From Col du Coq to Sainte-Marie-du-Mont

Park in the Col du Coq car park.

(S) With the car park behind you, cross the road carefully and take the path opposite (GRP® Tour de Chartreuse). Head for the Col des Ayes.

(1) Leave the GRP® and climb up to the right, following the tight hairpin bends, to reach the Pas de l'Œille.

(2) Continue on the Dent de Crolles plateau and descend steadily until you reach a crossroads with several trails.

(3) Take the^second trail on the right, heading northeast, and follow it, almost along the contour line, until you reach the junction with the GRP® Tour de Chartreuse, which you will find at the foot of the Col de Bellefont.

(4) Take it on the right and begin the steep climb to the pass.

(5) Descend towards the Aulp du Seuil chalet via the Marcieu valley.

(6) Leave the chalet on your right and continue downhill towards Les Haberts de Marcieu.

(7) Enter the forest, then exit it to reach the Alpettaz sheepfold. Pass it and head towards the fork at the edge of a new wooded area.

(8) Leave the GRP® and take the path on the right.

(9) Pass the pass at the foot of Roche Blanche, reach the Pré de Pratcel, and continue on the right, climbing up the valley.

(10) Turn left to climb up towards Pas de l'Échelle.

(11) Cross the pass and head towards Chalet de l'Alpe.

(12) Continue to the right (east), reach the shoulder and follow it to the left. Arrive at Col de l'Alpe.

(13) Keep going in the same direction, descend a short, steep section with tight hairpin bends, then follow the contour line and head for the Cabane de l'Allier.

(14) Continue downhill, cross a forest track, and take the paths opposite to find another track a little further down.

(15) Follow it to the right for about a hundred metres, then leave it on the left to rejoin the path that descends very steeply to the hamlet of Les Prés and Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (E).

Col du Coq accessible between April and the end of October, otherwise walk from the Col du Coq road a few kilometres below.

Difficult hike in winter conditions, bring crampons and appropriate safety equipment, sensitive area for animals!

Camping in tents is prohibited in July and August (only under the stars) along most of the route.

Bring walking sticks, good shoes, water and a picnic if necessary

Easily done in two days.