Location and surroundings
Roche Veyrand belongs to the Central European Highlands, the Alps, the Western Alps, the Northwestern Alps, the Savoy Prealps, and the Chartreuse Mountains. The mountain is situated between the townships of Corbel and Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont in Savoie, France. The surrounding landscape features steep limestone cliffs, forested valleys, and traditional alpine hamlets within the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park.
Neighbouring peaks
Several summits and passes surround Roche Veyrand:
- Roc de Gleisin (peak), 1,460 m, 1.0 km N
- Pas de Nay (mountain pass), 1,165 m, 2.2 km SW
- Col de la Cluse (mountain pass), 1,168 m, 2.8 km N
- Croix de la Cochette (peak), 1,620 m, 3.0 km N
- Pas du Cuert (mountain pass), 1,535 m, 4.1 km N
- Mont Outheran (peak), 1,686 m, 4.2 km N
- Sommet du Pinet (peak), 1,867 m, 4.7 km E
- Dent de l'Ours (peak), 1,820 m, 4.8 km S
The nearest higher peak is Roc de Gleisin at 1,460 metres, located 1.0 kilometres to the north.
The view from the summit
From the viewpoint situated 10 metres east of the summit and near the cross located 40 metres southwest, visitors can observe the rugged terrain of the Chartreuse Mountains. The summit offers sightlines across the Entremonts Valley and toward nearby ridges such as Roc de Gleisin to the north and Sommet du Pinet to the east. On clear days, the wider ranges of the Northwestern Alps are visible in the distance.
The range
The Chartreuse Mountains span France as part of the Northwestern Alps. The range contains 108 named peaks, with Roche Veyrand ranking as the 52nd highest at 1,429 metres. The highest peak of the range is Chamechaude, reaching 2,082 metres at a distance of 16 kilometres south of Roche Veyrand.
Climbing routes
The mountain is well known for its technical hiking trails and a via ferrata. The via ferrata starts from the Fiolins hamlet and passes through Roche Veyrand to reach the Entremonts Valley. It consists of two sections: the first part is rated hard, and the second part is very hard. The route is well equipped with natural handholds and footholds, though rain can render certain sections slippery and demanding of vigilance.
Access and starting points
The nearest settlements to Roche Veyrand include Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont in Savoie and Corbel, both situated 1.5 kilometres away, as well as Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont in Isère at 1.7 kilometres, and Entremont-le-Vieux at 4.0 kilometres. Public transport is accessible via the Mairie bus stop 1.6 kilometres southeast and the Le Cozon bus stop 1.7 kilometres east. There are 23 car parks within 2 kilometres, with the nearest located 1.4 kilometres southeast of the top.
Climate and weather
Estimates from NASA POWER climate data for the period 2001 to 2020 indicate that mean temperatures at the summit reach about 14 °C in the warmest month of July and about -2 °C in the coldest month of January. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 950 mm annually, with May being the wettest month at about 95 mm and February the driest at about 60 mm. Mountain weather can change rapidly, and strong winds or sudden afternoon storms are common hazards in the Chartreuse Mountains.
Best time to visit
Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. The drier months align with late winter and early spring, while late spring experiences higher precipitation levels. The standard mountaineering and hiking season runs from late spring through autumn when snow recedes from the upper routes and the via ferrata.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain environment features dense forests on lower slopes transitioning to open limestone ridges and alpine meadows near the top. Vegetation includes beech, fir, and typical subalpine flora adapted to rocky terrain. Wildlife in the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park includes chamois, red deer, roe deer, and various raptors such as peregrine falcons and golden eagles. The entire area is protected under the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park designation.
Guides and organised ascents
For technical sections like the via ferrata or unfamiliar terrain, engaging a certified professional is recommended. In France, guiding standards are overseen by the French National Mountain Guides Union (Syndicat National des Guides de Montagne (SNGM)), an IFMGA/UIAGM member organisation. Alpine clubs such as the Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne (FFCAM) also coordinate climbing activities, while established operators like the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix operate throughout the French mountains. Guided ascents typically cover equipment provision, route safety instruction, and navigation, with pricing determined by duration, group size, and technical difficulty.
Safety and preparation
The steep terrain and technical via ferrata routes on Roche Veyrand require proper footing, appropriate safety gear for protected climbing, and vigilance, particularly after rain. Mountain weather can deteriorate quickly at 1,429 metres. In the event of an emergency, the mountain rescue number is 112, which routes directly to competent rescue services such as the gendarmerie PGHM or CRS Montagne.
History and name
Roche Veyrand has a long-standing reputation within the Chartreuse Mountains for its challenging trails and limestone rock faces. Historically linked to pastoralism and forestry in the surrounding townships of Corbel and Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont, the peak has evolved into a popular destination for modern hikers and via ferrata enthusiasts seeking technical ascents above the Entremonts Valley.
Interesting facts
Roche Veyrand ranks as the 52nd highest summit among the 108 named peaks in the Chartreuse Mountains. Its nearest higher neighbour is Roc de Gleisin at 1,460 metres, located just 1.0 kilometres to the north. The highest point of the entire range, Chamechaude, stands at 2,082 metres, 16 kilometres to the south.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Roche Veyrand? Roche Veyrand has an elevation of 1,429 metres above sea level.Where is Roche Veyrand located? It is located in France, within the Savoy district of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, situated between the townships of Corbel and Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont.Which mountain range does Roche Veyrand belong to? It belongs to the Chartreuse Mountains range within the Savoy Prealps, Northwestern Alps, Western Alps, Alps, and Central European Highlands.What peaks and passes are near Roche Veyrand? Nearby features include Roc de Gleisin (1,460 m, 1.0 km N), Pas de Nay (1,165 m, 2.2 SW), Col de la Cluse (1,168 m, 2.8 km N), Croix de la Cochette (1,620 m, 3.0 km N), Pas du Cuert (1,535 m, 4.1 km N), Mont Outheran (1,686 m, 4.2 km N), Sommet du Pinet (1,867 m, 4.7 km E), and Dent de l'Ours (1,820 m, 4.8 km S).Is there water on the way to Roche Veyrand? Drinking water sources are located 1.1 kilometres west, along with specific named springs 1.3 kilometres west including Le bassin des Roses and Fontaine à Maximin.Are there huts on Roche Veyrand? A shelter is located 1.5 kilometres southeast of the summit.How long does it take to walk up Roche Veyrand? From the car park or Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Savoie) 1.4 to 1.5 kilometres southeast at about 640 metres elevation, the ascent covers about 1.8 to 1.9 kilometres on foot and 790 metres up, taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.What is the mobile phone coverage like on Roche Veyrand? There are 18 communication masts mapped within 10 kilometres, with the nearest situated 1.5 kilometres southeast, making a signal likely in open areas; however, emergency calls via 112 connect across any available network.