From Lac du Marandan to Saint-Just-de-Claix through the woods

Park in the car park at the Lac du Marandan leisure centre in Saint-Romans.

(S/E) Leave the car park on the right, following the V63 cycle route towards Grenoble along the small tarmac road. At the four-way stop sign junction, continue straight on until you reach the D1532.

(1) Cross it with extreme caution, as it is a very busy road with fast-moving traffic. Continue to the D518.

(2) Use the pedestrian crossing to cross the road and turn right onto the pavement. Turn left immediately between the houses, and turn right onto Route du Petit Bois.
After two bends, head uphill to join Route du Banchet.

(3) Follow it, turning right. Continue across the plateau until you reach a junction with two dirt tracks at the top of a small hill.

(4) Take the one on the right, which runs alongside a walnut grove. You’ll reach a small tarmac road; cross it to climb up and reach La Blachette.

(5) Walk through this hamlet, continue along the road until you reach a winding dirt track that follows on from it.

(6) Continue downhill through the woods, ignoring several paths branching off to the left. You will then reach a cluster of houses as you emerge from the woods.

(7) At the^first house, turn right and very quickly take the dirt track that descends through the woods. This will avoid a dull descent along the tarmac road. Further down, you’ll reach this road. Take it to reach a crossroads with four perpendicular roads.

(8) Turn slightly right onto this tarmac road, which is rarely used. Walk through the walnut groves along a virtually straight stretch. Ignore all the turnings to the right or left to reach the junction with the D71.

(9) Cross it with great care, then continue straight on until you reach the Malot junction you passed on the way out.

(2) Turn left and retrace your steps from the outward journey; you will soon reach the junction with the D1532.

(1) Cross this road again with great care to return to the car park at the Lac du Marandan leisure centre (S/E).

(S/E) You’ve already got a glimpse of the importance of walnut cultivation in the region. This walk is easy but be mindful of the distance. It mainly follows tarmac roads that are rarely used, apart from the sections crossing main and local roads.
There are no water points along the route.
This route is suitable for mountain bikes.

(S/E) The Lac du Marandan leisure centre offers a recreational area with swimming facilities (entry fee applies), catering and camping from 1 May to 30 September.
The shaded car park at the start is free.
(5) La Blachette: enjoy lovely views of the Vercors on your left.
(7) Emerging from the woods: discover the village of Saint-Just-de-Claix below on the right.
Pont-en-Royans, 8 km away: a village with houses perched on the hillside.
The Bourne Gorges.
Saint-André-en-Royans.
Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans: paddle steamer, aqueduct.
La Sône: garden of petrifying fountains.