Montagne de Sous-Dîne from Usillon

Start the route from the hamlet of Usillon.

(S/E) Take the Chemin de Landron, heading towards La Plagne and the Col de l'Enclave.

(1) Shortly after a few gentle bends, look out for and take a path on the left. Wade across the Ruisseau de la Plagne, then follow a path winding upwards through a few hairpin bends.

(2) When you reach a track, follow it to the left. After a short while, you’ll come to a junction at a place called La Pierre Taillée.

(3) Continue to the right, towards the viewpoint.

(4) In a short while, you’ll reach a lovely viewpoint. Carry on straight ahead, walking at the foot of the cliffs, then further away from them.

(5) You’ll reach a junction: keep left on the path, heading uphill, with a few steep sections over a short stretch. You’ll reach the Col de l’Enclave just after passing a chalet.

(6) Continue straight ahead, joining another path further up: follow it to the right. Shortly after passing the beautiful viewpoint at Trou de la Pierre, you’ll reach a junction.

(7) Turn left, towards Sous-Dîne. (Please note: from this point, you are entering a protected area for the black grouse, where you must stay on the marked paths).

(8) Near an unnamed pass, head right, following the ascent. The route then continues across a few sections of sharp limestone pavement, in a plateau-like landscape.

(9) The summit, marked by a cross, offers lovely 360-degree views. Retrace your steps to the Trou de la Pierre junction.

(7) Continue left, following the path as it climbs and then descends. You’ll reach the Col de Landron near a chalet.

(10) Continue to the right, towards Usillon. After a short descent, join another path at the foot of the cliffs.

(11) Head left. Follow the path for a short while, winding through numerous hairpin bends and over a few steep slopes. At a place called La Plagne, you’ll come to another path.

(12) Continue left, following the descent, then return to the starting point (S/E).

You start the route in the hamlet of Usillon at the junction of the Route des Glières (RD55) and the Chemin de Landron (viewable on Google Maps), a few metres from a bus stop. Parking spaces nearby are very limited: refer to the locations indicated by OpenStreetMap or park further away at the side of the road.

Good walking boots and walking poles are recommended.

You will be passing through a capercaillie conservation area on Montagne de Sous-Dine, and you must stay on the marked paths.

Please take your rubbish away with you; nature will thank you for it.

Below is a difficulty rating by section (the route is not uniform):
- Green: fairly easy walking with no significant elevation gain or difficulty.
- Blue: slopes and/or elevation changes are more pronounced on a well-marked route.
- Orange: routes presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor route conditions (markings or visibility of the path).
- Red: a difficult route due to significant elevation changes that may require some climbing, in an environment presenting some hazards.
- Black: a route on a fairly difficult trail and/or involving imminent dangers.
- White: routes in very challenging technical environments requiring specific equipment.

From (S/E) to (1): Green difficulty
Take the uphill street which continues as a track suitable for vehicles.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (1 to (2): Blue difficulty
A decent path is followed with limited difficulty.
Unmarked section.
Alternatively, you can also follow the marked path and then continue straight on to the hamlet of La Plagne; this route is easier, but is about 400 metres longer.

From (2) to (4): Blue difficulty
The route follows a track suitable for vehicles with a gentle gradient, then continues with a few steep sections. Further up, the route continues along a footpath.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (4 ) to (5): Blue difficulty
The route continues along a path with a limited elevation gain (downhill then uphill), mostly at a distance from the cliffs of the Enclave. Take care when walking near some steep slopes.
Unmarked section.

From (5) to (6): Blue difficulty
The path winds its way up a few steep slopes, then runs along the base of the cliffs before reaching the Col de l’Enclave. A little care is required on a short section where the path is eroded.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (6) to (7): Green difficulty
The route is easy, following a path over slightly steep slopes.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (7) to (8): Blue difficulty
Follow an uphill path with no significant difficulties to be encountered.
Signposting: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (8) to (9): Blue difficulty
You enter a somewhat “wild” section where you may occasionally lose sight of the path near the sharp limestone pavement.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (7) to (10): Green difficulty
We follow an easy path that goes uphill and then downhill.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (10) to (11): Blue difficulty
Continue along a path with no significant difficulties to encounter.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (11) to (12): Blue difficulty
We follow a long path with a few steep sections.
Markings: Yellow Arrows + signposts.

From (12) to (S/E): Green difficulty
Follow an easy track that takes you back to the starting point.
Signposted with Yellow Arrows and signposts.

• Montagne de Sous-Dîne: read the Wikipedia article
• Ibex: you may well spot some during the hike.