Description

Between the Lente forest and the Écharasson pass, the route crosses vast stands of beech and coniferous trees which give the route a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere, particularly appreciated during summer days.

The hike up Montagne de Pélandré invites you to discover one of the largest forest massifs in the Drôme Vercors. Between the Lente forest and the Col de l'Écharasson, the route crosses vast stands of beech and conifers, giving the trail a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere, particularly appreciated during summer days.

These forests have long played a vital role in the lives of the inhabitants of the Vercors. For centuries, wood from the Lente forest was used for building houses, heating, and numerous artisanal activities. Even today, this forest remains one of the most characteristic landscapes of the area and testifies to the close bond between humankind and the mountains.

Along the way, several viewpoints offer stunning vistas of the Sainte-Marie valley and the surrounding hills. These protected areas are home to a diverse and discreet wildlife. With a bit of luck, hikers might spot some of the large mammals that inhabit the massif, such as roe deer, red deer, or chamois, which are particularly common in the quieter areas of the Vercors.

Delicate passage

At the Col de l'Echarasson, do not lean on the wickerwork and be careful of the cliff.

Updated on 07/09/2026 - Report a change: info@vercorsdrome.com

Step-by-step itinerary

1

Start on the D70 heading north (Lente). 100m before the hotel restaurant, at the Lente crossroads (alt. 1071m), leave the departmental road and go up on the left onto the small access road to the forest houses.

2

Higher up, near the old municipal school (fountain), take a small road on the left through the undergrowth. At the garages, continue along the Chemin des Eygaziers. At a large bend to the left, leave it and continue straight ahead. This track joins a wide, flat path.

3

Continue to the right, initially on level ground then gently downhill. A view to the left overlooks a meadow before reaching the Carrefour des Charbonnières (1090m altitude): take the path to the right through the undergrowth. Join a cross-track at the Miroflée junction (1085m altitude).

4

Turn left, now following the white and red GR9 markers. When you reach the road, turn right; walk on the tarmac for about 1 km and reach the Col de l'Echarasson (1146 m). After the ruins, turn left onto a drivable track that climbs steadily. Further up, leave the Combe Fraisse forest road to your right.

5

Shortly after, when the path describes a bend to the right, leave it to continue straight ahead on a track in the woods (still white-red markings). The slope is steep at first, then it softens; the path then reaches a crossroads in a clearing.

6

Head left, pass near the summit of Serre de Pélandré, and descend gently southwards. Eventually, you'll reach a small road; turn right. After the wooden barrier, at the first Quatre Routes intersection (1156m altitude), leave the GR9 trail descending to the right. Stay on the road and continue to the second Quatre Routes intersection.

7

Cross the D199 and continue straight ahead, following the yellow and green markers on the Rama forest road. A long climb leads to the Col de la Rama (1279m), then descend to the left along the path towards the Ferme de Lente. Be careful if you have weak ankles, as there are many loose stones on the ground.

8

Further down, to the right, a round trip is possible to the Bronze Fir (a majestic fir with a circumference of 3,75m). Join and cross the main road, then continue straight ahead on the small road leading to the Ferme de Lente crossroads (alt. 1149m). Take the path to the right, staying in the undergrowth; it skirts the large Lente meadow, crosses two rocky valley bottoms, and emerges at the Fond du Brudour crossroads (alt. 1146m).

9

Continue left and, at the corner of a meadow, reach the Foire aux Fayards crossroads (1117m altitude). Turn slightly right and cross a light undergrowth. At the Mandement crossroads (1090m altitude), continue straight ahead to reach Scialet Félix (1100m altitude).

10

Then turn left to go down into the woods. At the bottom, go through the gate (close it behind you) and cross the meadow towards the parking lot.