Description

Beautiful hike between forest and aerial ridges allowing you to admire the Vassieux-en-Vercors plateau in its entire length, the Diois and the first foothills of the Baronnies and Ventoux.

The But Saint-Genix viewpoint is one of the most beautiful in the southern Vercors. From its altitude of 1,643 meters, the view encompasses a vast panorama of the High Plateaus, the Diois region, the Baronnies, and, on a clear day, even Mont Ventoux. This exceptional vantage point also allows for a better understanding of the massif's geography: the long ridgelines and the cliffs of Font d'Urle create such a distinctive silhouette that one often has the impression of being at the stern of a vast stone ship sailing south. This image, frequently used by Vercors guidebooks, contributes to the unique and spectacular character of the place.

The origin of the name "But Saint-Genix" remains a minor enigma to this day. Despite several hypotheses suggesting a link with ancient saints named Genes or Genix, no definitive explanation has been found. This toponymic mystery adds a touch of curiosity to this iconic Vercors peak, whose name will remind some of the famous Saint-Genix brioche with red pralines, another source of pride for the Alpine region.

Delicate passage

This route follows the ridges, to be avoided on foggy or windy days.

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

Step-by-step itinerary

1

From the Museum of Prehistory (1170m) , follow the signs for Espeline . After 250m, leave the road and take a parallel path on the left. Return to the paved road and continue to Espeline ( 1250m) . Continue straight ahead towards the Col de Vassieux . Pass the small hut at the Fontaine du Lauset ( 1243m) and reach the Les Taillis crossroads (1260m) . Leave the road here and take the path on the left that leads into the beech and fir forest towards Coras.

2

Rejoin the road at Coras (alt. 1353m) . Follow the tarmac to the left and further on reach the Fontaine du Plainet (alt. 1335m) . Water available.

3

Walk another 200m on the tarmac then, at Plainet (alt. 1327m) , turn right, still following the GRP which leads to the Vassieux refuge. Go past it and reach the ridges at the Entrecols crossroads (alt. 1360m).

4

By following the GRP (Grande Randonnée de Pays) trail to the left, it is possible to reach the Col de Vassieux (1333m altitude ) in about 10 minutes ( a historically very important crossing point linking Die to Vassieux ). Alternatively, follow the yellow and green markers to the right to walk along the ridge.

5

Pass the Col de la Chau (1431m) and Champ Rolland ( 1529m) to reach the But Saint-Genix (1643m) . The summit offers a magnificent view. From north to south, the Vassieux plateau, the Hauts Plateaux and the Grand Veymont, the landscapes of the Diois region, the peaks of the Baronnies, Mont Ventoux and the Quint valley.

6

Continue along the path that follows the ridge northwards, then enter the forest. At Pas Bouillanain (1444m) , turn right and descend to Combe de Gaza (1380m) . From there, continue downhill to the right along a pleasant track.

7

At Piarrou (alt. 1296m) take the GR93 to the right until Espeline then turn left to find the Museum of Prehistory.

What comes next?