Car-free hikes- Discovery of the Plateau des Petites Roches in the Chartreuse Mountains

An easy hike along the cliffs of the Petites Roches plateau, past lookouts and hang-gliding launch sites. Admire the paragliders and you may well find yourself inspired to take up paragliding...
Itinerary with public transport proposed by Alpes Là.

Start: Saint Pancrasse Mairie (995 m) - 15 min (0.7 km, D+ 20 m)

From the stop, start off along the departmental road heading north-east (towards Col de Marcieu). After the elementary school, leave the road to take the road on the left which starts with a parking lot (route du Tournon).
Continue through the hamlet towards Les Gaudes until you cross the main road again.

1) Le Tournoud Nord (1013 m) - 1 h 20 (2.8 km, D+ 220 m, D- 170 m)
Cross the D30 and turn slightly right onto a downhill path through several small wooded valleys.
Reach a parking area at antennae level (964 m), then follow a path along the cliffs to reach Bec Margain and its orientation table.

2) Bec Margain (1055 m) - 40 min (1.5 km, D+ 50 m, D- 160 m)
Continue along the path, passing a curious scientific measuring instrument (see photo and next page) and the hang-gliding and paragliding take-off areas. After skirting the "Chalet" paragliding launch area (green carpet), reach the Funicular station.

3) Funicular station (971 m) - 30 min (1.7 km, D+ 40 m, D- 45 m)
Go around Eglise St Hilaire to the north on Chemin du Pal de Fer to reach Les Gaudes. Take the northeast path (to the right) to reach the chapel. Arrive at Gros Buisson and continue west to reach the hamlet of Les Vials at the level of the departmental road.
The bus stop is slightly to the left.

Back to top : Les Vials - Plateau des Petites Roches (955 m)