Distance
8.43km
Elevation
311m
Duration
3h
Difficulty Level
Moderate

Hike description

Type

Signposted Loop

Altitude

Max : 822m

The audience

  • Walkers/hikers

Introduction

Come and discover the Drac as you rarely do. This beautiful loop will take you down into the Drac gorges and allow you to observe the turquoise waters of this magnificent river.

This pleasant walk will allow you to follow the Drac before its arrival in the Lac du Monteynard. In the past, the Drac was not controlled by dams and carved its way through the rocks. Venture into the gorges to discover this magnificent water. Cross the few hamlets that border the Drac and offer views of the Matheysine territory just opposite.

Pets welcome : yes

Further information on this Hiking Trail

Yellow line markings (PR)

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

  • Pets welcome

Facilities

  • Car park
  • Free car park

Access

  • Not accessible in a wheelchair

Step by step

Start: Park in the Saint Jean d'Hérans church parking lot. You'll find the first signpost pointing in several directions. Follow the signs for "Cimetière" and the hamlet of "Des Rives". To do this, you'll pass through the village of Saint Jean d'Hérans, to exit quickly across the fields. You'll soon find the cemetery.

1) From the "Cimetière" post, head for "Paquiers". A long, long descent on a track takes you to the hamlet. You'll pass through a variety of scenery, forests, fields... From the hamlet of "Paquiers", follow the signs for "Les Rives". This charming little hamlet borders the Drac. Cross it, following the signs, and continue downhill.

2) From the "les Rives" post, head into the forest towards "les Chaux". A path gradually descends to the Drac balconies. From here, the view of the river is magnificent. From here, the view of the river is magnificent. Enjoy the freshness of the many streams you'll cross on your way to the "Les Chaux" signpost.

3) From "Les Chaux", follow the signs for "Caillat". This will take you up to the village of Saint Jean D'hérans. The first part is pleasantly wooded, followed by a more exposed section offering lovely views of the Drac. You'll soon reach the "Caillat" signpost.

4) From the "Caillat" post, head for "Saint jean d'Hérans". A little further on, you'll come to a second signpost entitled "Caillat 2", turn left in the direction of "Tracot". There's a good climb ahead, through thick forest. You'll soon reach the "Tracot" signpost.

5) Continue in the direction of "Saint jean d'Hérans". A wide forest track takes you back to the starting village. There are some fine views of the Vercors as you leave the forest. You finish the hike on the road back to the village where you left the car before.

Location

Parking de l'Eglise
38710 Saint-Jean-d'Hérans

Park in the village of Saint Jean d'Hérans near the church.

Latitude : 44.853031

Longitude : 5.760265

Altitude : 822m