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(S/E) At the ‘A-La Poyat’ tram terminus, head south-west towards Rue de l’Abbaye. 400 metres further on, at the four-way junction, cross to the opposite side; there is a signpost indicating that the Tour Sans Venin is 4.10 km away. Head south-west up this steep street, Rue de la Poya. At the dead end, there is a half-barrier to pass through, and the path begins a steep climb before levelling out a few dozen metres further on as it widens.
Yellow and green markings
(1) The ‘Coup de Sabre’ takes you between the mountain and a gigantic, single-piece rock formation. Once you’ve passed this geological curiosity, the path continues to climb and turns naturally southwards. There’s a small, rocky section to cross without difficulty, leading immediately to a clearly marked Fork in the road with two small, old signposts facing each other, marked ‘ball trap’.
(2) Take the right-hand fork.
(3) Further up, cross a track (this will be the return route – make a note of this junction) and cross over to the path on the opposite side leading westwards.
(4) Cross another forest track to rejoin the path heading south. Ignore the poorly marked path climbing to the right. Follow the markings on this main path with ease.
(5) When you reach Ferme Froussard (altitude 480 m), follow the sign for “Tour Sans Venin 2.5 km” towards the south-west, following the forest track. After about 300m, take a shortcut that climbs steeply to the left, heading south-east. This shortcut crosses the forest track at “La Croisée” (signposted La Tour Sans Venin at 2.08km). Finally, rejoin the forest track through the open fields with views of Grenoble until you pass a forest gate.
(6) At this crossroads, head due south and pass under the high-voltage power line; the path is called the Chemin du Sabot. At the next forest gate, admire the fields below on your left (with plenty of horses); there is a cave there, though it appears to be off-limits to visitors. Continue along the path.
(7) When you reach the Tour Sans Venin, do take the time to walk round it – there are plenty of vantage points and places to stop for a break
The descent follows the same route as the ascent as far as the Froussard Farm. There are no particular difficulties with finding your way.
No signposting
(5) Back at Ferme Froussard, turn right onto the wide, descending path which leads to a ‘Y’-shaped junction.
(8) Turn left, heading due north, to reach Pré Faure straight away – a forest car park which is quite busy at weekends and on fine days.
Follow the path carefully north-westwards to the junction at Ferme Raymond.
(9) Follow the tarmac road down to a hairpin bend on the right. At the bend, turn left onto the forest track heading north, then north-west.
Avoid a few faint paths on your right that are intended as shortcuts to the Coup de Sabre. Return to the junction where the climb begins.
Yellow and green markings
(3) Turn right towards the east, taking the wide, downhill path; pass the Coup de Sabre again and exit onto the tarmac road you took on the way there, continuing to the tram terminus (S/E).
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