This hike starts at the Lac du Poursollet car park, located north-east of La Morte (please note that the car park is very busy in summer and the access road is not cleared of snow in winter).
(S/E) To start the route, take the path that branches off to the right after the car park reserved for various traders and summer visitors to the lodges. Don't worry about the sign pointing you in the direction of the other path, we'll come back to it later.
Cross the row of chalets, staying on the main path. Then, at the exit of this hamlet, veer slightly to the left to head due east.
(1) Follow the signs for Plateau des Lacs on theGR®50almost to Lac Fourchu.
The trail begins its ascent in the forest, starting off fairly gently, then gradually giving way to shorter vegetation and steeper slopes.
(2) Cross the Ruisseau du Taillefer stream, which can be a welcome refreshment on hot days.
Shortly afterwards, continue along a small, fairly steep path through boulders, where the view gradually opens up on the left.
Alternate between natural rock steps and man-made steps made of wooden logs.
At this point, there is a magnificent view to the north over the Belledonne mountain range and to the west over the Vercors. The path veers slightly to the north-east and continues to a signpost.
(3) Leave the Plateau des Lacs and take the small path that leaves theGR®50, continuing in a north-easterly direction. Continue for a few hundred metres on a gentler slope until you reach Lac Fourchu.
(4) After a well-deserved break to admire the lake, take the path that runs along the left side of the lake and heads almost due north.
After leaving Lac Fourchu, cross a small marsh and you will soon reach a fork in the path.
(5) Turn right to pass as close as possible to Lac Canard and a little further on you will reach the Ruisseau de Rioupéroux where the descent begins.
(6) Follow this stream, initially on its left bank, until you reach a ford where you then cross to the right bank.
(7) Then pick up the yellow-marked trail that leads along the stream to the Chalets de la Barrière. After the chalets, you will come to a crossroads.
(8) Head south towards Le Poursollet, crossing a small bridge over the Rioupéroux stream, which you will now leave behind. Follow the wide path that descends gently through a clearing littered with hundreds of tree stumps, where two small wooden sculptures stand at the edge of the path. Then enter the forest, which you will remain in until the end of the hike. Continue along this wide path and pass two hairpin bends.
(9) Cross the Ruisseau des Peatland stream and then, shortly afterwards, the Ruisseau du Taillefer stream. Continue winding your way through the forest until you reach a slight incline, which marks the end of the route and your return shortly afterwards to the car park where you started (S/E).
This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).
