Mont Rachais and the Quichat batteries from the Col de Vence

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Pleasant, shaded route. Beautiful view of Mont Néron and the Grésivaudan valley.

Machine-translated

Date of your route : May 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, alternating between flower-filled meadows, paths through the woods and magnificent views (one of the best views of Grenoble) when you emerge from the trees...
Highly recommended.
You can save a bit of time by skipping point 4, i.e. by following the route in this order: D-1-2-3-2-5-6-7-8-A

Machine-translated

That’s a good point; I’ll take it on board

Thank you!

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Oct 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant route that first takes us to the ruins of the old Quichat battery. After a leisurely stroll along its lovely ridges, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, it leads us to the summit of the modest Mont Rachais, from where, unfortunately, the view is largely obscured by vegetation.

A few comments and tips:

- The main building of the Quichat battery is located, on the way up, about 200 metres before point 3 in the description, where there is mainly a complex of technical structures designed to measure ground movements.

- After reaching the battery, return to point 2 and there, take the path that heads immediately right into the forest. You may be tempted to follow the track (made by farm machinery) that heads into the meadow.

- Between point 2 and point 4, the descent is quite steep. From point 4 up to the ridges, the climb is at times steep.

- The highest point of Mont Rachais, not specifically identified in the route description, is located on the IGN map at an altitude of 1046 m. On the ground, this summit is marked only by a metal post topped with a small sign bearing its name.

- Avoid doing this hike the day after it has rained. The descents, which are sometimes very stony and very often covered in dead leaves, are relatively slippery.

- To enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks (Le Néron, La Grande Sure, La Pinéa, St Eynard, the Belledonne massif, etc.), it is obviously best to undertake this hike in clear weather.

- During the permitted hunting seasons, hunters are very much present on the northern section of the route. Most of the time, their presence is indicated by appropriate signs.

- Few people around the battery, but many more on the ridges of Mont Rachais.

Machine-translated

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A walk that’s easily suitable for families as it’s not at all difficult
However, it’s too crowded, especially at the highest point

Machine-translated