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Start at the southernmost end of the village of Saint-Paul-de-Varces. Park near the Pont du Batou bridge spanning the Torrent du Lavanchon. A “Parking” sign points you towards two parking spaces in the woods, 200 m past the bridge.
(S/E) Follow the track to the first hairpin bend on the right.
(1) Leave the track and take a path that winds steeply upwards along the edge of the Ruisseau de la Lampe, then crosses it to lead to the ridges of the Montagne d’Uriol. A stunning view of the jagged northern slopes of Brise-Tourte, below the summit of Le Pieu.
(2) Turn right: the steep climb begins now, covering 300 m of elevation gain. The track, though narrow, is clearly visible. After a bend to the right, it runs close to the Brise-Tourte ravines. After the 1017 m altitude, the slope becomes steeper until you reach the summit of the ridge.
(3) For the intrepid, a rocky outcrop to the north (on the right) leads quickly to a narrow, vertiginous viewpoint overlooking the Rochers de Brise-Tourte. Continue southwards along a path that becomes rocky again and fades slightly. Proceed until you reach the foot of the summit of Le Pieu and carefully skirt around it to the left, without attempting to climb it directly. The path leads safely, after a final ascent, to the purple summit cross of Le Pieu.
(4) "Every day is a good day". A guestbook is available for visitors to share their impressions. On 25/02/2024, it was completely full; please could future hikers bring a new one. The view is breathtaking, taking in the whole Grenoble basin to the north, Roc Cornafion and the ridges of Gerbier to the west, and the entire Belledonne range to the east!
For the descent, follow the southern ridge, which remains wooded, along a good path. This is temporarily interrupted at a steep clearing (alt. 920 m).
(5) Keep your eyes peeled for a new path that continues due south for 250 m, veers slightly west (alt. 865 m) and quickly joins a marked path descending to the right, towards the meadows and the Échaillon farm.
(6) At the farm, despite the gate marked ‘Private property’, the local path does indeed pass through the grounds; there is no problem using it. Follow the track which climbs northwards at the bottom of the valley.
(7) Pass by Pierre Grosse and continue straight on to the Pont du Batou and the car park (S/E).
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