The Quinsonas and Mont Rachais crosses from La Tronche

The starting point is the “Bastille” bus stop on TAG Proximo route no. 16. It is possible to park nearby, although please note that parking is subject to a charge.

(S/E) Walk 50m up the Grande Rue to find, near a school, the start of the path known as “de la Ruiné” (hiking signposts). It climbs straight up the slope, cutting across several narrow streets. Further up, it leaves the last houses behind after passing through the Noyarey neighbourhood, and the terrain then becomes more stony. After a few steps, it climbs more gently in a zigzag pattern to reach the Bec du Corbeau crossroads.

(1) Here, ignore the first path leading uphill to the right (which will be the return route) and follow the second one. After a single hairpin bend, it winds gently south-westwards, joining a track at a bend (^GR®9).
After a rather monotonous climb, leave this track at the fourth bend as you reach the Mont Jalla plateau. A path on the right takes over, heading north. Then, after a few short hairpin bends, look out for the start of a narrow track at around 700m. This leads quickly to the Croix de Quinsonas, which comes into view at the last moment, hidden behind a rock.

(2) Turn back. Once back on the^GR®, continue to the right. The climb becomes steeper before reaching a level path lined with holly. Further up, after two short hairpin bends, look out for a tree at around 820m marked with a Yellow Cross and a white and green forestry marker, which indicates the start of a footpath.

(3) It heads north towards the rocky foothills of Mont Rachais. It crosses them by climbing a short gully, which you must leave by veering left via a short, easy climbing section. The path then reaches a ridge and bypasses a rocky outcrop on the left.
As the path eventually climbs straight up the slope, keep an eye out for the start of a grassy track at around 930m. This quickly leads to the Croix du Mont Rachais viewpoint.

(4) Back on the path, continue to the right. Further up, it reaches another outcrop offering a fine panorama, then it skirts a wooded hump to the left, joining the classic Mont Rachais route at point 986.

(5) Leave the ridge and descend the eastern slope along a well-marked path. Winding its way through a beautiful pine forest, it rejoins the^GR®9at an imposing cairn.

From there, take a path straight ahead which quickly joins the track coming from Bec Aigu. Beautifully carved into the steep slopes and offering some remarkable views, it allows you to return at a leisurely pace to the Bec du Corbeau junction.

(1) The final part of the descent follows the same route as on the way up to return to the starting point (S/E).

Temporary spring: as soon as you reach the path leading from the Bec Aigu, then follow it to the left for 50 m.
As the public transport network in the Grenoble metropolitan area is of a fairly high standard, it is advisable to use it to reach the start of this walk: the “Bastille” stop on TAG Proximo line no. 16.
Between (S/E) and (3) and between (5) and (S/E) Yellow markings and/or white and red^{GR® markings} with signposts.
Between (3) and (5), there are a few orange markings.
The short detours at the two crosses, however, are not signposted.

Once you reach the Mont Jalla plateau, you can take a short detour to visit its memorial.