Sentier de la Croix - hike from Villard-Reculas

Medium
1h20min
2.9km
Loop
+207m
-207m
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Description

A charming path leads through the picturesque lanes of the old village, over a small slate ridge, then through a coniferous forest. It then leads to a plateau with a unique panorama of the Taillefer massif and the Prégentil cliff.

From the tourist office, head down the Route d'Allemond towards the old village.

You'll soon reach a parking lot under the children's playground. Continue for another hundred metres or so to the Maison du Villard, then turn right just before it, following the PDIPR signs for "Les Clos par la Croix du Marius". The path then heads downhill.

All along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Taillefer and Écrins massifs. The path then crosses a more wooded area before joining the Sarrazins canal, which meanders peacefully through the trees, bringing freshness and tranquillity.

After skirting the canal for a few meters, you cross it to reach a particularly pleasant, open alpine pasture.

The path then leads to a cliff where Marius' memorial cross stands. The panorama is remarkable. But be sure to keep your distance from the edge.

The return journey takes you on a winding path that gradually climbs upwards. You end up near La Chèvre...rie: depending on the schedule, you can visit the farm or discover the nearby chapel of Saint-Antoine.

All that's left for you to do is to make your way quietly back up the Route d'Allemond to your starting point at the tourist office.

Difficult sections

Be careful not to get too close to the edge of the cliff as you approach the Croix du Marius.

Marking

Yellow PDIPR signposting from the Maison du Villard: "Les Clos par La Croix du Marius".

Map references

IGN Top 25 map

Amenities

Guided steps

Address
1 chemin de Bourg d'Oisans, 38114, Villard-Reculas
Opening
From 01/06 to 31/10 every day. Subject to favorable weather conditions. Trail subject to PDIPR maintenance. Please contact the tourist office to check accessibility.

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Address
1 chemin de Bourg d'Oisans, 38114, Villard-Reculas
Opening
From 01/06 to 31/10 every day. Subject to favorable weather conditions. Trail subject to PDIPR maintenance. Please contact the tourist office to check accessibility.