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The start is in the hamlet of Appregnin, in the commune of Saint-Germain-des-Paroisses, near Belley. Shaded car park in the centre.
(S/E) From the car park, turn right towards Saint-Germain-les-Paroisses.
(1) After 250m, take the path branching off to the left. After 500m, continue left onto the correct path.
After 200 m, the path continues with a sharp right-hand bend and, from there, there is no doubt about the route for the next 5.5 km. You finally reach a very short downhill section.
(2) At this point, a path that is quite muddy in wet weather climbs north-westwards; a fairly steep section means you have to push your bike. The path levels out and reaches a fork.
(3) Take the path on the far left for 200m to reach a much better track.
(4) Follow it to the right until you reach theGR®59signpost.
(5) At 1500 m (altitude 1090 m), turn left; the Col du Grand Pertuis is 300 m away.
(6) At the pass, head due south along the path which climbs steeply towards the ridges. Push your mountain bike for 100 m before reaching a beautiful, well-maintained path that runs along the ridges, sometimes through woods, sometimes across meadows, on theGR®59.
(7) The path descends to the Col du Petit Pertuis via a very “stony” track. Take care, therefore, and watch out for the many hikers in this area. Along the way, an orientation table helps you take in the exceptional views in fine weather.
Cross the car park and continue due south. Pass the hang-gliding launch site. The path climbs to the right then to the left and runs along the cliff, protected by a barrier. It arrives at the Croix de la Roche.
(8) Leave theGR®59, which descends below the cross and has become dangerous; instead, take the path that heads due north from the cross and runs alongside the fitness trail.
After 200m, you will find a good path leading down to the left.
(9) Follow this path down until you rejoin theGR®59, then follow theGR® to the right as far as Innimont. Continue along theGR® and, at La Chèvrerie, leave theGR® and follow the road to a fork.
Turn left onto the path leading to the sewage treatment plant.
Continue along this well-marked path, signposted “Tour du Plateau”, for 1.3 km. A signpost indicates a path on the left.
(10) Take this path and begin the long descent through the forest back to Appregnin at the starting point (S/E).
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