The Vouillands Circuit

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A walk just a few kilometres from Grenoble offering beautiful views over the Isère valley, the Chartreuse and Belledonne. Although some sections are very busy, this route allows you to walk at a leisurely pace whilst enjoying the views.

Details

n°7437698
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.22 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,086 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,073 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,172 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,115 ft
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Photos

View of Grenoble
Le Pré Faure
The Jean-Jacques Rousseau Desert
The Isère Valley and the Chartreuse

Description of the walk

Park in the car park on Route de Saint-Nizier.

(S/E) From the car park, head towards the gates blocking access to the “Désert de J.J Rousseau”. At the gates, turn left and head towards “La Tour sans Venin”. Follow the path, which climbs gradually, and theGR®9markings to La Tour sans Venin.

(1) Turn right to take a detour and admire the view. Turn back.

(1) At the “Pariset” sign, take the tarmac road leading down to the right towards “Ferme Froussard”. The tarmac road turns into a track after about a hundred metres. Continue along this track for approximately 2.5 km, following the yellowPR® markings. 700 m after passing the old Ferme des Visons, you’ll reach a crossroads (signposted “Les Croisées”).

(2) Either continue straight on along the track, or turn right onto a small path that descends (choice of route). This saves about a hundred metres and joins the track anyway. Continue along this track until you reach Ferme Froussard.

(3) Turn onto the path on the left, towards “Bois des Vouillands” and “Le coup de Sabre”. Begin the descent by following the yellowPR® markings and ignoring the various turnings to the left and right. You will emerge onto a track.

(4) Cross it and continue straight on, taking the path that descends to the next junction.

(5) There are no markings or signposts at this point. Look out for a Yellow Crosspainted on a tree to the left of the path on your right. Take this path and walk straight on for about 700 m until you reach the next signpost.

(6) At this junction, turn onto the path on your right. This climbs through the forest for 500 m before joining the tarmac road to Ferme Raymond.

(7) Continue straight on along the track, towards “Pré Faure”.

(8) At the three-way junction, turn right. Walk along Pré Faure and continue to the next three-way junction.

(9) Turn right, towards "Le Désert de J.J Rousseau". Continue along this path for 1.5 km until you reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,496 ft - Car park
  2. 1 : mi 1.13 - alt. 2,096 ft - The Tower without Venom
  3. 2 : mi 2.64 - alt. 1,818 ft - Crossroads
  4. 3 : mi 2.95 - alt. 1,581 ft - Froussard Farm, on the left
  5. 4 : mi 3.4 - alt. 1,273 ft - A track suitable for vehicles, straight ahead
  6. 5 : mi 3.53 - alt. 1,129 ft - Crossroads – Yellow Cross, on the right
  7. 6 : mi 3.85 - alt. 1,204 ft - Crossroads, turn right
  8. 7 : mi 4.06 - alt. 1,322 ft - Tarmac road from Ferme Raymond
  9. 8 : mi 4.3 - alt. 1,378 ft - Three-way junction, on the right
  10. 9 : mi 4.48 - alt. 1,378 ft - Three-way junction, heading towards "Le Désert de J.J Rousseau"
  11. S/E : mi 5.22 - alt. 1,496 ft - Car park

Notes

No signposting between points (4) and (6).
Plenty of places to stop and have a picnic.

Worth a visit

Beauregard Castle.
The Tower without Venom.
The Old Mink Farm.
The Froussard Farm.
The Sabre Cut.
Pré Faure.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Desert

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Thibaut Ep
Thibaut Ep

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A great route. It starts with a climb to take in a beautiful panoramic view, then winds its way down through woods and clearings.
Best done in good weather! You can see Mont Blanc

Machine-translated

Christian Martin
Christian Martin

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 22, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk, ideal for beginners who fancy a bit of a stroll. The start of the route is a great way to warm up, with a nice climb to tackle.

There’s just a short stretch of the route along the road, but otherwise the walk is entirely on footpaths. There are some lovely views over Grenoble; the Jean-Jacques Rousseau desert is well wooded and the mountain slopes lend the area a special charm.

All in all, a good walk.

Machine-translated

les marcheuses de veurey
les marcheuses de veurey

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 04, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with friends – not too difficult, a beautiful route we’ve done many times

Machine-translated

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.