Pic Saint-Michel via Croix des Suifs from the Barnets car park

Overall, this is an easy hike with varied landscapes both uphill and downhill, offering a unique panorama at the summit. A must-see in the region.

For the Visorando moderator: hike inspired by two others:
1- Pic Saint-Michel via Croix des Suifs.
2- Pic Saint-Michel.
Very similar but, in my opinion, an improvement on the other two: it's up to you to decide whether it's publishable or not.

Details

n°39728013

Creation:
07 Sep 2023

Last update:
11 Sep 2023

Last review:
30 Jul 2025

Activity: Walking
Distance: 9.34 km
Average duration: 4h 40
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 693 m
Descent: - 688 m
Highest point: 1,937 m
Lowest point: 1,255 m

Country: France
Areas: Alps, Vercors, Dauphiné
District: Lans-en-Vercors (38250)
Start/End: N 45.108473° / E 5.603497°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3235OT
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Description of the walk

Park at the Parking des Barnets car park on the road leading up to La Sierre station. Choose the lower section, with angled parking spaces.

(S/E) Cross the road at the "Site de Vol Libre de l'Aigle" signs and take the gravel track that descends northwards. Immediately on the left, about twenty metres away, you will see a path, which is not very visible at first but is well marked, climbing steadily at a gentle gradient.
Follow it until you reach a bend in the forest road.

(1) Go around the bend and take a path that zigzags up the slope. There are several tracks, but stay on the one that is well marked by mountain bikes.
When you come to a forest road at a bend, cut across the bend and follow the path that climbs up to the ridge. You will arrive at the Croix des Suifs.

(2) Continue straight ahead on the ridge. After a descent, you will arrive at a small pass with little vegetation. Do not head towards La Salière.
Turn slightly left to descend towards La Sierre. You will arrive at a beautiful track on the pass, which you should follow south for about 200 metres.

(3) Look for a good^GR® marked trail parallel to the track. Join it and follow it. It leads directly to the Col de l'Arc. Very beautiful panorama, comfortable for a break.

(4) Turn left, heading north-northeast, onto the^GR® towards Pic Saint-Michel. Continue to the crossroads at the foot of the peak (signpost).

(5) Climb a few metres to the cross at the summit and enjoy the magnificent 360° panorama. Then begin the descent, which is a little steep in places and crosses areas of sharp limestone pavement that can be slippery, with quite a few tracks, between which you may hesitate.
I chose to follow intermittent yellow-green markings, only to realise that I had ended up taking a "shortcut" compared to the usual recommended routes.
=> This is a region with a sharp limestone pavement, so be careful, but if you follow the tracks, you'll get through without any difficulty. It is essential to stay on the well-marked tracks: if in doubt, go back up to find the lost track. You will arrive at a stony track.

(6) Cross it to take the path/trail opposite in the pasture to the north, which leads back to the car park (S/E) following the bottom of the Combe Claire.

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,255 m - Barnets car park
1 : km 0.54 - alt. 1,326 m - Lacet, altitude 1,320 m
2 : km 1.42 - alt. 1,468 m - Croix des Suifs
3 : km 2.82 - alt. 1,450 m - Track
4 : km 4.76 - alt. 1,734 m - Col de l'Arc
5 : km 5.75 - alt. 1,934 m - At the foot of - Pic Saint Michel
6 : km 7.78 - alt. 1,441 m - Small pass du Furon (east) - Refuge des Alliéres
S/E : km 9.34 - alt. 1,255 m - Barnets car park

Notes

The Font Froide fountain (between (3) and (4)) provides a very thin trickle of water.
The Auberge des Allières (point (6)) offers drinks and meals: check opening days and hours.

Good footwear is essential for the descent. Walking sticks are recommended.
Some sections are slippery in wet weather.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

ENS des falaises du Moucherotte au Pic Saint-Michel - more information

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5

Based on 7 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5

Route interest
5 / 5

guappino

30 Jul 2025 at 08:46 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We went on this magnificent walk as a family. The climb is fantastic and the view is breathtaking. My only downside is the descent, as it is too uneven with loose stones.

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drixou05

25 Jun 2025 at 15:47 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
I had already climbed Pic St Michel, but the alternative route at the start is very nice and stays cool (lots of wild strawberries). Be careful, I missed the path at the very beginning, but it was no big deal.
The climb up the pass goes well, but for the descent through the area with sharp limestone pavement, I think there are less "rugged" routes, but it's true that there are many trails in the area.
Lots of noisy "walking clubs" in "flocks"... but the mountains belong to everyone.
Thanks for the walk.

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Rémi0285

18 Nov 2024 at 10:07 3600

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very good route, which allows you to avoid the main trail at the start. The first part up to Pic St Michel is very accessible, while the second part downhill is steeper and potentially wet (be careful not to fall on your bottom #GEG).
Magnificent viewpoint, perfect for a picnic just the way we like them.
Rémi,

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Ssvn

11 Nov 2024 at 10:46 3600

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful view, relatively gentle ascent and descent. Suitable for children who are used to walking a little.
I would recommend walking sticks for the descent on the rocks to help with balance 😉

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Paul GARILLON

16 Sep 2024 at 22:52 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This route is not very popular up to point 3, with no hikers but a few mountain bikers. The second part is much busier. At point 3, it can be difficult to catch up with the GR, which runs parallel to the track; do not follow the track.
A very beautiful hike, mostly through the woods on the way there and a superb panorama as soon as you reach the Col de l'Arc with a 360° view at the summit.

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lokiluju

29 Jul 2024 at 08:25 7200

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

A beautiful route that should have allowed us to enjoy exceptional views, but the weather had other ideas... No particular difficulties, but the elevation gain is steady throughout.
Be careful when leaving the car park, as the path is somewhat hidden by tall grass...

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Gaminette

21 Jul 2024 at 08:36 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We really enjoyed this route, which allows you to reach Pic Saint Michel without taking the main path. On the way there, we didn't encounter many people. The number of people increases as you approach the pass and the peak, which are among the highlights of hiking in the area. The route is varied and avoids the very steep climb in the karst rocks. Honestly, it was great! Nothing to say about the accuracy of the directions, I have a bad habit of following the trail on my phone...