Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Starting from the La Ruche à Gîter lodge, take the path on the right that leads into the forest. At the intersection with a forest track, continue left, staying on the same wide path. At each junction, you will find the green trail markers No. 21 to guide you along the forest track.
At the PDIPR Forêt du Quartier signpost, turn right towards the Belvédère des Riondettes, where you can enjoy a view of the Guiers Valley at your feet. To continue, facing the valley, take the small path that follows the ridge to your left. On this relatively steep trail, feel free to walk if needed.
At the PDIPR Col de la Sariette signpost, turn left onto a wilder, rockier section of the trail. At the next intersection with a new forest track, continue left, then straight ahead to discover the Riondettes and its meadow, which serves as cross-country skiing tracks in winter.
A short stretch on the road brings you to the PDIPR Les Riondettes signpost, where you will follow the Centre Nordique direction to the right. You will follow the stream for a few meters before crossing the Pré de la Morte meadow to take a wider track on the right.
At the next intersection (yellow arrow), continue right on a path that leads you to the PDIPR Le Cerney signpost. Continue following the direction of Pré Gervet and then Col de Ruchère. Take the time to admire the stunning view in front of you of the Vallon du Monastère, with Chamechaude in the background.
Be cautious as you enter the alpine pasture of Grand Som, where you may encounter the shepherd and his animals. Take care to walk slowly so as not to scare the animals and feel free to chat with the shepherd, who is passionate about his work and always happy to share his experiences.
Continue towards the PDIPR Sous le Petit Som, then head to Pas du Loup, Habert de Bovinant, and Col de Bovinant.
At the Col, you will enter the Combe des Éparres, a wild and preserved area in the heart of Chartreuse. Please stay on the trail. It’s at the PDIPR Grange Jacquet signpost that you will ascend towards Pas Dinay, preferably walking.
The final section of this route is a balcony trail in the heart of the forest, allowing you to reach the Grand Village of Saint Christophe sur Guiers before climbing back along the road to La Ruche à Gîter.
At the PDIPR Forêt du Quartier signpost, turn right towards the Belvédère des Riondettes, where you can enjoy a view of the Guiers Valley at your feet. To continue, facing the valley, take the small path that follows the ridge to your left. On this relatively steep trail, feel free to walk if needed.
At the PDIPR Col de la Sariette signpost, turn left onto a wilder, rockier section of the trail. At the next intersection with a new forest track, continue left, then straight ahead to discover the Riondettes and its meadow, which serves as cross-country skiing tracks in winter.
A short stretch on the road brings you to the PDIPR Les Riondettes signpost, where you will follow the Centre Nordique direction to the right. You will follow the stream for a few meters before crossing the Pré de la Morte meadow to take a wider track on the right.
At the next intersection (yellow arrow), continue right on a path that leads you to the PDIPR Le Cerney signpost. Continue following the direction of Pré Gervet and then Col de Ruchère. Take the time to admire the stunning view in front of you of the Vallon du Monastère, with Chamechaude in the background.
Be cautious as you enter the alpine pasture of Grand Som, where you may encounter the shepherd and his animals. Take care to walk slowly so as not to scare the animals and feel free to chat with the shepherd, who is passionate about his work and always happy to share his experiences.
Continue towards the PDIPR Sous le Petit Som, then head to Pas du Loup, Habert de Bovinant, and Col de Bovinant.
At the Col, you will enter the Combe des Éparres, a wild and preserved area in the heart of Chartreuse. Please stay on the trail. It’s at the PDIPR Grange Jacquet signpost that you will ascend towards Pas Dinay, preferably walking.
The final section of this route is a balcony trail in the heart of the forest, allowing you to reach the Grand Village of Saint Christophe sur Guiers before climbing back along the road to La Ruche à Gîter.
