Les Trois Dents from Véranne

This hike allows you to discover the Trois Dents rocks, which give this area of Pilat an alpine character and offer magnificent views. As an option, the Saint-Sabin chapel offers a beautiful view of the Véranne area. The Pilat Natural Park's signposts and directional signs will be a great help in following the route.

Details

129311
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.75 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,323 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,339 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,963 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,847 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking in the centre of the village, next to the church, in Véranne.

Note: It is not always easy to describe this route precisely (multiple paths, not always marked). We recommend using GPS to follow the route and/or taking a map and knowing how to read it.

(S/E) From the car park, take Rue de la Fontaine, then the second street on the right called Chemin du Repos. On the way, admire the magnificent restored wash house, which is half old and half modern.

(1) A few metres further on, turn left onto the path leading up to the Croix du Trève and Les Bessières.
Leave a path on your left and join the Combeau. Leave the next two paths on your right, then another one on your left to continue climbing until you reach the Les Bessières crossroads. In this section, there are signs for the Pilat Natural Park to help you find your way.

(2) Leave the path on the right and continue left towards the Croix du Trève, following the ridge through the forest, ignoring the other paths. Continue straight ahead (west) and a slight descent before the Croix du Trève offers a clear view of the pass and its surroundings.

(3) At the Croix du Trève, take the small tarmac road opposite. 300m further on, at the fork, continue right, uphill. Pass under the two Maisonneuve houses and continue on the old track, which is concrete at first, then stony, very steep at the beginning and in the forest. At the next crossroads, continue straight ahead until you reach another crossroads in an open space.

(4) Continue left and then immediately right. At the Trois Dents (be careful not to confuse this with the real Trois Dents at the top of the mountain! This is just a point named by the IGN in the forest), leave the path on the left and continue straight ahead to join a track. Turn right onto this track for about 100 m until you reach a crossroads. At each intersection, follow the park signs (brown/white) or the signpost.

(5) At an altitude of 1045 metres, you will come to a new horizontal track. Follow it to the right for 50 metres, then take a path on the left that climbs into the forest. (Do not take thefirst path with the sign: Le Col de l'Œillon par les Trois Dents). The small path then climbs very steeply, straight into the forest, crosses another horizontal track and arrives just below the Trois Dents. Not really cliffs, but very rocky nonetheless.

(6) Below the Trois Dents: from here, the marked path branches off to the left and stays below the Dents. It is possible to climb the Dents (easy direct climb, or go around thefirst peak on the left). There are several tracks in the vegetation. You can then follow all the rocky ridges on the Three Teeth (fairly easy, but on rock and therefore with a bit of a drop). This will take you to the top of each tooth.

(7) Cote 1164, head towards the Col du Gratteau on the left. A sign indicates: Chemin non balisé (unmarked path). Don't panic, it is well marked and traced. It is also possible to go via the Col de l'Œillon, but you will then have to follow a short section of road to rejoin the Col du Gratteau.

(8) Col du Gratteau, large car park. It is possible to do the Trois Dents round trip from here (very easy hike in this case). From there, take the path down to the left, signposted Croix de Saint-Sabin. Note that there are two almost parallel paths to this cross. The route takes the right-hand path, which is pleasant at the beginning but more stony towards the end...

(9) Croix de Saint-Sabin: it is possible and highly recommended to climb up to the Chapelle Saint-Sabin and back. Allow 30 minutes on a marked path. The site is magnificent and offers a beautiful view. Note that there is a spring not far from this chapel but it is difficult to find (below the chapel, vague traces in the grass and rocks).
Turn left and head towards Saint-Sabin. The path passes just above the Vert Anes inn, which you should keep on your right.
The almost paved path then descends into the forest.

(10) At a place called La Ligue, a former large farm, follow the marked path towards Véranne on the right. It is easy to see, still in the forest and well marked.

(11) Under the Nordet: leave the marked path of the Pilat Natural Park and follow an old, well-marked track opposite, which descends and turns left at La Selle. At an altitude of 650 m, turn sharply left (90°) and stay on the main path, otherwise you will end up in Loye. The path then leads without further problems to the hamlet of La Pras, crossing farmland and a market garden, while staying on the track, of course.

(12) La Pras. Follow the paved road to the village of Véranne, which is clearly visible.
Be careful of traffic on the last 300 metres before (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,864 ft - Parking in the centre of the village.
  2. 1 : mi 0.14 - alt. 1,903 ft - Exit from Véranne
  3. 2 : mi 0.97 - alt. 2,402 ft - Les Bessières
  4. 3 : mi 2.17 - alt. 2,657 ft - Parish cross specific to Brittany
  5. 4 : mi 3.18 - alt. 3,133 ft - Crossroads
  6. 5 : mi 3.65 - alt. 3,432 ft - Horizontal track at an altitude of 1045 metres
  7. 6 : mi 3.89 - alt. 3,878 ft - Under the Dent du - Pic du Midi (1213m) - Massif du Pilat
  8. 7 : mi 4.35 - alt. 3,868 ft - Cote 1164: towards the Col du Gratteau
  9. 8 : mi 4.73 - alt. 3,957 ft - Col du Gratteau (1204m)
  10. 9 : mi 5.93 - alt. 3,474 ft - Croix de Saint-Sabin. Return trip possible to the - Chapelle St Sabin
  11. 10 : mi 6.31 - alt. 3,228 ft - The League
  12. 11 : mi 7.09 - alt. 2,625 ft - Under the Nordet
  13. 12 : mi 8.11 - alt. 1,969 ft - La Pras
  14. S/E : mi 8.75 - alt. 1,864 ft - Parking in the centre of the village.

Notes

- Several steep sections, several very stony sections too: walking sticks recommended.
- Bars and restaurants in Vérrane. Pretty little village, very well restored in the centre.
- Auberge Vert Anes in Sabin: bar / donkey hire / yurts: Vert Anes

Worth a visit

- Saint-Sabin Chapel, round trip from (9). Magnificent view.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 80 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
fanfan026
fanfan026

I set off on this hike from ROISEY; on the way there, I went round the three peaks from below on the south side, and I went to the Cret de l'Oeillon. There was a bit of snow and strong gusts of wind, so I went round the three peaks from the ‘north’ side, heading to the Dentillon and back to Roisey (the route I viewed on VISORANDO seems correct to me).

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mdblache
mdblache

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike. We shortened the start by going directly to the parish specific to Brittany cross.
The ascent and descent are in the shade of the forest, which is very pleasant.
The view of the Alps from the Trois Pics was magnificent, and we enjoyed it to the full as we walked along the ridges.
The only slight downside is that the paths are very stony, so you need to wear good footwear!
We highly recommend this hike, especially in good weather.
Note: we didn't find the round trip to the Saint-Sabin chapel interesting (the view is much better from above and the chapel is closed)

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mariethe.
mariethe.

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

Very nice walk
Good shoes as the terrain is stony

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Isabelle V
Isabelle V
• Edited:

Overall rating : 2.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The GPS route is a real joke! Once we finally arrived at the PIC du MIDI, having taken some very steep and stony 'paths', the route sent us into some very unstable rockslides where our dogs slipped and got their paws stuck. There were no paths, and we had to make our way through the dense vegetation. We came across a couple up there who were also walking in circles looking for some sort of path. In short, we turned back as we couldn't continue without risking breaking our necks and getting stuck up there with our 2 dogs. We did complete the 14km, but we had to retrace our steps, and not without difficulty, because if the climb is hard, the descent is even harder.
I'd like to know your definition of classification... Average difficulty? If you follow the route, this hike is difficult. On the other hand, there are some very wide paths that we crossed that the GPS doesn't mention at all, which would have been much easier. Unfortunately, they were too far from the drop-off point and, not knowing the area, we had to turn back. It's a real shame, because it could have been a lot of fun if the route followed paths and not difficult shortcuts through paths that aren't paths at all.

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Chaden
Chaden

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Walk on 19 May. Mixed weather, so not too many people.
I've already done this walk several times and it's always a pleasure to arrive at the 3 Dents and enjoy the views over the Rhône valley and the Alps.
The diversions to the chapel of St Sabin is very interesting and offers a great viewpoint.
Many thanks to the author of this walk!

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Martial03130
Martial03130

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A fine hike in fairly changeable weather. The traverse through the scree below Les 3 Dents (between points 6 and 7) in the rain requires a little concentration. The rocks are slippery, especially those covered in lichen. So it's best to choose a day without rain.
The description was clear, but I wasn't leading the group. So easier ;-)

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GuyBonnet
GuyBonnet

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A 5-hour hike, including the return trip to the chapel. Not many people, apart from around the three teeth, as they are accessible from a car park. Beautiful views and magnificent broom in flower. It's important to have a GPS as there are many crossroads and some sections are not signposted.

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danielcandas
danielcandas
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

point 4: marker 1045m on the forest track (3 teeth do not appear) turn right as indicated, a 2nd marker 1045m, 50m from the path to take as indicated.
point 6: path marked by posts, very rocky
Point 11: no more markings, just a few white crosses, I wasn't sure of the route. No indication of the hamlet of 'Le Pras'.
But thanks for the description of this walk.
NB: I don't have a GPS and don't want one.

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jaouadi billal
jaouadi billal
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

super loop village of Véranne the three teeth with a diversion by the chapel of st Sabin a little technical in places otherwise nothing complicated not to do not rain.

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Michel 1969
Michel 1969

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very good tour and above all a very beautiful walk

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bremond.nadia@gmail.com
bremond.nadia@gmail.com
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very nice hike with a magnificent view from the summit. Don't hesitate to follow the GPS track in two or three places that are not very well signposted, otherwise the chapel also offers a beautiful, unobstructed view.
And some nice climbs in places

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s basson
s basson

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

we ralongé la boucle pour aller au trois dents car étant à côté l on trouvait domage de ne pas le faire et on a pas regretté peu d'indication sur le terrain bien téléchargées avant, randonnée très agréable :-)

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FlickaPatsy
FlickaPatsy

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant and enjoyable walk. Not a very busy hike, even on a Sunday, except on the crest of the three teeth and at the chapel of Saint Sabin.
Some difficulty in finding the right paths to reach the top of the 3 teeth, but you get there by looking for the tracks in the broom and ... especially with a GPS
The GPS track is welcome as there are many paths and it's best to choose the right one.
Otherwise, with all the ridges done and the loop to the chapel of Saint Sabin (2 km), the hike is 17.5 km long with an ascent of just over 900 metres.

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Fluryjc
Fluryjc

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 30, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Done by 2 senior hikers with poles, kneepads and GPS track on the smartphone, which was very useful as there were few signs on the ground.
Very nice walk, a very wild landscape.
No technical difficulties, easy mountain walking.
Thank you for this beautiful route on the site

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Mick42530
Mick42530

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It's a bit of a tough walk, given the height difference and the stone paths involved, but it's a beautiful panorama and I'm really pleased with the finish.
A GPS map is essential, as it's easy to make mistakes at certain points due to the various junctions.
I would definitely recommend this hike to those who enjoy beautiful scenery and challenging walks.

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