Date of your route : Jul 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes
A short hike that is not particularly difficult for experienced hikers, but may prove challenging for mountain "tourists".
When hiking in the mountains, we know that we may sometimes have to use our hands and pass through areas that can cause vertigo for some people, without the hike being "difficult" or even "moderate".
For the author of a hike, choosing a level of difficulty is not easy. My opinion is quite similar to that of the author; this hike is indeed "easy" for an experienced hiker. But for those who are less experienced, "tourists" or children or adults who are prone to vertigo and/or not very athletic, etc., it may seem a little challenging or even downright difficult.
The ridge path from the oratory to the foot of the face is certainly quite monotonous and extremely easy. A classic forest approach. It's the walking part that, personally, bores me. But sometimes, it clears up and then "wow" ^^ A small break in the trees as you approach reveals the Pinéa in all its beauty.
The end is steeper, with a slope of 30-35° and even 35-40° at the very end, according to geoportail.
You almost need to use your hands to keep your balance, at the very least. Especially since the rock is very slippery in these heavily frequented areas. And there's nothing worse than slippery limestone. Even my best Vibram soles slip on it. Not to be attempted if it's damp/wet (even worse for people who aren't used to it)!
I made my way back via the aerial passage on the north-northeast slope, which is the same level of difficulty but with the added bonus of vertigo for those who are prone to it.
I'm taking advantage of this first comment to make a point (an open door for some, eh?) about something that might be useful to note on each hike description. Because apparently, it's still not ingrained in everyone's minds. And the mountains have become so overcrowded since Covid. So, on a beautiful Sunday, there are lots and lots of people, which is not surprising. Fortunately, most are on the Charmant Som, but there are still people on the Pinéa. (I have lived in the mountains since well before Covid, and like all mountain dwellers, we immediately noticed the difference).
So: it's essential to be humble and know when to turn back. Please, really.
Just because someone tells you it's "easy" doesn't mean it will necessarily be easy for you too.
How many times, when I was starting out, did people say to me, "You'll see, it's not hard at all," and I had to turn back because of a difficulty that I judged at that moment to be unreasonable for me to tackle alone. I went back later, more experienced.
And there, I saw several people who had climbed to the summit finding themselves in difficulty on the way down, one of them in a state of panic. That's how you end up having to call in helicopters, which then take risks (no PGHM operation is without risk) to get you out of trouble.
So if you have any doubts about your physical condition or mental abilities, turn back and/or wait for your loved ones at the foot of the mountain! The view is already pretty good, to be honest.
There's no shame in that, quite the contrary! It shows character to be able to say "no" and "I'll come back when I'm ready"...!
Do less demanding activities and gradually try slightly more difficult ones, but without any danger. There's plenty to do in this regard all around Chartreuse, Vercors, Belledonne, etc., where the views are just as beautiful, if not more so.
Try climbing, it helps some people get over a hurdle (not all of them, mind you).
Honestly, what's the fun in reaching a summit, not even enjoying the view, and then coming back down whining and struggling, even at risk of falling at any moment?
Look at the maps (and learn to read them to see where the cliffs, scree slopes, difficulties, etc. are), use Geoportail and/or their app to see the actual slope angle in addition to the normal map.
Keep in mind that a 25° slope may seem ridiculous on paper, but when you're actually there, with the effort, the altitude, etc., well, suddenly it's not so ridiculous anymore, right? So 30° and above is considered steep.
I know I'm stating the obvious for some people, but obviously not for everyone.
To conclude on a positive note, it is indeed a very nice hike, best done during the week to avoid the crowds. (I deliberately went on a Sunday during the holidays to see if or not it was very busy.)
The view from the summit is splendid. You can see the city a little, but the view towards the Chartreuse can bring a tear to the eye of the emotional. What a refreshing little summit. I stayed there for a good 30-40 minutes, which felt great. Sitting on the edge of a cliff, admiring the view, clearing your mind.
i had two nice encounters, and even though I'm a loner, some of the people I met made me want to chat for a while, which was very pleasant. Thank you if you happen to be reading this ^^ and well done again to the very brave gentleman!
Luckily, there were no noisy groups at the summit when I arrived. Just one quiet lady and the flies and other buzzing insects ^^ How wonderful, people don't stay at the summit lol, good for us, too bad for them hihihi!
So thank you to the author for sharing this 
Machine-translated
Country:
District:
, although not technically difficult, it is very dizzying, the drop is really very close. However, the rest of the path seemed easier to us than climbing back down the final ascent. On the other hand, this alternative route is not suitable for children, as the danger is close and real, nor for people who are sensitive to vertigo.
Visorando member
Moderate 
Difficult 
