Les balcons de Gresse

Contact

Distance

14.1km

Elevation

606m

Duration

Difficulty Level

Difficult

Hike description

Type

Signposted Loop

Altitude

Max : 1738m

The audience

Walkers/hikers

Introduction

A hike that allows you to appreciate the majestic cliffs of the Balcon Est du Vercors! It's not unusual to come across wildlife, notably ibex and marmots. Beware: a few passages may put off hikers sensitive to vertigo.

The Balcons de Gresse hike takes you along the magnificent Balcon Est trail, which skirts the impressive cliffs of the Vercors. The itinerary is varied: forest passages, undergrowth, ridges, scree slopes... Crossing ravines requires good footwear and a fear of heights.

Pets welcome : yes

Further detail on accompanying pets : Only possible with a dog on a leash if you don't go up to Pas de la Ville or Pas de Berrièves.

Further information on this Hiking Trail

The markings are yellow-green lines (PR).

Tricky passes

When crossing the "ravines", the path is narrow and can put off hikers sensitive to vertigo: take care. Please note that at the start of the season, persistent snow in the ravines may prevent safe passage. Contact the Tourist Office on 04 82 62 63 50 for further information.

Map reference

Carte "Promenades et randonnées en Vercors Trièves"

Other information

Adaptez votre équipement en fonction de votre niveau et de la météo. Restez sur les sentiers balisés.

Useful information

Local Services

Facilities

Access

Step by step

Start: Park in the bakery parking lot, near the foyer nordique, near the bus shelter, where there's a "La Rivoire" signpost.

1) From the parking lot, follow the signs for "Chauve Terre" along the road to the traffic circle (take care).

2) From "Chauve Terre", follow "Croix de Serre Monet" up the asphalt road to the left for about 100 m, before taking the right-hand climb.

3) At "Croix de Serre-Monet", turn left towards "les Petits Deux", passing the Grand-Veymont farm. In the hamlet of Les Petits Deux, take the tarmac road towards Col des Deux to find the "Les Petits Deux" sign at the top of the climb.

4) Turn left towards "Côte Joubert". The climb begins alongside meadows, then rises steadily through the forest, culminating in a final steep climb after leaving the forest.

5) From "Côte Joubert", follow the ridge to the "Sous Séguret" post.

6) From "Sous Séguret", turn left towards "Sous le Pas de la Ville": this is the start of the traverse along the eastern balcony of the Vercors. Take care when crossing ravines!

7) At "Sous le Pas de la Ville", continue towards "Baraque du Veymont". You can also shorten your hike by 2km by descending directly to "Champ de l'Herse" (steep descent).

8) From "Baraque du Veymont", descend gently to "Champ de l'Herse" via the track and then a small path that cuts across the track.

9) From "Champ de l'Herse", follow the tarmac road and turn right at the bridge to "Girard".

10) Return to your starting point at "La Rivoire" via "Gressette", alongside the Gresse en Vercors campsite.