Clelles - Ferme du Désert

(S) From Clelles SNCF station, walk up the road (with your back to the station) and take the first path heading west. Head towards the Darne viaduct, cross the D7 and reach the first intersection.

(1) Turn left (do not go down towards the viaduct). The path crosses a forest and climbs back up to the D7, which you must follow to the ruins of the old Moulin Faucherand mill.

(2) Leave the road and take the path that leads to Château-Vieux. At the crossroads between the houses, go straight ahead and head south to reach Chichilianne, nestled at the foot of Mont-Aiguille, and the GTV (Grande Traversée du Vercors) trail. Follow the GTV trail generally southwards to leave the village. At first, the trail climbs slightly as it runs alongside the Vercors.

(3) After Les Fauries, turn right towards the rocky outcrops and the serious work begins. The climb is steep up to Pas de l'Essaure (1,714 m).

(4) At Pas de l'Essaure, you come out onto a plateau with numerous trails and no signposts. You lose track of the GTV. Do not climb, stay generally to the left and level, keeping southbound to reach the Essaure hut (1,653 m - a good place to stop if it is not too windy).

(5) Find the well-marked trail. Continue downhill until you reach a road and the Fontaine des Prêtres car park.

(6) Follow the road until you pass the Grange de Rachier stopover lodge (1365m).

(7) Leave the road and take the path on the left to climb back up to the Col de Côte Chèvre.

(8) Descend to Les Nonnières (858m) after crossing the D120.

(9) In the village, pass the stopover lodge-bistrot, turn left to descend towards the wash house, cross the bridge and turn left to follow the river (wide path marked^GR®® + GTV) to the viewpoint over the Grande Cascade du Sapet (rather disappointing as it is inaccessible: private land).

(10) After the viewpoint, look out for the intersection on the left that goes back up into the woods (it is easy to miss). Turn right once you reach the D120, then take the main path at the next bend (to the right).

(11) When the path narrows and makes a hairpin bend to the right, continue straight ahead on a small path that crosses the stream and climbs into the forest.
At the edge of the forest, you will come to a large meadow. The ruins of the Ferme du Désert are visible at the edge of the stream (E).

The SNCF coach arrives at Clelles station at 9am.
In Chichilianne, the village bistro terrace welcomes you for a morning coffee with a view of Mont-Aiguille.
In Les Nonnières, there is a stopover lodge (not open all day) and a fountain for filling up with water.
On arrival, there is a stream for washing and replenishing water supplies (micropure essential).