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Saint-Paul-de-Varces walks
Sommet du Pieu or Le Bémont
Visorando Member
6.67 mi
+2,976 ft
-2,982 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul-de-Varces (Isère)
One of the most beautiful viewpoints over Grenoble, but you have to work for it – the climb is steep! Definitely avoid this route after or during rain. Walking poles are highly recommended. The difficulty of this hike is concentrated in the 300 m of elevation gain before the summit, where the slope through the undergrowth is very steep, on soft, slippery ground with only faint tracks in places. The descent is then very gradual and pleasant, which is why it’s worth taking the route in this direction.
The Tour du Pieu
6.54 mi
+2,054 ft
-2,077 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul-de-Varces (Isère)
This route allows you to discover the eastern slope of the Vercors as well as the view of the Gresse Valley and the massifs to the east (Taillefer, Belledonne).
The vegetation on the eastern slope of Le Pieu is very characteristic of Mediterranean regions, even though we are in the heart of the Alps.
Moderator's addition on 17/05/2021: Please note: parking problem at the start. See suggestion at the beginning of the description and the comment dated 17/05/2021
Pic Saint-Michel via Col de l'Arc from Pré du Four
5.91 mi
+2,520 ft
-2,487 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Varces-Allières-et-Risset (Isère)
A very beautiful hike offering superb views of the Grenoble region and the Vercors from the summit.
Little wonders around the Crête des Crocs
7.65 mi
+3,757 ft
-3,750 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Varces-Allières-et-Risset (Isère)
A circular walk along old, rarely used paths, offering the chance to discover the natural wonders around the spectacular Crête des Crocs: the magnificent Arche des Crocs, the Pierre Fendue, the ‘Main’, the Rocher de l’Ours with its unique view of the Roc Cornafion, and the Crête des Crocs with its bird’s-eye view of the Col de l’Arc and the Pic Saint-Michel.
The main challenge is finding your way, as the paths are very poorly marked. Please take care; see the practical information.
The Uriol ridge
4.32 mi
+1,617 ft
-1,617 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Vif (Isère)
This short hike will take you to the ridge overlooking the Gresse valley and the Vif plain on one side, and the village of Saint-Paul-de-Varces on the other, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains: Belledonne, Vercors and Chartreuse.
From Vif to L'Échaillon, return via Les Saillants-du-Gua.
8.18 mi
+2,080 ft
-2,090 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Vif (Isère)
A beautiful hike, accessible in all seasons, but it is best to avoid the heat of summer. Discover the Gresse valley and the Montagne d'Uriol with its almost Mediterranean vegetation.
Le Grand Brion
10.24 mi
+2,566 ft
-2,575 ft
6h 55
Moderate
Departure from Vif (Isère)
A lovely hike to enjoy in any season, offering a chance to discover the Grenoble region, the Drac Valley and the eastern cliffs of the Vercors (Pic Saint-Michel, Deux Sœurs, etc.).
Tour of the hamlets south of Vif
7.28 mi
+1,102 ft
-1,089 ft
4h 20
Easy
Departure from Vif (Isère)
After a few modifications, I am once again offering this enjoyable hike on the hillsides, which will allow you to discover unexpected aspects of the A51 motorway as well as interesting views of the eastern side of the Vercors. You will also discover small hamlets in the south of the Grenoble metropolitan area.
Le Petit Brion and the Crozet Plateau
5.78 mi
+1,286 ft
-1,260 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Vif (Isère)
A short walk best saved for the off-season. This route allows you to explore this part of the southern suburbs of Grenoble, with a few views of the surrounding mountains. It is a very easy walk, following good paths that alternate between wooded and open areas.
From Allières to Saint-Ange, the Pissarde stream and Allières waterfall
6.38 mi
+2,398 ft
-2,395 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Claix (Isère) (Isère)
Another pleasant hike, suitable for all seasons, to discover the Grenoble region, the eastern balcony of the Vercors and cool off under an invigorating waterfall.
Roybon Hut – La Peyrouse Hut
10.88 mi
+2,182 ft
-1,719 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Villard-de-Lans (Isère)
Day2 of a traverse of the Vercors via the balcony path.
Circular Canyon path starting from the Barnets car park
3.67 mi
+912 ft
-919 ft
3 hrs
Easy
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
A beautiful, very easy and enjoyable circular route at the foot of Pic Saint-Michel and close to the cross-country ski trails of the Lans-en-Vercors resort.
The Pic Saint Michel
5.39 mi
+2,234 ft
-2,238 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
This easily accessed summit is located on a ridge between the "Vallée de la Gresse" and the Vercors plateau. It offers a breathtaking view on Belledonne, Les Rousses and a bit further Les Ecrins.
The Suifs Cross
5.66 mi
+869 ft
-840 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
More of a walk than a hike, this double loop allows you to discover the large Allières plateau above Lans-en-Vercors. The route is clearly marked with signs at the various crossroads and is a great outing in winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Pic Saint-Michel via Croix des Suifs from the Barnets car park
5.81 mi
+2,274 ft
-2,257 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
Overall, this is an easy hike with varied landscapes both uphill and downhill, offering a unique panorama at the summit. A must-see in the region.
For the Visorando moderator: hike inspired by two others:
1- Pic Saint-Michel via Croix des Suifs.
2- Pic Saint-Michel.
Very similar but, in my opinion, an improvement on the other two: it's up to you to decide whether it's publishable or not.
Pic Saint-Michel circular from Les Blancs
6.96 mi
+2,835 ft
-2,812 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
The hike starts at the hamlet of Les Blancs near Lans and takes us to Pic St Michel via the Chemin des Anciens and the Col de l'Arc. The return journey is via Les Allières and the Pierre Berchue viewpoint.
Le Moucherotte
7.56 mi
+1,821 ft
-1,837 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
Family hike offering a bird's eye view of Grenoble and a beautiful view of the Gerbier ridge.
Pic Saint-Michel via the Combe Oursière and return via the Chemin des Anciens
5.79 mi
+1,850 ft
-1,860 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
One of the peaks bordering the Vercors Regional Park to the east. Relatively easy to access, in good weather it offers a wide panorama from Mont Blanc on your left to the Écrins massif via the Belledonne chain. The climb via the Combe Oursière is less frequented than via Les Allières. A well-shaded route for most of the way.
Les Allières, Grandes Roches de Saint-Michel and Les Ramées
7.44 mi
+1,916 ft
-1,913 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
An extraordinary hike, passing through the little-visited Combe Oursière and offering an unusual ascent through the sharp limestone pavement towards Grand Cheval (Grandes Roches de Saint-Michel). Magnificent views over the Trièves, the Taillefer and, in good weather, Mont Blanc. A hike best suited to summer or autumn, requiring a good sense of direction and reserved for experienced walkers.
Vertige des Cimes viewpoint, cliff edge, Les Ramées
4.51 mi
+1,775 ft
-1,749 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
This hike offers magnificent views of Grenoble, the Belledonne massif, Mont Blanc, Chartreuse and Oisans. It can be done in the middle of an autumn afternoon to enjoy the sunset towards the (4), but bring a torch for the return journey and take extra care.
09/09/2024: Hiking is prohibited during the winter months (December to April inclusive) to respect the black grouse's quiet zone. See practical information.
Le Habert and Croix des Ramées from the Lans-en-Vercors snow stadium
4.60 mi
+974 ft
-971 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
This snowshoe hike takes you along a well-marked trail from the snow stadium in Lans-en-Vercors to the foot of the Grande Roche Saint-Michel (without reaching it).
You will stop in front of the Habert des Ramées, then continue your exploration of the plateau beneath the Grande Roche to reach the viewpoint over the Lans valley from the Croix des Ramées.
The descent to the snow stadium offers different landscapes, even though it is the same path.
Le Moucherotte via the Vertige des Cimes and Les Ramées
7.33 mi
+1,952 ft
-1,955 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
A hike on the eastern flank of the Vercors above Lans-en-Vercors takes you to Le Moucherotte via the Vertige des Cimes, a footbridge that juts out two metres above the void.
An easy hike offering spectacular views of all the surrounding mountains and Grenoble.
Pic Saint-Michel via the Vertige des Cimes
6.58 mi
+2,110 ft
-2,474 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
A very classic route that takes you to four remarkable viewpoints in succession, offering views of Grenoble and its valley, as well as the Vercors plateau, the Rocher de l’Ours and the Roc Cornafion. It’s a hike you should do at least once if you’re in the area.
Ideally, you should take two cars up and leave one at the finish, which is at the Parking des Barnets, two hairpin bends below the start point at the Lans-en-Vercors resort.
La Moucherotte de Lans
7.23 mi
+1,985 ft
-1,985 ft
5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Lans-en-Vercors (Isère)
An easy loop starting from the Lans-en-Vercors snow stadium to reach the summit of Moucherotte (on snowshoes or on foot).
Caution: do not descend via the Combe de Saint-Nizier if visibility is poor. Stay on the path.
Circular trail to the priory and waterfalls from Saint-Georges-de-Commiers
6.74 mi
+2,395 ft
-2,392 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Georges-de-Commiers (Isère)
A pleasant, wooded walk that takes hikers to several points of interest: the Roche Courbière viewpoint, offering stunning panoramic views of the lower Drac valley and the Vercors and Chartreuse mountain ranges, or the ruins of the Priory of Saint-Michel de Connexe. After passing a cave, the second part of the descent is refreshing and dominated by water, featuring a series of waterfalls, meandering streams and whirlpools!
Circular route in Les Commiers and Pierre du Soleil
5.38 mi
+1,148 ft
-1,135 ft
3h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Georges-de-Commiers (Isère)
This easy circular route between the villages of Saint-Georges-de-Commiers and Notre-Dame-de-Commiers will allow you to discover the Drac valley, the old La Mure railway line and a beautiful viewpoint at the Pierre du Soleil orientation table.
Ruins of Saint-Michel Priory by Roche Courbiere
5.32 mi
+1,319 ft
-1,319 ft
3h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Georges-de-Commiers (Isère)
This easy hike, just outside the city, will first take you to a little-known viewpoint, La Roche Courbière, which offers a surprising view of the lower Drac valley, the Grenoble metropolitan area and the surrounding mountains such as the Vercors and the Chartreuse. The route then takes you to the ruins of the Priory of Saint-Michel de Connexe, which dates back to the 11th century.