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Grand Truc (2203m)
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This wide grassy ridge lies between the Villards and Saint Jean de Maurienne basins. A very good path, easily accessible on both sides, runs all the way along its top. Nice views (see panorama below) on the northern end of the Belledonne range, the Grandes Rousses et Aiguilles d'Arves.
Panorama over the Belledonne massif (180 degrees) from the Jarrier ridge
From Saint Colomban les Villards
Good
views on the Belledonne massif, and an interesting ridge walk. 1000m of
ascent, for about 3h and no difficulty. Traversing
across the Miolan ravine may require caution. |
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Route
From St Colomban, drive across the river to Nantchenu and park near the skilifts. Walk through La Pierre and then on a forest trail that leads to the Miolan chalet (signposts, white-blue, then red-yellow GR marks). From the bottom of the Miolan ravine, the path starts climbing pleasantly and regularly, until the Miolan chalet is reached (1548m - 1h30). At an intersection, turn right and start traversing a very steep ravine in a parallel coomb. Should the path have disappeared there, turn left at the intersection and use the Communet route. The path winds up a ridge covered with grass and green alders, then leaves it for a long traverse to the left to finally reach Crêt Massuet (2116m). From the col, go right (south) to do Grand Tru(c) (2209m - 30mn), or left to walk past Col de Cochemin, then up the Grand Chatelard summit (2143m - 1h) after a remarkable and easy ridge walk.
Descent
Several possibilities:
- down the ascent route
- via the Arvan - Villards GR, found on the other side of Grand Truc. It leads back down to Nantchenu through the Villards forest.
- via Jarrier and Saint Jean.
| Easy ridge walk on very good paths with fine views on each side. It can be shortened or lengthened at will. 1 000m of ascent, 4 hours. Start Léard (1340m), at the end of the road that climbs up from St Jean de Maurienne to Jarrier. Park there. |
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Route
From the end of the Leard road, take the Arvan-Villards GR (yellow-red marks) and reach the Chambeaux chapel ( IGN map point 1706m). Then go south-west on another path ("Reboisement" signpost ). The route crosses Roche Noire's east ridge, then a larch plantation and finally comes out at Crêt Massuet (2118m). From this point you can go to Grand Truc and back in about 45mn (2203m). Do not miss Mont Blanc at IGN 2173m on your way back to Crêt Massuet. Go up the good path up Roche Noire's south ridge (2157m) and then down to the Cressua col, up again Crêt de la Raverotte and down again to Col de Cochemin (1939m). There, an easy walk up a wide grassy ridge leads to the top of Grand Chatelard (2143m). Fine views all the way, right and left on the Belledonne massif and Aiguilles d'Arves.
360° panorama from the top of Grand Chatelard (2143m)
Descent
It is possible in many places. To traverse all the way, which is always more satisfying, go down the other side of Grand Chatelard to the Sur la Balme chalets (path below the summit of Grand Chatelard). Before reaching Sur la Balme, head south for IGN point 1651m, where another good path will take you down the steep grassy slopes under the houses. You will arrive at the Sappey road, from which it is easy to walk back to Leard. If you miss the path, go past the houses and find the forest trail that will take you to the end of the Sappey road (longer). The path below point 1651 is a good ascent route ("Randonnées en Savoie" signposts).
Go up Grand Chatelard, using the above-described descent route , walk the ridge to Grand Truc, keep to the ridge and walk past La Toussuire and the ski pistes, then up Tête de Bellard, Ouillon and finally down to Col de la Croix de Fer. Long, but easy and interesting, recommended.