Tour of the Trois Pucelles and Moucherotte via the Vallon des Forges

Park in the car park at the foot of the Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte ski jump.

(S/E) Walk slightly downhill to Rue ZA, Zone Artisanale, Espace Tremplin. Turn right onto the path and follow it to the Sentier de la Vie.

(1) Turn right onto it and head into the forest. Continue along this balcony path to reach the Trou Poussebou.

(2) Continue along this path, which now climbs, go round the Trois Pucelles rocks and then reach a three-way junction.

(3) Turn right onto the path marked in yellow and green, following the sign for Moucherotte via the Vallon des Forges. You’ll soon reach the entrance to the Grotte Vallier and the Ruisseau du Bessay.

(4) Keep to the right to begin the fairly challenging ascent of the Vallon des Forges via tight hairpin bends. Take care here as the ground can be slippery in wet weather. Climb up the slope through the limestone scree to reach the edge of the cliff.

(5) Begin a short descent, then climb back up to reach a junction at the top of the cliff.

(6) Take the wide track on the left – this is the old ski run. Follow it until you reach the^GR®9further up, then turn left onto it to reach the Refuge du Moucherotte.

(7) Carry on to reach the summit of the Moucherotte.

(8) Descend from the summit of the Moucherotte via the same route as on the way up, until you reach the junction at the edge of the cliff that you passed on the way up.

(6) Here, take the^GR®, pass through ‘La Cheminée’, then rejoin a very wide path where stones may roll underfoot once again, and continue to a junction at the foot of the Roc de Bataillon.

(9) Take the narrow path – this is also the^GR® marked in white and red – to the right; take care here as there are roots. Reach the foot of the Petites Pucelles and come to another junction.

(10) Continue straight ahead on the^GR® to reach the top of the ski jump, marked by a concrete tower.

(11) Take the steps made of wooden logs to descend; be careful, as this is a tricky and impressive section along the north-west face.

(12) Pass beneath the nose of the ski jump and join another flight of steps – also rather daunting – with concrete risers running alongside the slope. Continue on to reach the ski jump car park (S/E).

(S/E) Concrete ski jump, jump take-off, landing area, stands.
Shortly afterwards (2) View of the Grande Pucelle, a climbing site with equipment.
Between (4) and The landscape gradually opens up to offer a magnificent view of the Drac, Grenoble, Échirolles and Belledonne on one side, and the east face of the Moucherotte on the other.
(7) Moucherotte refuge: here you can enjoy an exhibition of photographs and quotes about the mountains and physical endeavour. This refuge has been refurbished and is open to the public, but it is unstaffed. Please help to keep it in good condition and, above all, take your rubbish back down with you.
(8) Moucherotte summit: the orientation board here provides a perfect overview of the surrounding area. Also note the sign detailing the specifications of the weather station.
(11) Ski jump: leave the marked path to visit the ski jump site. Please note, however, that the concrete structure itself is not accessible as the concrete is too badly damaged.
(12) Ski jump landing area: here you can see the structures that once housed the television cameras, as well as the remains of the scoreboard as you pass by. The stands are on the other side of the landing area, which has not been used since 1987.