Third Arch of Archiane circular loop via the Château de Tussac

Park in the car park at the entrance to the hamlet of Archiane, just before the end of the Route des Sources; there are plenty of spaces available in the morning.

(S/E) Head to the right at the end of Route des Sources, marked with a no-entry sign, onto the main path which climbs towards the cliff: you’ll have a lovely view of the rock and the Archiane cirque. Follow the path which, after several hundred metres, turns left in a hairpin bend and winds its way up to the foot of the cliff. Continue until you reach a cairn at a bend.

(1) This is where the adventure begins. You must climb to the right through the forest, towards the cliff, following the cairns and red markings. The cairns tend to disappear, but the red markings on the trees trace a steep but manageable path. This wild path will take you to the foot of the cliff.

(2) Now that you’re close, you’ll need to make your way along the cliff face. You’ll sometimes have to climb up, go down, and clear a path through the vegetation. It’s not easy, and you might get a bit stuck: a helmet can be useful on this section, though not essential. You’ll reach the foot of a huge, steep scree slope.

(3) You need to climb up it, ideally on the right-hand side (left as you face it) where the ground is more stable. When you reach higher up, near the vegetation, look up: the^third arch appears on the right. You must then cross the scree slope carefully and head towards the boulder to be climbed.

(4) Climb this section, which is easy (3B) in dry weather. Take care with your handholds as the rocks are loose and the vegetation is sometimes overgrown. You can now enjoy the magnificent Archiane Arch, the third major arch in the cirque. You must then set off again, climbing up along the rock face on a steep and slippery path that emerges as you continue up the scree slope.

(5) A cairn on your right, near the trees, offers a brief respite; the ground becomes less slippery and the path flatter. Follow a discreet, horizontal track that leads to the foot of another scree slope.

(6) As you go round the rock, climb up the scree slope on the right-hand side. Some sections are well marked, even though the climb is steep.

(7) Once you’ve finally emerged from the scree slope, you’ll find yourself in a calm, rural setting. You’ll then need to make your way through the forest, keeping to the right at the junctions, along a fairly faint track that eventually leads onto a much more visible and well-marked path. Heading south, then, after a bend, left, then right, it reaches the middle of this vast meadow.

(8) Head west, along the edge of the woodland, and you’ll come back onto a more clearly marked path. This heads south and leads to a pretty, unmanned hut where you can stop for a break. Please respect the site.

(9) Take the path down towards Tussac.

(10) Pass the sheepfold. Take care, as the peaceful meadow gives way to a cliff face with Tussac Castle ahead of you. Continue along the path, which becomes a track that is almost passable by vehicle. Make two wide bends, and reach the junction with a path at the third bend.

(11) Leave the track to follow the path on the right, and make a steep descent to the junction with the GR®93, marked in white and red.

(12) Turn right towards Archiane and walk down the hillside to reach the D224.

(13) Continue to the right to return to the car park (S/E).

The terrain is sometimes very steep and slippery, with paths that are sometimes unclear or non-existent.

Do not attempt this route if you are not comfortable in this type of environment.

The largest arch in the Vercors.

Tussac Castle.