Col du Crucifix and Col Saint-Michel from Cognin

Cognin Stadium car park.

(S/E) Walk through the housing estate along Rue Claude Debussy to the end and turn left onto Allée de la Petite Forêt for 150 m.

(1) Leave this lane, which turns right, and head straight up, between two signs for walkers, onto a path bordered by a shaded stream.

(2) Follow the road to the right until you reach the hairpin bend, turn left at a 90° angle and continue along the tarmac road.

(3) Leave the road as it turns left and head straight on along the farm track.

(4) Cross the Chalou footbridge, a wooden structure over the Merderet stream, and pass through the hamlet of Chalou.

(5) Turn right onto the partly tarmac-surfaced track. Keep heading west, ignoring the side paths.

(6) Cross the Nant Bruyant stream, then pass the “Les Crinières d’Anges” equestrian centre. Just after the cross, take the path on the left which joins a small road (Chemin des Plantées); follow this to the left.

(7) Go round the copse on the right; you will go round it on the other side on the way back.

(8) Turn right at the corner of the small wood and follow the single path to Saint-Sulpice.

(9) You’ll arrive in front of the school via a breathtakingly steep slope. Turn immediately left, going round the church, and follow the Chemin du Crucifix.

(10) Enter the forest by turning right.

(11) Turn right, ignoring the path ahead which leads down from the Col Saint-Michel. From there, you will walk along the Voie Sarde and notice the stones paving the ground and the retaining walls all the way to the Col du Crucifix: cross and altar, clearing, picnic area

(12) Follow the ridge path to the left (south) to reach Col Saint-Michel, which also has a cross and an altar.

(13) Here you’ll come across the Roman road, which is very discreet and dilapidated but still visible, and which you’ll follow for part of the way. Head down to the left (east) along a narrow path.

(14) Turn left at the crossroads. Caution: do not miss this very inconspicuous and poorly signposted path, then head straight on due north.

(11) On the way back, pass this junction again and go straight on, following the reverse route of the outward journey to the finish.

(8) Go round the copses on the right and head for the stadium car park (S/E).

On the ridge path between the Col du Crucifix and the Col Saint-Michel, there are beautiful views of Lake Aiguebelette.
The Voie Sarde is a beautiful route, best enjoyed in summer and up until October, before the leaves fall or snow covers the ground.
The^first part of the route to Saint-Sulpice is mainly rural; cows, horses and goats graze in the fields.