Menglon - La Grésière

de fr

This hike in the Glandasse massif takes you up to almost 1,500 metres with unobstructed views and a 360° panorama.
The originality of this hike lies in the fact that the trail takes you through a pedestrian tunnel carved into the mountainside, which is a little vertiginous.

Details

n°11102
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.64 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 849 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 848 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,487 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 694 m
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Photos

Enjoy the last beautiful view as you descend towards Les Gallands
The light wood on the descent after the tunnel
Descending after the tunnel
View of the Gallands

Description of the walk

Depart from the hamlet of Les Gallands, at the entrance to the village, take the track on the right then left and park near a wooden farm building.

(S/E) Do not head towards the building, but take the path that goes straight ahead towards Col de Mian. Pass the hillside reserve and the stream and leave the start on your right at the hairpin bend that follows. You will reach a three-way junction with paths leading off to either side of a copse.

(1) Follow the path on the left. After passing two fields, the path turns into a trail that enters the woods. Continue climbing parallel to the Ruisseau de Mian. When you reach a forest path that levels out, turn right and cross the dry stream under a dam that holds back gravel. Continue for a few metres and you will find the trailhead on the left.

(2) Leave the track and follow the path up a very steep climb, which is quite difficult to climb to the top. Join a forest track again and take it to the left to reach the Col de Mian.

(3) Continue on flat ground until you reach the forest and undergrowth, then begin a sustained climb to the Col de Fays.

(4) Turn left onto the path that climbs up, roughly following the ridge. This path is quite steep and rocky. Reach the summit of La Grésière.

(5) Enjoy the panoramic views and the chance to spot vultures and chamois
Head left and quickly take the path that descends steeply into the forest and arrives at the Col du Pinet.

(6) Take the path that branches off to the left and leave the forest track. This path runs along the left side of the valley, a pretty mountain path with views of the Glandasse. Reach the edge of the cliff and the tunnel carved into the rock.

(7) Go through the tunnel and then the cliff where the path is carved out with a handrail and enjoy this magnificent passage. At the next fork, continue to the right and descend into a light wood.

(8) When you reach the fork overlooking the village, turn left and follow the path. Continue to the right and a few metres before the village, turn left. Pass in front of the wooden building and return to the starting point of the hike (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 700 m - Wooden farm building
  2. 1 : km 0.69 - alt. 729 m - Path on the left
  3. 2 : km 2.41 - alt. 951 m - Path on the left
  4. 3 : km 3.14 - alt. 1,134 m - Col de Mian (1153m)
  5. 4 : km 4.67 - alt. 1,293 m - Col du Fays (1302m)
  6. 5 : km 5.11 - alt. 1,483 m - Summit of La Grésière
  7. 6 : km 6.93 - alt. 1,200 m - Path on the left - Col du Pinet (1199m)
  8. 7 : km 9.44 - alt. 1,015 m - Tunnel
  9. 8 : km 11.23 - alt. 722 m - Fork in the path, turn left
  10. S/E : km 11.64 - alt. 701 m - Wooden farm building

Notes

Please note that the trail is currently diverted before reaching Col Pinet due to a landslide, but the diversion and changes are clearly signposted.
We did it as normal, but you have to look for the trail a bit among the scree.
Be careful and use the handrail to avoid any risk.

Throughout the route, you can see chamois in the scree when there are no hunters around.
This route can also be done in both directions, bearing in mind that the climb will become a very steep descent.

It is also possible to start from the village (the start is clearly marked).

Worth a visit

Chatillons and its wines, and the Diois region in general.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 41 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
CAF Jluc
CAF Jluc

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 08, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This hike should be done in an anti-clockwise direction. The summit offers stunning views, particularly of the Glandasse, the Dévoluy, the Trois Becs and as far as Mont Ventoux. A varied route, taking in tracks and paths, through woods, along cliffs and across mountain pastures with a distinctly southern feel. The approach to the summit along the cliff edge and the short, cable-assisted ledge after the tunnel are fun but require care, especially with children.

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Sissi
Sissi

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike – best done in the direction indicated.
Before reaching the summit, there’s a 600-metre stretch with a 200-metre climb, so it’s very steep, but what a view when you get there.
For the return journey, the mountain-side path at La Gresière with the Glandasse viewpoint—still covered in snow—is brilliant.
Well worth a go

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Mausan
Mausan

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An original hike with a reward at the summit: a 360° view.
The climb is steep and continuous, on flat ground, which really works your calves!
Parking is available in the hamlet of Les Gallands if there are few people around, otherwise at the entrance to the village.

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sylviane henner
sylviane henner

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike with lots of flowers at this time of year. The last climb before the summit is a little steep. 360° panoramic view of the Vercors, the Glandasse, the Drôme, the 3 Becs, the Devoluy, Obiou, Grand Ferrand and Bure, the Bes Valley, Mont Ventoux... The loop passes along a magnificent balcony path with a few cables before the tunnel. No particular difficulty except for those who are afraid of heights.

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Jyc 01
Jyc 01

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Nice walk, no difficulties...

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HUPAT
HUPAT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike on lovely trails, both uphill and on the way back, with views all around. The passage after the tunnel is not dangerous. There is a steep climb to reach the summit. In short, a magnificent day.
thanks to the author.

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JPLac
JPLac

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

parking spaces are very limited near the hangar (1 to 2): 450 metres before the village, car park for 10 to 12 vehicles...

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Monnetet
Monnetet

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 very beautiful, challenging hike. The route is pleasant and very well described. We did it as a pair, and the last section is the most difficult, but the 360° view is worth the effort, and the descent with a view of the Glandasse is really nice!
A hike not to be missed, thank you for the description

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allaingranet
allaingranet

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike to start before 8 a.m. on hot days and to avoid during rainy periods, which are common in this region due to the marly nature of the terrain. The final climb to the plateau is the steepest and is not recommended for those prone to vertigo.
The tunnel and the passage through the gorge are the highlights of this route.
We have known this site for several decades. It is a real pleasure for us to walk it again... the handrail, which did not exist before, greatly improves safety for walkers.

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quito84
quito84

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike, be careful between points 5 and 7 (in the forest section only) as unfortunately forestry vehicles have badly damaged the trail... Everything else is very nice despite the fog at the summit! Thank you for the suggestion.

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verorizo
verorizo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful, fairly challenging hike done solo, with magnificent 360° views from the summit of La Grésière. I think the author's description is spot on. The beautiful return route along the balcony path, with views of Le Glandasse, is particularly stunning, and the tunnel is very cool. I would not recommend this hike to anyone who is prone to vertigo. Thank you to the author.

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signobos
signobos

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed on 1/01/2023. We were alone in the world. Superb 360-degree views of the Grésiere ridges. Lots of elevation gain, but the return trip on the balcony trail is magnificent. Hike completed with GPS tracking.

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Thierryb26
Thierryb26
• Edited:

Desert route between the lollipops and the Bornes car park

Hello, I think there is a mistake regarding the hike in question

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vanoise 61
vanoise 61

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 26, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

access to the summit via La Grésière is difficult on the Col du Fays side. Otherwise, it's a beautiful hike. Not suitable for children.

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Sthomas
Sthomas

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A challenging and original hike offering all the pleasures of an outing: a stream, panoramic views, a village and interesting sights. Not to mention the pleasure of having the place to yourself!

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