The Quigouret loop from Vaunières

One kilometre after Saint-Julien-en-Beauchêne, heading towards Grenoble (D1075), take a small road on the left. It is paved, in fairly good condition but very narrow. When you arrive in the village, after a large farm on the right, then a left turn, immediately below the road, there is a small car park that can accommodate about ten vehicles.

(S/E) Leave the car park and take the road back to the village (GR®94). Go down to the bridge over the stream and continue to^{the second bend} after the Torrent des Vincents.

(1) When the road passes under the trees again, leave it and take a small path on the right. This crossroads is not signposted. Be careful! The path climbs into the forest and the slope becomes steeper. The path is not always well marked. Always look for the markings on the trees to ensure you are on the right track. Climb until you reach a track that crosses the slope horizontally.

(2) Head left for a few metres, then look for the wooden sign indicating "le Quigouret". From here on, the markings are yellow. The path, which is not always very clear, climbs southwards, zigzagging steeply at times. Keep an eye out for the markings on the trees! After two bends, the path passes to the left bank of the small stream. Continue until you leave the forest at the highest point at an altitude of 1553 metres.

(3) The view is clear and Quigouret is in sight. Head right and enjoy the respite offered by this false flat, because there is one last steep climb ahead. Pass an electric fence with a handle. You will reach Quigouret at an altitude of 1729 metres.

(4) The reward is here! A beautiful 360° view. Continue right, northwest, along the ridge line as it descends. After the short flat section when it starts to climb again, move away from the ridge line, veering slightly to the left. Stop on the overhang (altitude 1686) before the descent and locate the path that leads into the forest. The path is not very visible on this section.

(5) The path enters the forest due north from the point at altitude 1583, then becomes more difficult to follow, alternating between the ridge line and the meadow on the western slope.

(6) At the entrance to the woods, the trail is clearly visible. Very quickly, the slope becomes very steep and slippery after rain. Be careful and stay focused. Walking sticks are a great help.

(7) After a slight climb of about 50 m, the trail descends gently and joins the Col de Vaunières at an altitude of 1419 m.

(8) Be careful, the beautiful signpost at the Col de Vaunières, showing the directions to European capitals, is currently on the ground! The pass itself is not easy to see. But it is indeed the crossroads in the bend of a wide path. From there, follow the red and white GR® markings to the right, descending to a fork (altitude 1,265 m) at a fairly wide, stony track.

(9) Take it on the right to follow the large meadow along its length.

(10) When the track splits, take the right-hand fork to end up on a shaded path that leads back to the village.

(11) When you reach the chapel, continue down the main village street to the car park (S/E).

Even though the trail is marked on maps, the signage is sometimes a bit limited! Stay alert. A GPS device can be useful and reassuring! Vegetation has reclaimed the trail and progress is not always easy, especially around markers (1) and (2).

I have reported the lack of signposting at (1) on Suricate. A sign should be ordered for 2026. Brush clearing work is planned soon for the section from (1) to (3)!

There are some very steep sections both on the way up and on the way down!

Village des jeunes, an association offering accommodation and reconstruction work.

The hamlet of Vaunières - The youth village