Grand Veymont loop via the Côte de Quinquambaye

Park in the car park at the Gresse-en-Vercors ski slopes.

(S/E) Cross the river via the small bridge, then follow the signs for Baraque du Veymont, turning right.

(1) Make a quick first turn left then right and enter the forest. Find the trail you left earlier.

(2) Turn right, rejoin the path on the left a few dozen metres further on and continue until you rejoin the track.

(3) Turn right and follow it to the Baraque du Veymont, where you can already enjoy magnificent views of the impressive walls of the Grand Veymont.

(4) Continue for about 50 metres, then turn left onto the path that climbs towards the Côte de Quinquambaye. Reach the ridge , where you can admire a truly spectacular 360° view: Mont Aiguille, Grand Veymont, the Balcons du Vercors and, opposite, the Belledonne massif.

(5) Continue along the path until you reach a fork (elevation 1735).

(6) Descend to the right through the forest on the other side, towards La Bâtie.

(7) Once at the intersection, continue to the right and cross several small ravines before joining the track coming from La Bâtie.

(8) Follow this track, turning right, cross the stream and reach the junction just after.

(9) Turn right and begin the climb up to Grand Veymont on a rocky path. Climb up Ravin des Chauvines, then Ravin des Serres and Ravin du Maupas to reach Pas des Hollowed-out Tree Trunks, serving as drinking troughs, where you can fill your water bottles at a small spring-fed pool.

(10) Turn right and cross the vast meadows of Grand Veymont.

(11) Leave the path leading to the Cabane des Aiguillettes on your left and continue straight ahead before beginning the final ascent. It's impossible to go wrong, as the path zigzags up the mountain and is visible from afar. Reach the summit of Grand Veymont and enjoy your reward: a magnificent and breathtaking panorama of the entire Vercors and far beyond.

(12) The descent is via the marked trail towards Gresse-en-Vercors. The route remains technical in places: take your time and proceed with caution. Reach the Pas de la Ville, where vigilance is required.

(13) Take the path on the right to descend towards Gresse-en-Vercors, so as not to veer left onto the wrong side of the valley. Follow a series of more or less tight hairpin bends and you will reach a crossroads.

(14) Continue straight ahead, re-enter the forest and follow the path leading directly back to the car park (S/E).

There is only one water source during this hike, at the hollowed-out tree trunk serving as drinking trough (10). Bring at least 1.5 or 2 litres of water with you.

After (11), you can turn right to make a round trip to Petit Veymont before the final ascent. Bear in mind that this involves a significant additional climb.