Le Faz, La Lunette and the Coulmes forest

Hike on the Vercors plateaus between cliffs and the Coulmes forest.

Details

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Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.43 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 711 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 708 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,411 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 991 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) Start from the Le Faz cross-country ski centre car park.

Yellow/green markings

Head west towards the village along the road.

Yellow/red markings

(1) At the first crossroads, at a cross on the right, take a sharp right turn. Climb up through the meadows. Walk alongside the water reservoir on the right. Go past it, climb steeply up to the right and then turn left. Follow the path through the forest almost in a straight line. Along the way, several approaches near the cliffs will allow you to admire the cliffs and views of the Isère valley. Reach the Pas de Pré Bourret crossroads on a flat section.

Yellow/green markings

(2) Turn right at a right angle through the forest. Cross a meadow in a straight line, heading for the start of a path at the opposite edge of the meadow (as the path is integrated into the meadow). Continue through the forest on the path that curves down to the right. You will reach a meadow area. Ignore a path leading off to the right into the forest. Follow the faint path in the grass at a right angle to the left towards the north, climbing slightly. At the end of the meadow, you will reach a path coming from the right.

No markings

(3) Take an unmarked path to the left that is faintly visible in the vegetation.
From this point, you will make a round trip to the Lunette rocks.
The path is almost straight, initially flat and then steeply uphill through the forest. You will reach a flat area with large rocks on the right (these are the upper rocks of La Lunette). Continue along the ridge to the left and climb the dominant rock on the left, which overlooks the rock of La Lunette.

(4) Return by the same route to a flat area where you will see a steep path descending to the left. Caution. Be careful
This path reaches the pierced part of the Lunette rock.
Retrace your steps and follow the path in the opposite direction to the previous fork.

Yellow/green markings

(3) Follow the stone path opposite, which climbs towards a road. 50 metres before the road, turn right onto the Fontaine De Bury path

(5) The path starts off straight, then curves to the left and then sharply to the right to reach the Fontaine de Bury. At the fountain (a trough carved into the rock and a resurgence), follow the path climbing sharply to the left to reach the Carrefour de Patente.

No markings

(6) Cross the road and take the path opposite in the meadow that passes to the left of a stone basin. Follow this path straight ahead, crossing the discovery trail twice, to reach an observation site at the edge of the cliffs, protected by a barrier.

(7) Return 20 metres from the barrier and take a flat path on the left that is not very visible in the vegetation but is well marked. Please note: this path sometimes passes close to the cliffs and offers beautiful views.
Reach the free flight meadow. The path continues along the edge of the forest towards the top of the meadow. Ignore a path coming in a hairpin bend on the right. Climb steeply in a curve to the left and reach a wide descending track.

(8) Take the track that descends sharply to the right. Follow this well-marked track, which is almost straight. You will reach an iron barrier and a road. Follow the road to the right for 150 metres until you reach the end of the bend to the left.

(9) Leave the road and turn left down a wide grassy path. On a flat section, you will reach a path coming from the right. Note a chasm on the left.

Yellow/green markings

(10) Turn left and follow this good path, which does not have too many bends, until you reach the Croisettes forest road.

No markings

(11) Follow the road downhill opposite into the Presles communal forest. The road turns left, then straight ahead, then right and straight ahead after 300 metres.

(12) Be careful: when the road veers slightly to the left on a flat section, turn right at a right angle onto an old path that is not very visible and has become very overgrown with grass, bordered by trees marked in red.
Follow this grassy path almost straight ahead for 600 metres. After 500 metres, veer slightly to the right to see the Scialet Idelon. You will reach a path coming from the right. Follow this path straight ahead and you will reach a trail coming from the right.

Yellow/green markings

(13) Continue straight ahead, following the yellow/green markings downhill. The path then curves to the right and continues straight ahead until it reaches a road.

(14) Take the hairpin bend downhill to the left. After passing through the forest, you will arrive near some meadows on the right. Continue to the lowest point at a large meadow on the left.

(15) Turn right at a right angle uphill facing the cross-country ski centre. Reach the road and the centre on the left.

(S/E). Return to the cross-country ski centre

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,006 m - Le Faz cross-country skiing centre
  2. 1 : km 0.37 - alt. 1,002 m - Crossroads, on the right
  3. 2 : km 2.62 - alt. 1,292 m - Not at Pré Bourret, on the right
  4. 3 : km 4.6 - alt. 1,220 m - Fork in the road, left
  5. 4 : km 5.14 - alt. 1,271 m - Rochers de la Lunette
  6. 5 : km 5.86 - alt. 1,230 m - Chemin de la Fontaine De Bury
  7. 6 : km 6.8 - alt. 1,277 m - Carrefour de Patente, on the left
  8. 7 : km 6.96 - alt. 1,293 m - Observation site
  9. 8 : km 7.9 - alt. 1,404 m - Roche Plate trail, on the right
  10. 9 : km 9.28 - alt. 1,381 m - Serre Picard, on the left
  11. 10 : km 9.9 - alt. 1,326 m - Chasm, fork to the left
  12. 11 : km 10.62 - alt. 1,304 m - Les Croisettes, road opposite
  13. 12 : km 10.9 - alt. 1,294 m - Fork to the right
  14. 13 : km 11.77 - alt. 1,264 m - Serre du Page crossroads, opposite
  15. 14 : km 12.82 - alt. 1,154 m - Close to the road.
  16. 15 : km 14.12 - alt. 991 m - Below the village, on the right as you climb uphill
  17. S/E : km 14.43 - alt. 1,006 m - Le Faz cross-country skiing centre

Notes

No water sources listed.
Standard equipment, allowing for cool temperatures in the forest.
No shelter beyond the village of Le Faz

Caution: many sections may be slippery near the cliffs.

At point (7) Read the comments carefully as it can be difficult to find the start of the trail, which has been partially erased by the earthworks on the wide discovery trail.

Worth a visit

Views from the edge of the cliffs over the Isère valley, the Nan gorges and the village of Malleval.
Pas de Pré Bourret.
Climb to La Lunette: pierced rock topped by a cross with views to the north.
Place to relax and discovery trail at Carrefour de Patente.
Take-off site for free flight from Pas de l'Âne.
Coulmes Forest.
Karstic cave Idelon.
If you remain quiet, you may spot ungulates near the grassy areas.

Reviews and comments

4.2 / 5
Based on 18 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.1 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.2 / 5
sempervivum
sempervivum

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 21, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hiking in the snow with the help of GPS tracking (very useful). Beautiful Coulmes forest, views of the village of Malleval and the plain, easy ridge path except for one tricky spot between 3 and 5 on the icy snow, a short section crossed with crampons. The snow-covered paths in the woods are pleasant. I only came across one other hiker during the day.

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PCA69
PCA69

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in 3½ hours in good weather in the morning (19/09/25); fairly varied landscape and lots of undergrowth – definitely more interesting to do on snowshoes as it's not very difficult. Used the Visorando app on my phone to help with navigation (there are one or two paths where you might get confused as nature has reclaimed its rights)

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bruno92160
bruno92160

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pretty route along the Coulmes cliffs and above Malleval, with its beautiful forest and breathtaking views. An easy trail, though slightly slippery as the beech trees have just lost their leaves.

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Brigitte2674
Brigitte2674

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful shaded hike, as described

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Dorando
Dorando

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike in hot weather.
Access to the telescope was easy. The ground was dry and I did not feel dizzy.
The description was very detailed, but I also used GPS.
Thanks to the author of this hike.

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Muriel et christian
Muriel et christian

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 13, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

very pleasant route

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sentiersdu monde
sentiersdu monde

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 24, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

It is a beautiful and fairly easy route. Best done in the warmer months.
Avoid in winter as the paths are reserved for cross-country skiers.
Margot

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cathyferrer
cathyferrer

I retraced the route I had mapped out four years ago.
I made a few adjustments to the route and description and changed the final destination to arrive directly at the ski centre.
Following CATBER's instructions, I redid the route via the Fontaine de Bury, which is very interesting and avoids a section of road.
At point 7, it is now easier to find your way by going back just a few metres and then heading towards the cliffs.
Enjoy your walks.

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CATBER
CATBER

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 19, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent landscapes, beautiful forests where you can walk in the shade, but poorly paved cross-country ski trails and many other paths damaged by logging operations.
The intersections are not always easy to find, so thank goodness for the app to validate the route
Between waypoints 3 and 5, you can avoid the road section by taking a forest path called "Chemin de la Fontaine de Bury", and I recommend taking the short circular route to the fountain, which flows well and is magnificent.

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chguilleminot
chguilleminot

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 17, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

beautiful scenery
No problems to report

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chguilleminot
chguilleminot

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 30, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Difficult to locate in certain places, but the track is accurate and can be corrected.
Beautiful panorama

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Thierryb26
Thierryb26

New trails and a new road have been built.

Hello,

Could you specify where?

Thank you!

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Sylvie L6.
Sylvie L6.

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 19, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

New paths and a new road have been laid out.

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Yves Claix
Yves Claix

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 28, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

nice, easy route, with slightly unclear directions, but still a very pleasant route.

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cenatrando
cenatrando

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 26, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

The paths can be a bit difficult to find, but the view is beautiful.

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