La Vielle Chapelle via the Col de Grenouze and Col du Pavezin

Park in the car park at the exit of the hamlet of La Vielle Chapelle.

(S/E) From the car park, head towards La Vielle Chapelle and, at the edge of the hamlet, turn left and follow the route to Col de Grenouze – Mont Monnet. Reach the Col de Grenouze.

(1) Take the path on the left towards the Col de Pavezin. Follow it for a few hundred metres; at the crossroads, turn left then right onto a gently sloping path. Cross the conifer plantation and follow this path to the junction leading to Mont Ministre.

(2) Leave the path leading to the mountain on your left and continue to the right. Reach the Grotte aux Fées crossroads. You can reach the cave by turning left. Then return to the crossroads.

(3) Turn left and head downhill to reach the multi-way junction at Col du Pavezin

(4) Cross the car park then take the path climbing up to the right, running parallel to the road, towards the hamlet of La Baronnette. Ignore the paths branching off to the right and left to reach La Baronnette by following the yellow and white markings.

(5) Start descending to the left, still following the yellow and white markings. Continue along this path to reach the road at the houses in the hamlet of Montant.

(6) Take the path on the right, which is located in the bend, and follow it. Pass through the hamlet of Montant, then turn right as you leave the houses. Turn left shortly afterwards to reach a tarmac road and a five-way junction.

(7) Watch out for traffic here. Turn left and follow the tarmac road to reach the Croix Pilherbe crossroads.

(8) Take the path opposite and head towards the houses at Les Ferranches. You’ll come to a road here; go past the Varie crossroads. Enter the village of Chuyer, passing by the foot of the church and then in front of the town hall. Continue along the road to Place de la Mairie, where you’ll find another path junction at a bend.

(9) Turn left here and begin the ascent of the La Baronnette route to Col du Pavezin. Cross the hamlet of La Régny, then the D30 road, and continue to reach Col de Pavezin at the junction you passed on the way out.

(4) Turn right onto the path running parallel to the D30 towards Mont Ministre. Head for the junction serving it.

(10) Ignore the path leading up to the left here and continue straight ahead towards Chuyer, following the yellow and white-marked path. Take care here as this path is very steep and slippery depending on the weather. Stay on this path, ignoring the turn-offs to the right, to reach the hamlet of Bonne Bouche and a tarmac road.

(11) Turn left onto it and follow it, cutting across the final hairpin bend to return to the Vieille Chapelle car park (S/E).

You can stop for a drink at the Col de Grenouze and the Col du Pavezin, depending on the opening season.
In Chuyer, the bar-restaurant is closed pending a new owner.
This hike is best undertaken in dry weather and should be avoided in strong winds; wear good walking boots and bring walking poles.

(1) Col de Grenouze: enjoy the view weather permitting, and if the inn is open, you can stop for a drink.
(3) In fine weather, there are beautiful views of the Vercors, the Alps and Mont Pilat. You can also visit the Grotte aux Fées.