Le Pérollier via the Sentier du Diable

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Seen from Lake Charlet and the climb to Tabor, the Sentier du Diable, which winds its way up the south-western face of Pérollier, is impressive, and its name deters many hikers from taking it. However, it is a pleasant trail with a fairly steady climb and is not particularly dangerous. We take it here to climb Pérollier (2,183 m), the third highest peak in the Tabor massif, and make a loop via Lake Charlet for the return journey.

Details

n°84391
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.83 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 725 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 723 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,180 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,454 m
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Photos

Chalets and Lac Chartel
Sea of clouds from the summit
Le Pérollier seen from the small lake of Charlet
View from the Pic du Pérolier

Description of the walk

The start is at the end of the car park at the Saint Honoré 1500 resort, about 45km south of Grenoble via the Route Napoléon.

(S) Take the forest path that descends north-east towards Alpe du Grand Serre and Le Pérolier.
After about 500 metres of descent, we arrive at a place called "Les Tibannes" where we take the path that climbs up to the right. Continue along this path until you cross the river, the Jonche.

(1) It is almost always possible to cross without getting your feet wet.

(2) On the right, we find a sign indicating the "Sentier du Diable" (Devil's Path), which is located on the only state-owned plot of land in the commune of Villard-Saint-Christophe and is managed by the ONF. It is maintained fairly regularly and poses no problems except for one section that collapses every year, where you have to follow in the footsteps of previous hikers. After a long but steady climb, first through the forest and then along the winding slopes of Le Pérolier, we reach the ridge at the end of the path.

(3) We climb up to the right, following the ridge for a little less than 100 metres to reach Pérolier.

(4) For the return trip, we continue in the same direction and begin the descent on the ridge towards the Col de l'Ollière, which we can see below. There are no major difficulties, but the slope is quite steep and walking sticks may be useful.

(5) From the Col de l'Ollière, we follow the path that descends to the right towards Lac Charlet. After skirting the lake and continuing along the path for a hundred metres or so, we come to a set of signs marked "Lac Charlet" indicating the directions to Tabor and Saint-Honoré 1500.

(6) Head towards Saint-Honoré 1500; a few metres after the sign, you will see the car park and the path will lead you in that direction.

(7) At the end of the trail, 50 metres after a group of signs marked "Les Alisiers", take a shortcut on the right that will quickly lead you to a water reservoir. Opposite the reservoir, the downhill path will take you back to the car park (E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,497 m - End of the car park at the Saint Honoré 1500 resort
  2. 1 : km 1.02 - alt. 1,492 m - Jonche (cours d'eau) - Affluent du Drac
  3. 2 : km 1.56 - alt. 1,546 m - Turn right at the sign
  4. 3 : km 3.82 - alt. 2,100 m - Follow the ridge to the right
  5. 4 : km 4.06 - alt. 2,177 m - Le Pérollier (2183m)
  6. 5 : km 4.48 - alt. 2,028 m - Col de l'Ollère (2023m)
  7. 6 : km 5.5 - alt. 1,911 m - After the lake, head towards Saint-Honoré 1500 - Lac Charlet
  8. 7 : km 7.15 - alt. 1,606 m - Take a shortcut on the right
  9. S/E : km 7.83 - alt. 1,497 m - Car park at the start

Notes

The trail is fairly well maintained but narrow and located on a fairly steep slope. It is not dangerous as long as you watch your step. Avoid taking children or dogs that are too boisterous, as they could fall or throw you off balance.
Walking sticks are useful, especially on the slightly steep descent between Pérolier and Col de l'Oullière.
In case of bad weather, you can take shelter in the ski lift hut located near the summit of Pérolier.

Notes:
- the summit of Pérolier is at an altitude of 2,183 metres, which is significantly higher than the value indicated on the graph, but the total elevation gain of approximately 750 metres is still accurate.
- the circuit is indicated in the Taillefer massif, the closest in the list provided, but it is actually in the Tabor massif.
- the circuit can easily be done in the opposite direction, with a less challenging climb between the Col de l'Oullière and Pérolier, but the start of the Sentier du Diable (3) is not as easy to find. From Pérolier, you have to descend the ridge to the first small plateau, where a square-based stake painted red at the top marks the start of the path that branches off to the left.

Worth a visit

Plants:
The Sentier du Diable is very pleasant in late spring and early summer with magnificent and sometimes quite rare flowers: foxgloves, martagon lilies, houseleeks... However, it can be very hot in the early afternoon as it is located on a slope that is very exposed to the sun.
Extension of the circuit:
The hike passes by the landmark known as "Lac Charlet", which is shared with the "Piquet de Stream et Tabor" circuit. The more adventurous (around 7 hours of walking and 1,300 metres of elevation gain) can combine the two circuits and thus pass by the three main peaks of the massif.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
ecollain
ecollain

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We did most of the hike in the clouds. But what a magnificent view once we emerged and discovered a sea of clouds. A fairly short hike with few steep sections, a good way to warm up.

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Huhe
Huhe

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

EXCELLENT!! I can only recommend this superb hike, which perfectly combines sport and natural spectacle.

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ecdescamps
ecdescamps

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike with varied and splendid landscapes. Long climb to the summit with some steep sections, but it can be done at a leisurely pace. A large snowfield to cross near the summit in mid-May! It's cold and windy at the summit (2,183 metres, after all), so make sure you bring what you need. There's a short but steep and unstable section to the Col de Oullière, just below the Tabor (possible extension for the brave, 1½ hours each way). The return trip is pleasant, a little tricky at the very end, but you'll easily find your feet again as the car park isn't far away.

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thierry Grand
thierry Grand

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

very beautiful route!
impressive path from a distance but well marked!
a lovely loop with beautiful views, perfect for a half-day outing!
just follow the signs for "Le Pérollier"

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phiphi38
phiphi38
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely loop to do, unsurprisingly with the descent to Lake Charlet.
The uphill trail is steep but well marked. Good footwear is essential. This unique hike is rarely visited due to its exposed nature.

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jb89
jb89

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike, accessible to many.
The route is well marked, so no map or additional information is necessary.

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bapmab
bapmab

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Everything is excellently described in the description and the few comments. I would just add that since then, additional directions have been added, so all you need to do is follow "Le Perollier" at the start.

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BRUNO1
BRUNO1

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 15, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A varied circuit offering beautiful views in all directions.

CAUTION: The descent from the summit of Pérollier to the Col de l'Ollière, between points 3 and 4, although safe and without technical difficulty, should be avoided by those who are afraid of heights. For these individuals, it is advisable to descend following the ski lift and then, once lower down, turn right to reach the Col de l'Ollière.

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Gast38
Gast38

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike with beautiful scenery and not very difficult.

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François69003
François69003

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This circular hike is particularly interesting as it offers panoramic views of (among others) Sénépy, Montagne du Conest, Grand Serre, Taillefer, Grand Armet, Tabor, Lake Pierre Châtel, etc. The climb up the Sentier du Diable trail requires caution as it is narrow and the slopes are slippery. It should be avoided if there is a risk of rain or thunderstorms and if you are with people who are afraid of heights. The descent to the Col de l'Ollière is easier than it looks.

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frohrhurst
frohrhurst

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike offering stunning views. Set off at dawn to enjoy the panorama.
The descent from the summit is a little steep, so walking sticks are recommended.

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59chris38
59chris38

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Beautiful hike. Well-marked, steep climb with switchbacks. The first snow had accumulated on the trail. Descent along the ridge complicated by the snow.

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Murielle68
Murielle68

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 16, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Very beautiful view but some difficult sections due to rockfalls. You really need good walking boots and a head for heights. Superb hike

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burnichonfby
burnichonfby

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

hiking made difficult due to landslides, which have worsened because of storms, making this particular section particularly tricky and not suitable for children

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isasar
isasar

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A bucolic hike through wine country. The wooded landscapes provide welcome shade on hot days.

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