Grand Veymont direct routes on the west and east faces

Park in the Coche car park.

(S/E) Continue straight on along the road to the Maison Forestière de Pré Grandu.

(1) Turn left onto the Route Forestière de Combeau until you reach a Fork in the road.

(2) Keep left onto the Route Forestière de Combeau; further on, pass the Fontaine du Pichet on your right before reaching a clearing at an elevation of 1,480 metres.

(3) Leave the track and head straight on towards the far end of the grassy plain. Continue on to reach the junction with^{the GR®91}(elevation 1,672) near the Fontaine des Serrons.

(4) Head straight ahead to find the small Fontaine des Serrons, marked by large cairns. Continue uphill through the forest, then over scree and easy rocky terraces. Cross a small, stony valley to the left. Then head slightly back to the right, whilst climbing steeply. You’ll arrive beneath a steep scree slope about 50 m wide, with a small rocky ridge 4 to 6 m high above it. Cross the scree to the right whilst ascending and locate the small chimney. Then make an easy climbing move (Grade III) of about 3 m high, in the enclosed but not vertiginous chimney (use of hands essential). Animal tracks may help you find this passage. GPS track recommended.

(5) After this climbing section, which takes you over the only large rocky outcrop on the ascent, the route is steep but obvious. Take a short detour to the right between the trees to easily cross a^second small rocky outcrop 1 metre high.

(6) After this small rocky outcrop, head straight up, veering slightly to the right. You’ll emerge at the top of the southern couloir. Beautiful views of the west face of the Grand Veymont.

(7) The rest of the route is obvious: head straight up the slope. Continue the steep climb through the meadows. There are a few rocks, but you no longer need to use your hands. It’s steep and long, but technically easy.

(8) Start the descent down the east face at around 2,300 m. From the summit, descend along the southern ridge path for about 100 m. Look for a small scree-filled gully. Head into this gully and make your way back down the east face of the Grand Veymont: the entire descent down the east face is then visible.
Caution: the descent down the east face is steeper than the ascent up the west face. Off the track. Unmarked. No trail. Impressive, as there are vertical cliffs below. Falling is not an option. You must have sure-footedness and not be afraid of heights. Do not attempt this if the ground is wet.
Easy alternative route: descend via the standard Pas des Chatons path, on the southern slope of the Grand Veymont.
Then descend 10 m to the right to pass beneath and round the^first rocky spur. Then continue to the left of the face. Very faint track. Then navigate as best you can, staying on the grassy terraces and avoiding steep rocks and slippery scree or loose earth. You’ll reach the foot of the face at the pass between the Petit and the Grand Veymont. Turn round and admire the cliffs and the descent – the scenery is truly spectacular.

(9) From here on, the difficult sections are over. It is advisable to make a round trip up to the Petit Veymont. Allow 10 minutes for the ascent.

(10) A stunning view of Mont Aiguille and the Vercors… Turn back.

(9) Then head down to the left, through the mountain pastures towards the Col des Chatons. There’s a very short climb of 20 metres below the Pas des Chatons.

(11) Continue straight ahead along the easy, signposted paths. Head for the Bergerie de la Grande Cabane.

(12) Follow the marked and cairn-marked path straight ahead. Go round the Grande Cabane on the right, following the signs to avoid flocks of sheep and any mountain dogs guarding them. Then join the Rachier Forest Road. Further on, you’ll reach the original junction you passed on the way there.

(2) Turn left at the next Fork in the road; then take the right-hand path to rejoin the road and follow it to the right towards the Maison Forestière de la Coche to return to the Coche car park (S/E).

- Water: do not rely too heavily on fountains and springs. They often run dry. This is a limestone massif and is very dry in summer. You can find out more on the website.
(4) Fontaine des Serrons: very, very low flow; water supply not guaranteed.
- Limestone massif, so the rock is very slippery in wet weather. This hike should be undertaken in dry weather, given the steepness of the slopes. Ideally from late May to November. So, no snow or black ice.

The Vercors highlands are wild, vast and magnificent. A local must-see.