N°70 : Boucle autour de Chalais

This route, which is mainly through forests, is intended for an average to experienced audience wishing to complete a discovery loop from the valley to the Aiguille de Chalais.

Shortly after Voreppe train station, meet at Gachetière to begin the ascent on the trail. Don't miss the discreet Pisserote waterfall (ford crossing). The forest is ever-present as you skirt around the Mollard d'Arbon. From Bouzonnière, a pleasant climb (320m elevation gain) takes you to the Col de Chalais. Next, complete the Aiguille loop on soft, comfortable terrain with gentle slopes, leading to the Rocher de Bellevue viewpoint (a short, scenic view is possible). Then, a steep climb to the summit with two short rocky sections and a final, easy descent, free of obstacles, leads back to the monastery. The rest of the route is downhill (nearly 700m descent) towards the Chevalon de Voreppe via the base of the Mont-Saint-Martin chimney, with some beautiful singletrack sections on limestone. You then pass close to the Bourg-Vieux district (short section on tarmac) before returning to the station.

The stages of the course:

– Voreppe SNCF train station
– Stravinsky
– Trigger
– The Clet
– Bouzonnière
– Chalais (Aiguille loop)
– Chalais Monastery
– Mont Saint-Martin Chimney
– The Bowl
– The Horse
– Trigger
– Stravinsky
– Voreppe SNCF train station