix Blanche: sign for "Le Cotel - La piscine, 5 min- 0.5 km". Join the Route d'Autrans (D106c) and cross it carefully. Cross the field opposite for about 100 m: be sure to read the practical information below if there is a power line. You will reach a T-junction.

(8) Turn left towards the south: sign for "la piscine, 5 min - 0.2 km". Follow the stream on your right until you reach the wooden bridge, cross it and take Rue du Tortolon on the left to reach the roundabout and then the car park (S/E).

There are no water sources. The entire route is on pleasant paths, but you should wear shoes with good grip for the short descent after the Croix des Albans.

In the last kilometre, between (7) and (8), you have to cross the D106c departmental road (Méaudre towards Autrans). On the other side, the owner sometimes puts up electric wires and tries to block access to the Grands Moulins. It's up to you to decide whether you can cross this field for less than 100 metres. Don't do it when there are calves around, as cows are not very friendly! Otherwise, return along the departmental road.

This hike is partially described in a small leaflet published by the local tourist office. The route is accurate, but incomplete with regard to the bison farm and the final crossing of the field.

The Croix des Albans was erected in 1936. The stones were carried by local cows. Estimated weight: 15 tonnes.

The village of Méaudre is worth a visit.

You may see the free-range chicken farm. The chickens are in a large box that is opened during the day. The farmer periodically moves the batteries around his field to give the chickens fresh grass and clean ground. It's environmentally friendly. In the same spirit, there is a 24-hour egg vending machine just above the crossroads leading to Grenoble and Autrans: a red cabin on your right as you head back towards Grenoble.

Similarly, on both the outward and return journeys, you will pass the "Grand Angle" travel agency, well known for its high-quality hiking tours.