The summit of the Gorges de la Bourne via the Pas des Rages

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Starting from Basse-Valette, the Pas des Rages provides access to the top of the cliffs of the Bourne Gorges. The path then runs along the cliff, offering magnificent views of the gorges and allowing you to discover the Balme Noire cave. In addition to the walk, access to the starting point is via the Bourne Gorges road, one of the most beautiful in the Vercors.

Details

n°2021745
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.05 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 850 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 850 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,184 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 669 m
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Photos

View from the top of the Bourne Gorges
Rochers de la Ferrière

Description of the walk

Start at the Basse-Valette stopover lodge on the D531. You can park along the access road to the Haute Bourne hydroelectric power station, or a little further on after the lodge in a small car park along the D531.

(S/E) Take the track that passes in front of the lodge and then turns right towards Pas des Rages. This is a section ofthe GRP® Tour des 4 Montagnes, marked in yellow and red.
The route winds its way up to Pas des Rages: follow the markings carefully as the path crosses several forest tracks.

(1) At Pas des Rages, the path joins a wider track that continues to the right. A little further on, you will reach a crossroads with several forest tracks.

(2) Take thesecond track on the left (see note in § Practical information). Stay on this track, which is still marked withthe GRP® sign, until it becomes tarmac.

(3) Just before the tarmac begins, note a small path that veers off to the right: do not take it now, as this will be the return route. For now, continue on theGRP® until you reach a hairpin bend on the left: this is Pas de la Ferrière.

(4) Ignore the first path on the right immediately after the hairpin bend and take the second one a few metres further on. It is marked with a blue sign. The path continues through the undergrowth before reaching the edge of the cliff. The blue markings are clearly visible at the beginning but become less regular further on. Continue along the cliff.

(5) Gradually veer northwards, away from the cliff. Continue straight ahead, ignoring a few tracks that branch off to either side. When you leave the forest, you will reach the road leading to Méaudret.

(6) Turn left towards the hamlet of Haut Méaudret. The road becomes a track after the hamlet. Continue straight ahead (ignoring a first track that branches off to the left and then another to the right) until you return to Pas de la Ferrière.

(4) Follow the track to the crossroads you passed on the way out (which is a few metres after the end of the tarmac road in this direction).

(3) Take the small, fairly unmarked path that descends to the left. The path itself is not marked, but its starting point is marked with a cross, corresponding tothe GRP® markings that follow the main track. After a fairly steep descent, you will come to an intersection with a larger path.

(7) Turn left to reach the Balme Noire cave in a few minutes.

(8) At the cave, turn around to return to the previous intersection.

(7) Continue straight ahead. You will find blue markings that are fairly irregular. The trail soon becomes a forest track, which joins the outward route at the forest track junction.

(2) Turn left and retrace your steps along the outward route, descending the Pas des Rages until you reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 669 m - Basse-Valette stopover lodge - Bourne (rivière)
  2. 1 : km 1.79 - alt. 1,106 m - Pas des Rages
  3. 2 : km 2.29 - alt. 1,071 m - Crossroads of forest tracks
  4. 3 : km 2.92 - alt. 1,136 m - Crossroads towards the cave
  5. 4 : km 3.08 - alt. 1,143 m - Pas de la Ferrière
  6. 5 : km 4.27 - alt. 1,064 m - End of the cliff edge
  7. 6 : km 5.36 - alt. 1,067 m - Crossroads on the Méaudret road
  8. 7 : km 7.38 - alt. 1,031 m - Cave junction
  9. 8 : km 7.48 - alt. 1,049 m - Balme Noire Cave
  10. S/E : km 11.05 - alt. 669 m - Basse-Valette stopover lodge

Notes

On this route, the maps are sometimes lacking in detail.
(2): there are two additional tracks that do not appear on the maps.
(3) and (4): the paths to take at this point do not appear on the IGN map, but they are clearly marked on the OpenStreetMap.
(6): neither map shows the path, but this is where you arrive if you follow the trail.

When the path runs along the cliff, it always keeps a safe distance from the edge. There are no difficult or vertiginous passages. However, the drop is not far, so you must remain cautious if you approach the edge to enjoy the view.

At the start of the trail, there is a farm with several patous (shepherd dogs). They are sometimes in an enclosure right next to the path, with a small fence that is not very reassuring. But despite their aggressive appearance, they are well trained and will leave you alone if you stay on the path. Be careful, if you value your fingers, leave them alone too.

Note: this route is inspired (with a slight variation) by a hike published on the Grenoble Montagne website.

Worth a visit

The climb up Pas des Rages is beautiful and passes by the Rages stream waterfall.
There are beautiful views of the gorges along the cliffside path.
The Balme Noire cave: with a light, you can venture inside for about a hundred metres. After that, the passage narrows and is reserved for speleologists.
The Bourne Gorges road (D531 from Villard-de-Lans to Pont-en-Royans) is one of the most beautiful in the Vercors.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 18 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
Toine
Toine

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A challenging and technical hike in a varied environment. Unfortunately, we did most of the route in fog, which meant we couldn't see the gorges!
We'll have to do it again on a sunny day!

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M No
M No

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful route with magnificent views of the Bourne Gorges.
Thank you for this information sheet.

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Stefdu38
Stefdu38

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike with lovely views from the top of the cliffs.
The highlight of the show is a visit to a rather impressive cave, but be careful as the descent to get there is a little steep.
Otherwise, there are no real difficulties apart from the start of the hike, up to the Pas des Rages, where you climb the steepest part.
I used the app to follow the route, so I had no problems.

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nathpala
nathpala

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Overall, the route is good, but there are not enough signs indicating where to turn, and some sections (point 7) are difficult and require proper equipment (shoes, walking sticks).
Beautiful view, but for someone like me who is afraid of heights, it's quite difficult, although for others without this fear, it's easy.

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Jchacha
Jchacha

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful route above the Bourne Gorges. After visiting the Baume Noire cave, it is best to take the first path on the left marked with blue lines, which descends to the Valchevriere bridge, and hitchhike back to your car at the power station

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fredrichard7
fredrichard7

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike! There is a large car park at the hydroelectric power station, which is very convenient. The start isn't obvious; we couldn't find the beginning of the GRP trail, but we were able to identify it on the way back down. After crossing the Rages stream, the forest track turns left and climbs parallel to the stream (although it remains distant and below). The forest track then turns right. At this turn, continue for a few metres and you will find the path on the right, hidden by vegetation. The rest is easy to find. Alternatively, you can stay on the forest track, which joins this path further on. The descent between point 3 (on the way back) and point 7 is very steep. Good shoes and walking sticks are recommended.
Most of the route is sheltered by trees, which is very pleasant at this time of year.
In any case, many thanks for this hike!!!

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Manu DRT
Manu DRT

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful views from the top of the cliff (markers 3 and 4 on the map): /!\ caution with children /!\

Much of the route is shaded, making it ideal when the sun is beating down. I set off from the new car park at the Haute Bourne hydroelectric power station (the owner of the lodge told me it had just been built).
My GPS calculated 12.9 km, and I walked for 4 hours and 15 minutes (not counting breaks).
The start is quite tough (steep, winding climb).
Landmark 6, Haut Méaudret hamlet: I lost the trail here and cut through some undergrowth, but it wasn't very practical. I'm not sure what advice to give to stay on the trail (perhaps keep your eyes peeled)

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cantagrel
cantagrel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 07, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike completed in four hours one afternoon in beautiful weather, with a clearly marked route. The return path through the forest is well marked with regular blue dots, contrary to what is written in the hike description (the markings have certainly been reinforced since it was written).
I didn't meet a single person on the 11 km route.
Magnificent views at the top of the gorges.

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Patrick S1.
Patrick S1.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 07, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful route. The panoramic views above the cliffs are simply spectacular.
The start (and therefore also the finish) is tough.
We did it the day after a night of rain and even started the hike in the rain, but that didn't make the trails any more dangerous.
The route is very reliable and allows you to make the right decisions. The description is accurate, with perhaps one small caveat just before point 6. There is no indication that you need to leave the path to climb a small trail before crossing a meadow (otherwise you have to walk a few hundred extra metres and pass through the hamlet of Meaudret).
The descent at point 3 is extremely steep but worth it, as the Balme Noire cave is spectacular.
Thank you for this wonderful suggestion.

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bruno92160
bruno92160

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 03, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike, particularly along the cliff edge above the Bourne Gorges, with magnificent views of the gorges and also of the Vercors peaks above Villard de Lans and Corrençon, still covered in snow at the beginning of April 2021. The trail is fairly well marked overall, but sometimes narrow and exposed on ledges along the cliff edge, so not suitable for children or people prone to vertigo. Quite busy for a hike in the Vercors.

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Y Mei
Y Mei

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk when the weather isn't good enough to head for the peaks. The Pas des Rages pass, the walk along the cliff edge and the visit to the cave add great variety to this well-designed route.
The walls of the Balme Noire cave reveal a multitude of shiny little golden lines towards the back. Can anyone tell me what they are? Bacteria?

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jcmichel
jcmichel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 30, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike with magnificent views of the eastern Vercors mountain range.
Obviously, this hike is not recommended in foggy weather: it is better to be able to see where you are putting your feet on the (superb) section where you walk along the cliff.
The descent between points 3 and 7 is difficult. It is very steep with loose gravel underfoot. It might be better to do the circular route between points 2 and 7, to see the cave, in the other direction. So, go from 7 to 3 uphill.
Of course, it goes without saying that you need to be very careful if you take children to the section above the cliff.

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Lapirouette
Lapirouette

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 21, 2020
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb walk with magnificent views. The only problem is that despite the GPX tracks, we lost the trail several times. This forced us to scramble over very slippery scree slopes.
The climb is shaded, so it can be done during the hottest hours of the day.
The section along the edge of the gorge is simply superb.

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Bénédicte N.
Bénédicte N.

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 21, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello
I did this route yesterday...you really need to study the car park carefully, it's very important. It's a very busy road, with motorbikes and cars, and lots of bends, so you have to make quick decisions. I recommend the electric factory, even if it says "no parking", there are no other options... and there are lots of parking spaces. The owners of the lodge made an exception and allowed us to park there, but we only had one car.
We didn't do the return trip from 7 to 2, as locals told us that the path was really not easy. On the other hand, the rest of the route is very beautiful, despite a few thrills at the edge of the cliff.
We didn't really see where to turn towards Méaudret, so we continued and followed the road...to return without any problems to Pas des Rages. It's a beautiful hike, but not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo.

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rcprcr
rcprcr

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A superb hike, I discovered the Pas des Rages and the Balme Noire cave. The ledge above the Bourne Gorge is spectacular without being exposed, allowing many people to enjoy it.
thank you for this beautiful route

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