The Pas de la Balme
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Château-Bernard

The Pas de la Balme

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Discover the Pas de la Balme, one of the few crossing points of the eastern border of the Vercors, making it possible to reach the plateau called "Quatre-Montagnes".

This Pas was also a high place of the Resistance of the maquis of the Vercors.
After a first part in undergrowth, the vegetation becomes more and more rare, in favor of the mineral environment. A nice path and then a simple feeling sometimes a little steep gives access to the Pas de la Balme and its magnificent 360 ° panorama.

1 point of interest

  • Tétras-Lyre Vercors
    Tétras-Lyre Vercors - PNRV

    Tétras Lyre (Black Grouse)

    This crossroads takes its name from the black grouse. This sedentary bird is one of the symbols of the Vercors Regional Nature Park. It appears on the park's logo, in the company of the wild tulip. During the breeding season (April-May) the cock sings at daybreak. But do not try to see it and above all stay on the roads, because this remarkable species is very sensitive to disturbance.

Description

Departure from Château-Bernard (village) take the direction of Pas de la Balme 8. At La Chapelle 1, climb to the Janas 2 and then join Le Mas 3. The hike continues mainly in the forest until the crossroads Font du Mas 4. From there, follow the forest road to Font Bessou 5 and then take on the right the route that leads gradually to the crossroads Les Poules 6 (always follow the yellow-green markings). Another effort to reach Mulet du Curé 7, the path in narrow laces allows to reach the crest and the Pas de la Balme. To return to the village of Château-Bernard, return to the Mulet du Curé then reach Bois Ras 9 and Tissonier 10. The path continues down into the underbrush and leads to Betrana 11. Continue to Chénevarie 12 then Le Mas Roux 13 and Le Mas before returning to Château-Bernard.
  • Departure : Château-Bernard village (parking)
  • Arrival : Château-Bernard village (parking)
  • Towns crossed : Château-Bernard, Le Gua, and Corrençon-en-Vercors

Forecast


Altimetric profile


Sensitive areas

Along your trek, you will go through sensitive areas related to the presence of a specific species or environment. In these areas, an appropriate behaviour allows to contribute to their preservation. For detailed information, specific forms are accessible for each area.
Impacted practices:
,
Sensitivity periods:
JunJulAugSepOct
Contact:
Fédération des Alpages de l’Isère federation@alpages38.org
Parc du Vercors info@pnr-vercors.fr


Recommandations

Be vigilant in rainy and fogy weather some passages can be slippery.

You are in summer areas, perhaps you will meet protective dogs, often Patous (or mountain of the Pyrenees). Always be sure to bypass the herds, while remaining calm while the dog identifies you, not caressing or threatening them. If you have a dog, keep it on a leash.

Information desks

43, route du Grand-Veymont, 38650 Gresse-en-Vercors

http://www.trieves-vercors.fr/tourisme@gresse-en-vercors.fr04 82 62 63 50

Access and parking

From Grenoble take the A51 south to Monestier-de-Clermont. From there, take the direction of Château-Bernard by the D8 then the D242.

Parking :

Parking village

More information


Report a problem or an error

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