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Departure: From the Col de la Charmette car park, near the oratory.
(S/E) Head towards the Chalet de Charmette in the direction of the Grande Sure.
(1) At the chalet car park, turn left towards the Col d'Hurtières.
After 100 metres, bear slightly right (yellow markings).
This first section, under the trees, is very pleasant. Few hikers pass through here, as they prefer to climb directly to the Grande Sure (it's shorter!).
The path is very well marked, so you can't get lost.
(2) As you leave the forest, you will see the Rocher de Pré Large on your right.
From here, you will be walking through high-altitude meadows. The markings become virtually non-existent. Don't forget your GPS, map and compass.
Head straight ahead, keeping the forest on your left.
(3) At the top of the climb, turn right to reach the pass. If you cannot see the path, head north towards the ridge.
The meadow has been "ploughed" by wild boars, so the path is not very pleasant, but from here, the scenery is already very beautiful. Once you reach the ridge, you will have a magnificent view of the Grande Sure.
(4) Turn right towards the Col d'Hurtières, continuing to follow the ridge.
(5) At the pass, weather permitting, you can see Mont Blanc. Head north-east towards the Col de la Sure. You will pass above the Refuge d'Hurtières.
(6) You can see the Isère river winding its way at the foot of the Vercors.
(7) When you reach Col de la Sure, you will find yourself back among the crowds. Head left to the summit of Grande Sure. The slope is steep in places, but it's worth the effort. If you are fit, the round trip can be done in an hour.
(8) From up there, the view is magnificent: Voiron, the Vercors, Belledonne, the Grand Som, the Granier...
You can now begin your descent. Be careful, as there is a high risk of slipping on the rocks; take your time.
(7) At the Col de la Sure, head opposite towards the Col de la Grande Vache, 300 metres away.
(9) From the pass, continue in the same direction to begin the descent to the Col de la Charmette. The path is not always pleasant; there are many rocks.
You will come to the Chalet de la Charmette.
(1) Turn left. You are now just a few hundred metres from the car park (S/E).
). The rest is well marked by signs EXCEPT FOR ONE PASSAGE that made us lose more than an hour and a lot of energy. Between the Col d'Hurtière and the Col de la Sure (point number 5), about 5 to 10 minutes after you pass an enclosure (with cows again), you have to go through it. The path is marked by a simple small wooden post. So do not continue along the path (towards the large point just ahead, but turn left).
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