Le Grand Parcher circuit (no. 6)

Description

Circling the village of Les Vigneaux and its hamlets, this loop through welcoming and tranquil surroundings offers a magnificent panoramic view over the valley. This circuit in the municipality of Les Vigneaux follows the Gyronde, on the north-facing side, bringing you to Le Grand Parcher with its traditional houses and the village of Les Vigneaux, on the south-facing side, standing on an alluvial cone. The circuit starts near the car park on the right-hand bank of the Gyronde, on a narrow track that follows the river upstream, below the road leading to a campsite, the Camping des Vaudois - After going through the campsite, take the track on the left leading towards Le Chambon. This virtually straight path passes through a number of meadows - Cross a bridge (the Pont Haut) and join the local road. After 200 metres, at the next intersection turn right towards Le Petit Parcher - At the crossroads, turn right towards Le Grand Parcher - In Le Grand Parcher, take the road rising uphill to the left. A few metres beyond the Chapelle Saint-André, take a narrow path on the right leading towards the Rocher Blanc - As you ascend, head right on a single track until you come to the Rif Cros mountain stream - Cross the mountain stream and carry on to the centre of Les Vigneaux. When you come to the local road and the Pont du Rif you have reached your starting point

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• Rescue services contact details: Secours Montagne(Mountain Rescue): +33 (0)4 92 22 22 22 or 112
• Take your litter home
• Do not take shortcuts across pastureland

Getting there

Start: Pont du Rif (côté rive droite de la Gyronde), Les Vigneaux, Les Vigneaux (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/966026-VTT-N06---Circuit-du-Grand-Parcher). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 221 m, Parc national des Écrins