Tête de Louis XVI via Col de Corbière

Description

Under the watchful eye of Le Grand Renaud, this royal trail runs over stone ripples and joins up with the Lignarre valley. A varied path blending hollows and flowering meadows, with its highest point being a striking view for all those making the effort to get there. The Tête de Louis XVI via Col de Corbière is a “trophy” that no hikers worth their salt should ignore! Park in the entrance car park below Villard-Reymond and take the forest path below the Chemin De Velzut (1614m), which follows the curve of the Cirque du Grand Renaud. After crossing several hollows, the path begins a winding climb towards the magnificent flowering pastures. The path leads up steeply to Le Grand Riou (1608m), with a plunging view above the wild torrent and its “cauldrons”. From Le Grand Riou, descend slightly to the right to cross the torrent. From there, follow the looping ascent, then cross the hollows up to the meadows as far as Col de Corbières (1926m). Here, you follow the signs to Tête de Louis XVI (1980m), and then go up to the right. You can take the same path back down towards the resort of Col d'Ornon.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Villard-Reymond, Villard-Reymond (38).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/937542-La-Tete-de-Louis-XVI-par-le-col-de-Corbiere). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Surface and path types: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL, extract of 28 October 2026, matched to the track every 10 m (openstreetmap.org/copyright)
• Official elevation gain: 398 m, Parc national des Écrins