From Pontcharra, go in direction of Le Touvet and follow the road to Sainte-Marie-d’Alloix turn right to Saint-Vincent-de-Mercuze . Go through Saint-Vincent-de-Mercuze and take the road to Montalieu hamlet two kilometres further on.
Park in the car park at the swimming pool between Montalieu hamlet and the centre of Saint-Vincent-de-Mercuze. Pass above the camp site and take the path which begins 200 m further on along the banks of the Alloix mountain stream
The path criss-crosses the mountain stream following small wooden bridges and goes up through the forest to the ancient charcoal burners place ( Ancienne Place Charbonnoière) – 475 m. go down ( arrow on the left) towards Gouille Michel waterfall. Then a suspended bridge crosses the Alloix stream. There is a notice indicating that you are entering a high mountain area, which is steeper from this point. For those who do not wish to continue, turn back here and return via the Chemins d’Autrefois route. Otherwise follow the path for 30 minutes up to the Grande Cascade (600m). It is strongly advised to avoid returning by the same route. It is preferable to continue following the signposted path which goes up to the left of the waterfall and meets the Voie Romaine (Roman road) – 650 m. In this case take the path on the right which leads to Montalieu via the Chemin de Sainte-Marie-du-Mont. At the car park in Montalieu -410m- go straight on along rue Paul Janet and join the Chemins d’Autrefois which is signposted.
Starting point altitude : Montalieu hamlet – 356 m
Arrival point altitude (Grande Cascade ) : 600 m
Difference in altitude : 144 m
Time of walk : 35 min to Gouille Michel waterfall and 1 hour to Grande Cascade
Difficulty : a family walk as far as Gouille Michel waterfall, the path is steeper afterwards. The path overhangs the stream and some parts may be dangerous, especially in wet weather. Some passages are fitted with cables.
Signposting ; yellow rectangle PNR Chartreuse
Mountain walks
Walks which take more than 3 hours require half a day. The difference in altitude is considerable, more than 400 m and vertiginous paths. Mountain hiking boots are necessary
