La Demoiselle and Les Prêtres

The starting point is at a very distinctive, clearly marked bend on the D127, between Grand Villard and Villard Joli. You can easily park on a small lay-by above the road.

(S/E) Take the path, which is fairly well marked with occasional paint marks and follows closely alongside the bed of the Torrent des Pertusets (generally speaking, calling it a ‘torrent’ is a bit of an exaggeration, as it’s really more of a thin trickle of water!). You’ll reach an altitude of around 1,400 metres, just after crossing a slightly steeper, earthen section.

(1) Turn right and walk for about 300 metres (due east) until you reach a track. Follow this to the left, heading north-west along an easy path, until you reach the vicinity of the point marked 1536m on the IGN map.

(2) Turn left before the sheepfold onto a well-marked path. To find the start easily: turn left just after a small cairn, heading between a Scots pine (on the left) and a spruce (on the right).
Follow the path easily into the Vallon de Truchière, where you’ll be at an altitude of around 1,700 metres.

(3) The route follows the valley floor as it ascends. It gradually becomes steeper without ever becoming steep. Reach a flat area at an altitude of 2,014 metres. Arrive at the foot of the Tête d’Oriol, where today’s destination is clearly visible. Head due north along a ridge and climb it (a 100-metre climb over a distance of approximately 300 metres). Make a slight detour to the left (due west) to avoid a rocky outcrop and reach a new, steeper ridge.

(4) Climb this ridge for another hundred metres or so, then head left towards the north-west. The terrain is a little steeper, grassy and stony, but presents no real difficulty. You will then reach a suspended meadow.
The highest point (2,349 m) is at the top of this meadow. ‘La Demoiselle’ is poorly marked on the map. It appears to be the name of a large, clearly visible rocky outcrop. Whilst this entire summit area is certainly easy, you should only venture there when visibility is good, as it is surrounded by cliffs.

(5) For the descent, retrace your steps for a good hundred metres of descent to reach the junction where you started the ascent.

(4) From this point, it is possible to follow the entire ascent route for the descent.
The route described here takes you all the way round the Tête d’Oriol.
Head north-east down steep but easy slopes. Watch your step and descend as best you can over grassy terraces and scree.
Reach the pass between Les Prêtres and the Tête d’Oriol.

(6) Enter the Vallon des Narrites and follow it as best you can, using the well-trodden but not entirely continuous trail. Reach the bottom of the valley (around 1,700 m).

(7) Head south-east and descend as best you can down the broad, gently sloping hillsides, which lead to the sheepfold and then to the junction you passed on the way up.

(2) Follow the route you took on the way up to return to the car park (S/E).

There are no water sources or shelters along the route. No equipment is required apart from walking poles, if needed. Of course, if there is snow on the ground, the difficulties are quite different and may require suitable equipment.