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Start from the centre of Sassenage village, Chemin des Cuves.
(Start/End) Place Louis Reverdy: with your back to the fountain and facing the chemist’s, take Chemin des Cuves to the left of the chemist’s (signposted ‘Cuves’); pass between a few houses to emerge into a park. Opposite, Chemin des Cuves continues up the hill, either winding along the left-hand side or via steps on the right-hand side – the choice is yours. As you climb, there are a few partial views of the Furon.
(1) Cross the resurgence stream via the first footbridge (admire the water emerging from the cave via the Gouffre Berger – the caves are open to visitors in season) and climb the few steps opposite. Leave the path up to the tanks on your left and immediately descend a few steps to rejoin the Furon in its gorges.
(2) Do not cross the second footbridge opposite you further down (this is the return route).
Turn left towards the west and follow the very steep path uphill at this point. There are some lovely views of the gorges from the path, which gradually levels out. Keep to the right bank (with the river on your right) and do not stray onto any side paths to the left – they are all dead ends.
(3) Turn right and cross the third footbridge. Head left for about twenty metres towards the west, then pass under the old openwork stone retaining walls. Turn round and follow the path under the retaining walls heading east; the path overlooks the gorges on the left bank (the Furon is now on your right). The path leads out onto a sort of car park with the ‘Les Côtes’ bus stop. You are now in the upper part of the village of Sassenage. Head along the tarmac road and turn left. Walk up Rue Pierre Dalloz for 50 metres. At the junction with Rue du Moulin, admire the façades of the old restaurants.
Return: The descent follows the same route as the outward journey back to the Furon.
(2) Cross the footbridge to return to the left bank (with the Furon on your right); a little further down, there’s a superb view of the Furon’s main waterfall. The path ends with a few steps, then head down Chemin des Côtes to the castle wall with its built-in fountain. Turn right, heading south-east along the Route du Vercors (downhill). After crossing the Furon bridge (a refreshing spot with a view), you’ll return to your starting point (S/E).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
Moderate 
