Boucle du Signal de La Grave
The Signal of La Grave dominates the Romanche valley by a thousand meters.
Its summit offers a complete panorama of the entire canton. It also offers an exceptional view of the northern slope of the Meije.
Its summit offers a complete panorama of the entire canton. It also offers an exceptional view of the northern slope of the Meije.
The summit also allows you to discover the peak of Goléon and the Martignare valley which opens the doors to Savoie. The climb from La Grave is sustained and south-facing: it is therefore better to undertake this route early in the morning; along the way you can refresh yourself at the various fountains of Ventelon, Clots and Terrasses.
Loop detail:
From the Tourist Office of La Grave, go up the whole village towards the church, leave it on the left and continue straight uphill, pass the last houses and turn very quickly to the right towards Ventelon, a hamlet which can be reached in about an hour; go up the hamlet and take the good track which leads to the "Clots" (1916 m) pass in front of the fountain and 100 m further on take the path on the right which goes up. At the next fork turn right towards Celle des Juges then 200 m further on leave the path which continues along the side to climb the (steep) slope called Cote Belle; follow the path, in places not very marked, which leads to a small pass (2252 m) located on the Signal ridge and follow it to the right to the summit (2446 m) (cairn). Start the descent by the ascent route but when you reach the pass, continue along the crest of the "red hill": reach the top of the Chazelet ski lifts and descend to the right towards Les Plagnes. When you reach a good track, take it to the left and continue, passing under the small national forest, to the oratory (orientation table); cross the small road and take the GR 54 opposite which leads to Les Terrasses then through the "Lombards fields" to La Grave.
Loop detail:
From the Tourist Office of La Grave, go up the whole village towards the church, leave it on the left and continue straight uphill, pass the last houses and turn very quickly to the right towards Ventelon, a hamlet which can be reached in about an hour; go up the hamlet and take the good track which leads to the "Clots" (1916 m) pass in front of the fountain and 100 m further on take the path on the right which goes up. At the next fork turn right towards Celle des Juges then 200 m further on leave the path which continues along the side to climb the (steep) slope called Cote Belle; follow the path, in places not very marked, which leads to a small pass (2252 m) located on the Signal ridge and follow it to the right to the summit (2446 m) (cairn). Start the descent by the ascent route but when you reach the pass, continue along the crest of the "red hill": reach the top of the Chazelet ski lifts and descend to the right towards Les Plagnes. When you reach a good track, take it to the left and continue, passing under the small national forest, to the oratory (orientation table); cross the small road and take the GR 54 opposite which leads to Les Terrasses then through the "Lombards fields" to La Grave.
