On the high plateaus of the Vercors via the Plaine de la Chau

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This easy hike will take you to the high plateaus of the Vercors, between forests and meadows, on well-marked but sometimes unmarked trails. A little controlled adventure! An easy circular loop to do in any season, but no car access to the car park in winter.

Details

n°82933523
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.70 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 863 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 879 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,482 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,685 ft
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Description of the walk

Park in the small car park on the Route Forestière des Charbonnières before reaching the Baraque Forestière de Pré Râteau.

(S/E) Take the path leading east from the car park. You will reach an intersection.

(1) Continue straight ahead for about 300 metres to reach another intersection.

(2) Turn right towards the south and head towards the old Jasse de la Chau.

(3) In the middle of a meadow dotted with stones, take the path on the left, slightly uphill, heading north: there are no markings, so keep an eye on your GPS, even though the path is clearly visible. Join the GR®91 at the Plaine de la Chau.

(4) Take this path opposite, heading north, and continue until you reach a fork in the path.

(5) Continue on the GR®91 to the right towards the Fontaine du Playe.

(6) Pass the fountain and continue on the GR®, which bends to the left and heads north-west. Pass a memorial stone and continue to reach the Refuge de Jasse du Play.

(7) Continue straight ahead, heading north, still on the GR®91. You will reach a three-way junction.

(8) Leave the GR®91 and turn left onto a well-marked path leading to another fork (elevation 1461).

(9) Stay on this path, ignoring the one on the right, and walk for about 400 m.

(10) Turn left onto the path leading to the Pré Râteau forest hut. Continue to the hut and the forest road of the same name.

(11) Turn left for about 20 metres, then turn right. Keep left at the three-way junction just after and start the climb.

(12) Keep left at this three-way junction and rejoin the Route Forestière des Charbonnières. Turn left again to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,977 ft - RF des Charbonnières car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.55 - alt. 5,039 ft - Trail intersection, straight ahead
  3. 2 : mi 0.74 - alt. 5,115 ft - Three-way junction, to the right
  4. 3 : mi 1.62 - alt. 5,246 ft - Former Jasse de la Chau, on the left
  5. 4 : mi 1.8 - alt. 5,240 ft - GR®91 junction
  6. 5 : mi 2.52 - alt. 5,322 ft - Trail intersection, on the right
  7. 6 : mi 2.95 - alt. 5,482 ft - Fontaine du Playe - Fontaine de Jasse du Play
  8. 7 : mi 3.52 - alt. 5,279 ft - Jasse du Play refuge 1645 m - Cabane Jasse du Play
  9. 8 : mi 3.95 - alt. 5,220 ft - Leave the GR®91 trail on the left
  10. 9 : mi 4.85 - alt. 4,800 ft - At elevation 1461, continue straight ahead
  11. 10 : mi 5.12 - alt. 4,731 ft - Trail intersection, on the left
  12. 11 : mi 6.92 - alt. 4,803 ft - Pré Râteau Forest Hut
  13. 12 : mi 7.35 - alt. 5,013 ft - Trail intersection, on the left
  14. S/E : mi 7.7 - alt. 4,977 ft - RF des Charbonnières car park

Notes

Remember to take water with you: the Fontaine du Playe (6) fountain does not always flow.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Between (6) and (7) there is a memorial to the founders of the PNRV (Vercors National Park).

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Downloads
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Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.