Plan Vallon loop

Name: Vallon Loop Plan
Address: Villar-Saint-Pancrace, Villar-Saint-Pancrace, 05100
Telephone: 06 07 07 31 08
Price range: Free access.

Villar-Saint-Pancrace

A perfect playground to challenge yourself between forest and altitude: over 12 km and 1,035 m of ascent, you'll follow shady singles, regular climbs and panoramic views, with just the right amount of intensity to enjoy yourself without ending up on your kneecaps.

Description

This 12 km loop trail, with a total vertical drop of 1,035 m, starts from the Villard-Saint-Pancrace Mountain Center. It offers a gradual immersion into the wooded heights of the commune, passing through several emblematic sites in the area: Le Clos des Prés, Plan Vallon - the highest point on the route at 2,320 m - then Le Mélézin and Le Lauzin, before beginning a smooth descent towards the route des Ayes.

The route is distinguished by its pleasant natural environment, much of it shaded, making it an ideal option during the summer months. The only exception is the last quarter of the ascent to Plan Vallon, which is exposed to direct sunlight and where the heat can make the effort even greater. The route is mainly single-track, not very technical, and mostly dirt. A few roots may appear in places, but the passages remain smooth and without major difficulty.

The overall profile is well-balanced, with regular climbs and undulating sections, and the effort is well distributed throughout. The steepest section is in the last quarter of the ascent to Plan Vallon, where the gradient is steeper and exposure to the sun is greater. The loop is therefore of moderate difficulty, accessible to a wide range of trail runners, while offering enough commitment to satisfy more experienced runners looking for elevation gain and pace.