Pont-en-Royans / Presles (stage 18)

Pont-en-Royans
Pont-en-Royans / Presles (stage 18)
6h
17,5km
+1330m
-670m

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A steep ascent takes you from the plain of Royans to the massif of Coulmes.
4 points of interest
Pont-en-Royans - S.M Booth View of Pont-en-Royans
It is one of the most famous villages of Dauphiné, thanks to its houses hanging above the Bourne. In this narrow site, surrounded by mountains, one had to gain space. Many houses, built in advance on the rock, are actually suspended in the void, with wooden supports. It was very practical at the time to fish and get water. Today, a water museum is set up in the heart of the village.Gorges de la Bourne - S.M Booth Gorges of the Bourne
The Bourne is the main river of the Vercors, which drains all the rainwater, make snow, but also all the waters that have circulated in the kilometers of galleries and caves. These subterranean waters recover the open air by resurgences which form periodic majestic cascades emerging as if by enchantment of the rock and coming to dress up the great limestone cliffs, symbols of the landscapes of the Vercors. This torrential river also marks the territory as a way of communication between the top and the bottom. It stimulates the passions, like a magnet in this relatively dry territory, since a large part of the water circulates in the subsoil. She quietly finishes her race at St Nazaire-en-Royans in a lake located at the confluence with the Isère. For the fishermen this river is still a myth in front of the richness of its aquatic ecosystem which is home to a large population of trout and other fish. We must ensure that uses (hydropower, irrigation, agriculture, development) do not degrade this vital vein for the territory, in an uncertain future subject to the vagaries of climate change.M. Rocheblave Circus of Bournillon
From the path, a belvedere allows you to admire the waterfall of Moulin Marquis and the Cirque du Bournillon. With its 400 m of fall, it is one of the most important waterfalls in France. At its foot stands the cave of Bournillon with its magnificent porch. This cave is today the temporary emergence of the largest karst basin of the Vercors.Les ruines du hameau de la Goulandière - OTSI Pont-en-Royans The Goulandière
The ruins of Goulandière tell the story of men who came to cultivate the land in this hamlet lost in the heart of the forest of Coulmes, without any water, as a challenge to nature. The houses are built on the rock, not to reduce the fields gained on the forest. The recent rehabilitation of the hamlet makes it possible to imagine this rude existence. Theme circuits invite you to discover the lifestyles of the Middle Ages.
Description
As you leave Pont-en-Royans, make your way towards Pont Picard, all the while paying close attention to the markers. The GR follows a passage with a narrow staircase on the right side of the road along the edge of the houses to reach the Pont Rouillard (1). It then climbs back towards Choranche (2), first by road and then along a track above the Bourne (the left bank) to the village.
After Choranche, the Grand Tour du Vercors winds its way between the rocks of Presles via the Pas du Ranc lookout (3) before entering the massif of Coulmes. The climb between the Cuilleriers and the Ranc belvedere is quite steep. The path is narrow, and there are some tricky sections, especially in wet weather. The forest opens up at times, presenting captivating views of the cliffs. From the Abri de la Goulandière (Goulandière hut) (4), head towards Presles along the Tour des Coulmes route, crossing via a delightful path through beautiful beech forests.
After Choranche, the Grand Tour du Vercors winds its way between the rocks of Presles via the Pas du Ranc lookout (3) before entering the massif of Coulmes. The climb between the Cuilleriers and the Ranc belvedere is quite steep. The path is narrow, and there are some tricky sections, especially in wet weather. The forest opens up at times, presenting captivating views of the cliffs. From the Abri de la Goulandière (Goulandière hut) (4), head towards Presles along the Tour des Coulmes route, crossing via a delightful path through beautiful beech forests.
- Departure : Pont-en-Royans village
- Arrival : Presles village
- Towns crossed : Pont-en-Royans, Châtelus, Choranche, and Presles
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.
Recommandations
Use the passageways to cross the fences, close the gates and barriers.
Stay on the marked paths is also respect private property.
Be careful on the path leading to the Pas du Ranc, as some sections can be tricky, especially in wet weather!
Stay on the marked paths is also respect private property.
Be careful on the path leading to the Pas du Ranc, as some sections can be tricky, especially in wet weather!
Information desks
Grande rue, 38680 Pont-en-Royans
Transport
By train :
Saint-Hilaire-du-Rozier SNCF station
By bus :
Line T60 Grenoble - Pont en Royans and line T61 Saint-Marcellin - Pont en Royans
The OùRA multimodal route calculator gives you access to all the connections between regional trains, urban transport and departmental bus routes: https://www.oura.com
By hitchhiking: Find all the stops to go to or from www.rezopouce.fr by hitchhiking.
Carpooling: Share or book your carpool with Mov'Ici, the regional carpooling platform.
Saint-Hilaire-du-Rozier SNCF station
By bus :
Line T60 Grenoble - Pont en Royans and line T61 Saint-Marcellin - Pont en Royans
The OùRA multimodal route calculator gives you access to all the connections between regional trains, urban transport and departmental bus routes: https://www.oura.com
By hitchhiking: Find all the stops to go to or from www.rezopouce.fr by hitchhiking.
Carpooling: Share or book your carpool with Mov'Ici, the regional carpooling platform.
Access and parking
Parking :
Car park in the village centre
Report a problem or an error
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