Hike description
Type
Signposted Loop
Altitude
Max : 1915m
The audience
- Walkers/hikers
Introduction
Set off on an emblematic hike offering panoramic views over the Trièves, Dévoluy and Écrins. The summit of Châtel is a large mountain pasture offering magnificent views of the Obiou and Dévoluy ranges.
La Châtel, also known as Bonnet de Calvin, is a challenging hike with vertiginous passages. The cliffs near the summit are home to many varieties of bird of prey. If you're lucky, you may come across vultures, eagles or falcons. This distinctive mountain can be seen from all over the Trièves. When you're at the top, you'll have a panoramic view of all the surrounding massifs. The perfect opportunity to take a day trip and enjoy a picnic with a magnificent view.
Pets welcome : yes
Further detail on accompanying pets : Alpine pastures, dogs only allowed on leash. Guard dogs present in summer. ATTENTION: the cabled passage requires you to cross a rock with a small climbing step. It may be necessary to carry your dog.
Further information on this Hiking Trail
Marked with yellow lines (PR)
Tricky passes
Vertiginous passages can pose problems for those afraid of heights. There is also a passage where you need to use a cable.
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. Merci de respecter les activités pastorales sur l'alpage (signalétique pastorale à l'entrée de l'alpage)
Useful information
Local Services
Facilities
Access
Step by step
Start: From the "Parking de Baret", start by following the path heading north, and you'll soon come across the first yellow post indicating "Le Châtel" at 3.4km. Follow this direction through the forest. You'll soon come to a post entitled "Grange de Châtel".
1) From "Grange de Châtel" continue on the track to the right, following the signs for "Baraque des Gardes". This forest track climbs slightly to the south.
2) From "Baraque des Gardes" take the upward path towards Châtel, signposted at 1:25. There's a good climb with a succession of bends in the forest. As you leave the forest, the view opens up. A balcony path offers a magnificent view of the Dévoluy massif. Watch out for the precipice, though, as the path is narrow. The path climbs steadily until you reach the "Col de la Brèche".
3) From "Col de la Brèche", continue towards "Châtel". The slope steepens slightly, and you'll come to a point where you'll need to use the cable - so be careful! You soon reach the highest point of Le Châtel, marked by a milestone. Enjoy the incredible view.
4) Continue along the path through the pasture to reach the "Châtel" post in the middle of the pasture. A short descent through the meadow takes you to the post. You have the option of continuing to the orientation table at the north end of the mountain. In this case, you'll have to make a 600-metre round trip.
5) At the "Le Châtel" signpost, head for "Grange de Châtel" on the downhill path. The path passes through the middle of the Châtel cliffs. The descent offers lovely views of the Trièves just opposite, before rejoining the forest a little further down.
6) At the "Grange de Châtel" post, head for the Baret parking lot, which is only 1 km away. You'll arrive back at your car, which is in the Baret parking lot.
Location
Parking de Baret
38710 Mens
By car, from the Mens Tourist Office, follow signs for Cordéac, Corps. At the "La Croix" crossroads, which indicates the gendarmerie on the right and the D 66 on the left, go straight on towards "Le Verdier". Pass "Pré Clos", "Mentayre", then "Le Verdier" until the tarmac road becomes a track. Follow the forest track for 3.5 km to the "Baret" parking lot.
Latitude : 44.8218
Longitude : 5.79083
Altitude : 1297m