Cabane du Poyet

A route offering shade, elevation gain, breathtaking views and a variety of alternative routes.

Details

2551600
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.26 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 802 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 798 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,992 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,209 m

Photos

Description of the walk

From Nantes-en-Ratier, follow signs for La Valette on the D114. At the Col de Malissol, turn left towards Le Poyet, ignore the first junction (on your right) and park at the second junction.
The starting point has parking for 2 or 3 cars. If this is not possible, there are other parking spaces available in the vicinity.

(S/E) After passing through the ONF barrier, follow the track all the way to the Cabane du Poyet. There are no markings on the track, but the route is very clear.

(1) Veer slightly off the track to your left and admire the panoramic view of the Matheysin Plateau, the Vercors range and, on the far left, the Dévoluy.
Continue the climb along the track.

(2) At the Cabane du Poyet, you can top up your water bottles, visit the chalet and enjoy the peace and quiet of the spot.
When you set off again, in front of the hut, take the yellow-marked path straight ahead, ignoring the one leading down to the left. Follow this path as it climbs all the way to the Col de la Grangette.

(3) At the Col de la Grangette, at the Fontaine de Bigasset, take in the 360° views.

The return journey will be via the south-facing downhill path (signposted “Les Aigles”). This route is particularly steep and requires good footwear (at least mid-cut, if not high-top) to protect your ankles; descend until you rejoin the track taken on the ascent.

(1) There are then two options for getting to (S/E):

  • take the return route via the main track used on the way up, which is slightly steep.
  • take the direct route, which is quite steep.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,209 m - Car park
  2. 1 : km 2.46 - alt. 1,357 m - Panorama
  3. 2 : km 5.37 - alt. 1,607 m - Cabane du Poyet
  4. 3 : km 7.45 - alt. 1,990 m - Col de La Grangette
  5. S/E : km 12.26 - alt. 1,213 m - Car park

Notes

Water point at the Cabane du Poyet with shelter available (free-access refuge).
Good walking shoes recommended.

Alternative route:
(3) For the more adventurous, there is the option to climb to the summit of Piquet de Nantes. Allow an extra hour or so for the round trip.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
Josci
Josci

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely hike offering superb panoramic views in fine weather of all the surrounding mountain ranges (Mathésine, Trièves, Vercors, Dévoluy, Belledonne).

The descent, however, is quite challenging and walking poles are highly recommended.

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lydiarando18
lydiarando18

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

In my opinion, the start point is poorly signposted; it’s nothing like La Valette
After Nantes-en-Ratier, at the Col de Malissol, take the road on the left towards Le Poyet and park a little further on, in front of the ONF barrier
The walk is more scenic if you head towards the hamlet of Le Poyet and set off from the second signpost indicating the Piquet de Nantes on the left (Le Bourgeat and Seia, altitude 1,298 m), and you can make a circular walk

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frohrhurst
frohrhurst

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk – don’t miss the starting point where you can park your car on a bend. The first section along a gravel path is a bit monotonous, despite some lovely views, until you reach the hut, which you simply need to open. The ONF rangers were there. From there, the path is very pleasant and the view from the summit is magnificent. The descent is very enjoyable.

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lGlaude89
lGlaude89

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 25, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

You absolutely MUST climb the "Piquet de Nantes": the magnificent view from the summit (a 360° panorama of the surrounding mountain ranges and the lakes of Laffrey) alone makes all the effort of the climb worthwhile!!!
A break at the Poyet shelter (with a fountain of fresh, drinkable water) is most welcome before tackling the pass...
The descent along the ridge, with its rocky outcrops all facing the same direction, is a most vivid on-the-spot geography lesson...
In short, pure bliss!
Thank you, Bural.

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mifa38320
mifa38320

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 25, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, mostly through woodland, ideal on hot days. A 360° panoramic view at the Fontaine de Bigasset (which is marked on the IGN map but never on any information sign).

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