Circuit from Pierre Percée to Lac de Pierre-Châtel

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This circuit, which takes you twice through Pierre Percée, one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné, allows you to enjoy the view of the mountains bordering the Matheysin plateau and takes you around Lake Pierre Chatel.

Fiche technique

n°534625
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  • trace_mode_pedestrian
    Activité: trace_mode_pedestrian
  • ↔
    label_distance: 9.15 mi
  • ◔
    Durée calculée: 5h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulte: Moyenne
  • ⚐
    Retour point de depart: Oui
  • ↗
    label_elevation_gain: + 1,890 ft
  • ↘
    label_elevation_loss: - 1,857 ft
  • ▲
    label_highest_point: 4,163 ft
  • ▼
    label_lowest_point: 3,041 ft
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Photos

view towards the Vercors
L'Obiou
LA PIERRE PERCEE
the lake and Thabor

Description of the walk

First, head to the starting point, where there is a small car park. From the traffic lights at La Festinière, follow the signs for Putteville. There are also signs for Pierre Percée.

(S/E) From the car park, follow a good path that climbs up to Pierre Percée. Ignore the first path on the right after a big bend.

(1) At the fork, take the path on the right and continue climbing. You will see the Pierre Percée higher up. Reach it.

(2) Once you have passed the Pierre Percée, climb up to the ridge.

(3) Take the path that descends to the right. At a fork, continue downhill to the right. Continue descending, first through the forest and then in open country, until you reach the Pierre-Châtel cemetery and then the church.

(4) After the church, take the small road on the left and continue in the same direction until you reach the departmental road.

(5) Cross the road and find a path on the other side that runs alongside a small canal, passes under the national road and leads to the Les Cordeliers campsite.

(6) When you reach the campsite entrance, turn right, cross the canal, then turn left and enter the car park. You will reach the lake via a large meadow, which is a lovely spot for a picnic, with tables and benches available. Continue along the lake shore, then take a small path that leads back to a wide track.

(7) Take the path on the left and continue north to the hamlet of Les Théneaux.

(8) At the chapel, turn right, a little further on cross a small road, pass close to the Les Mouettes campsite, and continue on the path that overlooks Lake Pétichet for a while.

(9) Turn left and join the small departmental road, then follow this road to the right until you reach the N85 national road. Cross this road and follow it for about 100 metres towards Grenoble, passing alongside a large building.

(10) Just after the building, take the path that branches off to the left and begins a steep climb southwards. Continue climbing in the same direction, ignoring the paths to the left and right. After about a kilometre, the path becomes a track and continues in the same direction, following the contour line.

(11) At the intersection, climb to the right in a north-westerly direction until you reach the ridge path at Bois de Paraillat.

(12) Turn left and head south again. The track follows the ridge line and leads to the Pierre Percée site. Enjoy the panoramic view once more.

(2) Pass in front of Pierre Percée and return to the starting point via the uphill path (S/E).

Points de passages

  1. D/A : mi 0 - alt. 3,402 ft - Car park towards Putteville
  2. 1 : mi 0.57 - alt. 3,691 ft - Path on the right
  3. 2 : mi 0.92 - alt. 4,009 ft - Pierre Percée
  4. 3 : mi 1.01 - alt. 4,075 ft - Pierre Percée
  5. 4 : mi 2.34 - alt. 3,094 ft - Small road on the left
  6. 5 : mi 2.84 - alt. 3,071 ft - Crossing the 1085E
  7. 6 : mi 3.28 - alt. 3,054 ft - On the right after the campsite entrance
  8. 7 : mi 3.83 - alt. 3,114 ft - Path on the left
  9. 8 : mi 4.71 - alt. 3,100 ft - On the right, at the chapel
  10. 9 : mi 5.18 - alt. 3,048 ft - On the left towards the N85
  11. 10 : mi 5.52 - alt. 3,123 ft - Path on the left
  12. 11 : mi 6.81 - alt. 3,583 ft - Ascent on the right
  13. 12 : mi 7.51 - alt. 4,085 ft - On the left, due south
  14. D/A : mi 9.15 - alt. 3,406 ft - Car park towards Putteville

Informations pratiques

As you pass through the hamlets, you can find shelter or water.

A proximite

The hike runs alongside the lake for a while, but unfortunately swimming is not allowed as it is a private lake. However, in the summer months, you can take a dip at the edge of the Pétichet or Grand Lac de Laffrey lakes.
If you take the N85, known as the "Route Napoléon", don't forget to stop at the prairie de la rencontre, where Napoleon rallied his soldiers on his return from Elba.

Pierre Percée

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 18 reviews
Fiabilité de la description
4.6 / 5
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire
4.7 / 5
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée
4.6 / 5
suzie0405
suzie0405

Note globale : 5 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Nov 20, 2023
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Circuit très fréquenté : Oui

A beautiful legend, a lovely and unusual rock and a beautiful view.
To be enjoyed in any season, with a walk through the forest in autumn offering beautiful colours.

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Astrid3842
Astrid3842
• Modifié le :

Note globale : 3.7 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Sep 23, 2022
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★☆ Bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★☆☆ Moyen
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★☆ Bien
Circuit très fréquenté : Non

A lovely route that allows you to discover one of the Dauphiné's must-see sights, the Pierre Percée.
We got a little confused in the "urban" parts of the hike (a few mistakes at street intersections, particularly after the church in Pierre Châtel where we missed a turn, and at Les Theneaux where we didn't see the chapel and had to turn back). Luckily, the app beeps when you make a mistake. Be sure to pay close attention! No worries, however, on the paths and trails.

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monmarch
monmarch
• Modifié le :

Note globale : 5 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Sep 04, 2022
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Circuit très fréquenté : Non

A very pleasant hike with magnificent views of the lakes and mountains (Mt Aiguille, Obiou, Sénépy, etc.)
We didn't quite follow the route. We started from Pierre Châtel (church) (4), then Pierre Percée, and then
followed the route in reverse (12-11-10-9-... 4 (church)).
There weren't many hikers for a Sunday. It was a beautiful day.
Thank you for this route, a wonderful discovery where we found greenery again after the heatwave.

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edwz69
edwz69

Note globale : 5 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Aug 27, 2022
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Circuit très fréquenté : Non

thank you for this guide. The route is very well marked, with no particular difficulties. We set off from the village of Les Théneaux, parking at the end of the road after the Mouettes campsite.

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Flo N
Flo N

Note globale : 5 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Jul 29, 2022
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Circuit très fréquenté : Non

A lovely, easy walk to a beautiful viewpoint. I was able to enjoy it to the full, as there was no one else there!
The route is well marked.

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romanetto eliane
romanetto eliane

Note globale : 5 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Aug 01, 2022
Fiabilité de la description : Non utilise / Inapplicable
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Circuit très fréquenté : Oui

A lovely walk in fine weather, beautiful views but very crowded at the first lake and no access to the second. The GPS track is OK

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filiputti
filiputti

I haven't done this outing yet. I'll comment on it after I've done it

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François69003
François69003

Note globale : 3.3 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Sep 16, 2020
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★☆☆ Moyen
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★☆ Bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★☆☆ Moyen
Circuit très fréquenté : Non

This loop is only interesting (in my opinion) for the climb up to the ridge overlooking Pierre Percée and, of course, Pierre Percée itself (one of the 7 Wonders of the Dauphiné), as well as the start of the descent to Pierre-Châtel. The views of Dévoluy, the eastern barrier of Vercors, Sénepy and Montagne du Conest, Grand Serre, Pérollier and Tabor are superb in good weather. On the other hand, the descents and ascents through the woods and the entire flat section are of little interest. The Pierre Châtel lake is only skirted for a short distance (swimming is prohibited) and the southern shore of the Pétichet lake is inaccessible due to the (often ugly) buildings that block access.

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Maurin 2
Maurin 2

Note globale : 4.7 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Jul 21, 2020
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★☆ Bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Circuit très fréquenté : Non

A pleasant, well-balanced route. Swimming in Lake Petichet before the picnic was great fun, and the walk back in the shade under the trees was very welcome. Just to note that the car park at the start is very small, with space for only two or three cars, so it's best to park a little further back, in front of the community hall or near the school.

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guy.romand-piquant
guy.romand-piquant

Note globale : 4 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Jul 29, 2019
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★☆☆ Moyen
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★☆ Bien

Initially, the proposed parking area is practically impossible to use. We preferred to go higher up where there are a few spaces. The route, which passes twice by the pierced rock, is not very sensible. Starting from Putteville, simply take the beautiful track that branches off to the right at a place called LE CLOS to join the proposed route, without passing by the pierced rock the first time. Down in Pierre Châtel, the description leaves something to be desired, but with the IGN map, it is easy to find the shores of the lake. For the rest of the route, there is nothing to say except that it is magnificent

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polo381
polo381

Thank you for your enthusiastic review

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Pierrep38
Pierrep38

Note globale : 5 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Jun 01, 2019
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien

We went on a lovely hike today. No mistakes in the guidance, the GPS route is flawless. The climb is a bit long and tedious, but... Is there any other way? So nothing to say except thank you for thinking of other hikers and helping them discover these beautiful spots.

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jlv55
jlv55

Note globale : 4.3 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Aug 13, 2018
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★☆ Bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★☆ Bien

A beautiful, well-shaded hike featuring rocks, forests and lakes.

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Deuxpattes
Deuxpattes

Note globale : 5 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Jun 26, 2018
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★★ Tres bien

A beautiful and varied hike: forest, lakes, climbs, descents, some shade, some sun; beautiful views too.

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vietflo
vietflo

Note globale : 4.7 / 5

Date de la randonnée : Jun 18, 2018
Fiabilité de la description : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Facilité à suivre l'itinéraire : ★★★★★ Tres bien
Intérêt du circuit de randonnée : ★★★★☆ Bien

A very beautiful walk with little difficulty, along a wide path. On the downside, however, there is road noise accompanying the walk from point 10 to point 12, which is a shame...

we did the loop in the opposite direction to what is recommended, which I highly recommend to make the walk shorter... The descent is easy and the ascent is harder, but we much prefer easy descents.

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Other walks in the area

trace_mode_pedestrian La Pierre Percée from Pierre-Châtel

Visorandonneur
La Pierre Percée depuis Pierre-Châtel
↔3.45 mi ↗+935 ft ↘-938 ft ◔2h 25 ▲Facile
⚑Départ à Pierre-Châtel (Isère)
Follow the legend of the Pierre Percée (Pierced Rock) on this short circuit that will take you to one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné.

trace_mode_pedestrian The three Matheysins Lakes

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A beautiful hike where, on the way there, you will walk along the shores of the Pierre-Châtel and Pétichet lakes with a short detour to see Lake Laffrey, and return via the Cholonge ridges at the foot of the Grand Serre.

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trace_mode_pedestrian Le Sénépy

Visorandonneur
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↔8.58 mi ↗+2,044 ft ↘-2,054 ft ◔5h 45 ▲Moyenne
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A magnificent hike 35 km from Grenoble, with no difficulty, offering 360° views of the surrounding mountains. The climb to this summit is a magnificent hike through the mountain pastures (one of the largest in the region).

trace_mode_pedestrian La Pierre Percée from Notre-Dame-de-Vaulx

Visorandonneur
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↔6.58 mi ↗+1,243 ft ↘-1,266 ft ◔4h 05 ▲Moyenne
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This is an additional and unique route to one of the Wonders of the Dauphiné, the Pierre Percée, a site which overlooks the whole of the Matheysine region and offers magnificent views of all the surrounding mountain ranges.After an ascent through the forest, the route opens out onto the meadows; the descent to La Motte d’Aveillans is wide open.

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Boucle des trois sommets du Conest
↔10.90 mi ↗+2,953 ft ↘-2,979 ft ◔7h 35 ▲Difficile
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This lovely circular route takes you to the Conest (or Conex or Connex) summit plateau, which is a vast area of pasture.Although the climb may seem a little long, it is very pleasant and a magnificent reward awaits the hiker once at the top: a 360° panorama offering views of the Belledonne, Taillefer, Grandes-Rousses, Dévoluy and Vercors mountain ranges.The ‘Difficult’ rating is due to the combination of distance and elevation gain, both of which are significant.

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trace_mode_pedestrian Les Creys: glacial moraine of the Matheysine lakes

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Les Creys: moraine glaciaire des lacs de Matheysine
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Les descriptions et la trace GPS de ce circuit restent la propriété de leur auteur. Ne pas les copier sans son autorisation.