Les Balcons du Drac

  • Pedestrian sports
  • Hiking itinerary

Discover a wild and secluded side of the Trièves region, along the Drac River. It plays hide-and-seek among the foliage, but still lets you catch a glimpse of its turquoise waters from time to time!

Although mostly through the woods, this hike nevertheless offers varied views of the Trièves, Vercors, and Matheysine mountains, as well as occasional glimpses of the Drac River, which winds through the valley floor before flowing into Lake Monteynard-Avignonet.

Route details

Start: Park in the Saint Jean d'Hérans church parking lot. You'll find the first signpost pointing in several directions. Follow the signs for "Cimetière" and the hamlet of "Des Rives". To do this, you'll pass through the village of Saint Jean d'Hérans, to exit quickly across the fields. You'll soon find the cemetery.

1) From the "Cimetière" post, head for "Paquiers". A long, long descent on a track takes you to the hamlet. You'll pass through a variety of scenery, forests, fields... From the hamlet of "Paquiers", follow the signs for "Les Rives". This charming little hamlet borders the Drac. Cross it, following the signs, and continue downhill.

2) From the "les Rives" post, head into the forest towards "les Chaux". A path gradually descends to the Drac balconies. From here, the view of the river is magnificent. From here, the view of the river is magnificent. Enjoy the freshness of the many streams you'll cross on your way to the "Les Chaux" signpost.

3) From "Les Chaux", follow the signs for "Caillat". This will take you up to the village of Saint Jean D'hérans. The first part is pleasantly wooded, followed by a more exposed section offering lovely views of the Drac. You'll soon reach the "Caillat" signpost.

4) From the "Caillat" post, head for "Saint jean d'Hérans". A little further on, you'll come to a second signpost entitled "Caillat 2", turn left in the direction of "Tracot". There's a good climb ahead, through thick forest. You'll soon reach the "Tracot" signpost.

5) Continue in the direction of "Saint jean d'Hérans". A wide forest track takes you back to the starting village. There are some fine views of the Vercors as you leave the forest. You finish the hike on the road back to the village where you left the car before.

Pets welcome

  • Free car park,

  • Car park

Opening

All year round daily.

More details

Not accessible in a wheelchair

Go there

Latitude : 44.853031

Longitude : 5.760265

Height : 822

Parking de l'Eglise
38710 Saint-Jean-d'Hérans
Go there

Park in the village of Saint Jean d'Hérans near the church.

Chambéry Grenoble Bourg-d'Oisans Bourgoin-Jallieu Vienne Lyon Valence Gap

Information updated on 03/08/2026
by Office de Tourisme du Trièves

Apidae