Hike description
Type
Signposted roundtrip
Altitude
Max : 1916m
The audience
- Walkers/hikers
Introduction
Take a magnificent trip to the top of the emblematic Châtel. One of the best views of the Trièves awaits you. Take advantage of this large mountain pasture to rest after your effort. You won't be disappointed.
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 have a picnic with a magnificent view.
Pets welcome : yes
Further detail on accompanying pets : Only on a leash! Caution, presence of guard dogs. Do not bring your dog during these periods.
Further information on this Hiking Trail
Yellow line markings (PR)
Tricky passes
Take care on a short section above a steep slope.
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" you'll find yourself in a large fir forest. You'll start to follow the path heading north, and 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 labelled "Les Granges de Châtel".
1) From "Les Granges de Châtel" continue up the forest path, following the signs for "Le Châtel" which is 2.6km from your position. A pleasant climb through the forest will enable you to quickly gain altitude and begin to see the Châtel cliffs ahead. The path leads out of the forest into a more open area. The climb gets tougher and takes you to a path beneath the cliffs. (Be careful, there's a steep slope on the right). You're almost at the top, and another climb takes you to the "La Châtel" signpost.
2) From "Le Châtel" you have two options. You can go left to see the view from the belvedere. It offers a panoramic view of the peaks to the north. The other option is to climb a little further to the summit of Le Châtel, turning right at the post. This path takes you to a marker indicating the summit. From here, you can enjoy views of the Dévoluy Massif and, in particular, the Obiou. You'll have the option of doing both variants, which are well worth the effort.
3) From the "Châtel" signpost, start your descent in the direction of "Les Granges de Châtel". You'll take the same route as before. First, a good descent takes you to the Chatel cliffs. Then, a good passage through the forest takes you to the post "Les granges du Châtel".
4) Once at "Granges de Châtel", head for the Baret parking lot, just 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 : 44.82229
Longitude : 5.790699
Altitude : 1282m
