Randonnée La Croix de Cassini
One of the most spectacular 360° panoramas from where you can observe the Meije, the Muzelle, the Pic Blanc and the Aiguilles d'Arves. For the lucky ones, the marmot, the bearded vulture or the chamois will invite themselves for your greatest pleasure.
The Croix de Cassini is a walk for average walkers starting from the col de Sarenne (1h30) orAlpe d'Huez (2h) but good walkers can leave from Clavans and will then take 3h30 (950m difference in altitude).
Recommended route: From the Col de Sarenne
From Grenoble head towards Bourg-d'Oisans (D1091), then after the village join the col de Sarenne either via Alpe d'Huez (D211), or passing through the Ferrand valley, the opportunity to visit the traditional villages of Mizoën, Clavans or Besse (after Bourg d'Oisans towards Briançon, then after the Chambon dam, 1st road on the left towards Clavans up to the pass). From Alpe-d 'Huez, park at the Rocher du Goulet car park or take the road to col de Sarenne.
Park at the Col de Sarenne at an altitude of 1 m. From there, it is possible to reach the Croix de Cassini via the ridge. Be careful, although it is not indicated on maps or signs, this route (the most direct) takes in some challenging passages. So, even if the view along the ridge is superb, this route is reserved for those with mountain feet.
For the uninitiated, it is better to go back down the road a little after the pass, on the Alpe d'Huez side, in the direction of the chalets and take the path of the Col Grange Pellorce from the Sella (on the left). This route is a little longer, about 1h30 of climbing to reach the Croix, but much safer. The marmot, the large and majestic bearded vulture or the chamois will invite themselves during the climb for your greatest pleasure. Arrived at Croix de Cassini 2361 m, all these efforts are rewarded by a unique panorama of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
In the 250th century, César-François Cassini was entrusted with the ambitious mission of mapping the kingdom of France. He left his name to many peaks, such as the Cassini Cross which he used for his measurements. Cassini maps, drawn over XNUMX years ago, are as precise as our current IGN maps.
Recommended route: From the Col de Sarenne
From Grenoble head towards Bourg-d'Oisans (D1091), then after the village join the col de Sarenne either via Alpe d'Huez (D211), or passing through the Ferrand valley, the opportunity to visit the traditional villages of Mizoën, Clavans or Besse (after Bourg d'Oisans towards Briançon, then after the Chambon dam, 1st road on the left towards Clavans up to the pass). From Alpe-d 'Huez, park at the Rocher du Goulet car park or take the road to col de Sarenne.
Park at the Col de Sarenne at an altitude of 1 m. From there, it is possible to reach the Croix de Cassini via the ridge. Be careful, although it is not indicated on maps or signs, this route (the most direct) takes in some challenging passages. So, even if the view along the ridge is superb, this route is reserved for those with mountain feet.
For the uninitiated, it is better to go back down the road a little after the pass, on the Alpe d'Huez side, in the direction of the chalets and take the path of the Col Grange Pellorce from the Sella (on the left). This route is a little longer, about 1h30 of climbing to reach the Croix, but much safer. The marmot, the large and majestic bearded vulture or the chamois will invite themselves during the climb for your greatest pleasure. Arrived at Croix de Cassini 2361 m, all these efforts are rewarded by a unique panorama of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
In the 250th century, César-François Cassini was entrusted with the ambitious mission of mapping the kingdom of France. He left his name to many peaks, such as the Cassini Cross which he used for his measurements. Cassini maps, drawn over XNUMX years ago, are as precise as our current IGN maps.
