Pérollier

Pérollier

Alpine meadow full of blooming gentians in the Alps, France | CristiDumi

🏔️ Overview

Pérollier, commonly called Le Pérollier, is a 2,183-meter (7,162-foot) summit in the Taillefer Massif of the French Alps. It rises in the Isère department of southeastern France, above the Matheysine region and close to the mountain communities of Saint-Honoré, Villard-Saint-Christophe, Lavaldens, and La Morte.

Although Pérollier is considerably lower than the highest mountains of the Alps, its position on the central chain of the Taillefer Massif gives it excellent views across the surrounding ridges, valleys, lakes, and higher summits. It is particularly closely associated with Le Tabor, L’Oreille du Loup, Le Grand Serre, and Lac Charlet.

Pérollier is best known as a hiking and ski-touring mountain rather than a technical mountaineering objective. One of its classic summer approaches follows the dramatically named Sentier du Diable, or “Devil’s Trail,” from the Saint-Honoré side.

⚡ Fast Facts

Fact	Details
Continent	Europe
Country	France
State/Province	Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
County/Region	Isère; Matheysine
Mountain Range	Taillefer Massif, Dauphiné Alps, Alps
Parent Peak	Le Tabor
Elevation	2,183 m / 7,162 ft
Prominence	Approximately 160 m / 525 ft
Isolation	Approximately 1.2 km / 0.75 mi
Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN)	L’Oreille du Loup — approximately 1.2 km southeast
Coordinates	44.9909° N, 5.8456° E
Key Col	Col de l’Ollière area, approximately 2,023–2,024 m
Highest Nearby Parent Summit	Le Tabor — 2,389 m / 7,838 ft
Primary Activities	Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing, mountain photography

📍 Location

Pérollier is located in the Isère department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, southeast of Grenoble. It belongs to the Taillefer Massif, a relatively compact group of mountains positioned between several much larger Alpine landscapes.

The massif lies southwest of the Belledonne range, northwest of the Écrins, north of the Dévoluy, and east of the Vercors.

Pérollier occupies the central chain of the Taillefer Massif. This chain includes, from north to south, several closely spaced summits including Le Grand Serre, Pérollier, L’Oreille du Loup, Le Tabor, and Piquet de Nantes.

Its location makes Pérollier an excellent viewpoint despite its comparatively modest elevation. The Matheysine plateau spreads out to the west, while higher mountains dominate the eastern horizon.

📏 Elevation & Prominence

The commonly published elevation of Pérollier is 2,183 meters (7,162 feet). French hiking sources and local mountain references consistently use this figure.

Its topographic prominence is approximately 160 meters (525 feet). This means Pérollier rises about 160 vertical meters above the highest saddle connecting it to higher terrain.

That saddle lies near the Col de l’Ollière, immediately southeast of the summit.

Pérollier has an isolation of approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles). Its nearest higher neighbor is L’Oreille du Loup, which reaches approximately 2,291 meters and stands southeast of Pérollier.

This distinction is important because Le Tabor is higher and serves as Pérollier’s broader parent summit, but L’Oreille du Loup is the closest higher terrain and therefore the correct NHN.

🪨 Geology

Pérollier forms part of the Taillefer Massif, which is predominantly a crystalline mountain massif and is geologically related to the neighboring Belledonne range.

The broader massif contains a complex mixture of ancient metamorphic and igneous rocks. Across different parts of the Taillefer region, geologists have documented gneiss, mica schist, amphibolite, gabbro, ophiolitic material, schist, and limestone formations.

The present landscape also bears the unmistakable imprint of Ice Age glaciation.

Glaciers repeatedly occupied the valleys and uplands surrounding the Taillefer Massif, eroding bedrock and creating depressions that later filled with water. This glacial history helps explain the abundance of lakes, wetlands, peat bogs, and rounded upland terrain found throughout portions of the massif.

Around Pérollier, the mountain landscape combines grassy alpine slopes with rocky ridges, scree, steep gullies, and small high-elevation basins.

🌿 Flora & Fauna

The wider Taillefer area contains unusually varied mountain habitats. Parts of the massif are included within a Natura 2000 protected landscape, established in recognition of its important wetlands, peat bogs, heathlands, alpine grasslands, rocky habitats, and high-altitude lakes.

Lower portions of routes toward Pérollier can pass through woodland before emerging onto increasingly open alpine slopes.

During the warmer months, mountain grasslands support a variety of flowering plants. These habitats become especially colorful during late spring and early summer as snow retreats and the short Alpine growing season begins.

Wildlife in the area can include chamois, particularly on quieter slopes and ridges. The wider Taillefer region also provides habitat for mountain birds, including the black grouse, a species considered sensitive to disturbance in parts of the massif.

Wetlands elsewhere in the Taillefer Natura 2000 landscape are particularly important for insects, including dragonflies.

Visitors should avoid disturbing wildlife, remain on established paths wherever practical, and take particular care around fragile wetland and alpine vegetation.

🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes

Pérollier is primarily a hiking mountain during the snow-free season. Its normal routes do not require technical rock climbing under good summer conditions, but steep slopes, narrow trails, loose ground, rapidly changing weather, and lingering snow can considerably increase the difficulty.

Sentier du Diable from Saint-Honoré

The best-known hiking route approaches Pérollier from Saint-Honoré 1500 via the Sentier du Diable.

Despite its intimidating name, the Devil’s Trail is an established mountain path rather than a technical climbing route.

One commonly described circuit is approximately:

Distance: 7.8 km / 4.9 mi
Elevation gain: about 725 m / 2,379 ft
Typical time: around 4 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate under dry summer conditions

The trail initially climbs through lower mountain terrain before traversing the southwest side of Pérollier in a series of switchbacks.

Near the upper ridge, hikers turn toward the summit and complete the final ascent.

The descent can continue toward Col de l’Ollière, after which a trail drops toward Lac Charlet before returning toward Saint-Honoré.

Some sections of the Sentier du Diable are narrow and traverse steep slopes. Trekking poles can be particularly useful during the descent.

🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Do not judge the Sentier du Diable solely by its dramatic name, but do respect the terrain. The path crosses steep slopes where a slip could have serious consequences. Avoid the route during thunderstorms, heavy rain, poor visibility, or when snow and ice remain on exposed sections.

Longer Ridge Traverses

Strong hikers can incorporate Pérollier into longer outings connecting several summits of the central Taillefer chain.

A particularly scenic continuation heads from the Pérollier area toward Lac Charlet and the ridges leading toward L’Oreille du Loup and Le Tabor.

Le Tabor reaches 2,389 meters and provides a significantly higher objective for hikers wanting to extend their day.

Such combinations require more time, elevation gain, navigation, and careful assessment of snow and weather conditions.

Winter Ski Touring

Pérollier is also a recognized ski-touring mountain.

Routes are possible from the La Morte–Alpe du Grand Serre side as well as from Saint-Honoré. Ski-tour descriptions include ascents of roughly 1,200 vertical meters depending on the chosen route.

Snow transforms the mountain completely. Avalanche terrain, hard snow, cornices, icy traverses, and changing snow stability can make winter travel considerably more serious than summer hiking.

Backcountry skiers should carry appropriate avalanche equipment and have the knowledge to use it.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

For hiking, the most practical season is generally late June through September, although conditions vary substantially from year to year.

Late June and July

Early summer brings long days and flowering alpine meadows. Snow may still linger in gullies, shaded slopes, and high passes.

August

August often provides some of the most straightforward hiking conditions, although thunderstorms can develop rapidly in the Alps.

September

September can be an excellent month for quieter hiking, cooler temperatures, and clearer air. Early snowfall is possible, especially later in the month.

Winter and Spring

Pérollier becomes a destination for ski touring and snow travel.

Winter visitors should never assume that the relatively moderate summit elevation makes the mountain safe. Avalanche conditions and hard snow can create serious hazards even below major Alpine summits.

🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions

L’Oreille du Loup

L’Oreille du Loup, or “Wolf’s Ear,” rises to approximately 2,291 meters southeast of Pérollier.

It is particularly significant topographically because it is Pérollier’s nearest higher neighbor.

The mountain forms part of the same central ridge system leading toward Le Tabor.

Le Tabor

Le Tabor rises to 2,389 meters (7,838 feet) and is the highest mountain of the central chain of the Taillefer Massif.

It is Pérollier’s topographic parent and one of the most natural destinations for hikers exploring this section of the range.

Le Grand Serre

Le Grand Serre reaches approximately 2,141 meters northwest of Pérollier.

Its broad slopes are closely associated with the Alpe du Grand Serre ski area, and Grand Serre–Pérollier combinations are popular with winter mountain travelers.

Lac Charlet

Lac Charlet is a small mountain lake southeast of Pérollier.

It forms one of the highlights of the classic Sentier du Diable circuit and provides a scenic contrast to the exposed ridges above.

Le Taillefer

At 2,857 meters (9,373 feet), Le Taillefer is the highest mountain in the entire Taillefer Massif.

It is significantly higher and more rugged than Pérollier and dominates the eastern portion of the massif.

La Pyramide d’Ornon

La Pyramide d’Ornon rises to approximately 2,839 meters and is another major summit in the eastern Taillefer group.

Its higher, rockier character provides a striking contrast to the grassier ridges around Pérollier.

💡 Fun Facts

Pérollier belongs to the central chain of the Taillefer Massif rather than the massif’s much higher eastern chain.
Its summit elevation is 2,183 meters.
L’Oreille du Loup—not Le Tabor—is Pérollier’s nearest higher neighbor.
Le Tabor is nevertheless Pérollier’s topographic parent.
The classic Sentier du Diable translates to “Devil’s Trail.”
Despite the ominous name, the route is regularly used by hikers in suitable conditions.
Lac Charlet can be incorporated into a scenic loop over Pérollier.
Pérollier is used for both summer hiking and winter ski touring.
The mountain stands close to the Alpe du Grand Serre ski area while retaining comparatively quiet terrain on several of its slopes.
The surrounding Taillefer landscape contains nationally and internationally important alpine and wetland habitats.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Pérollier?

Pérollier reaches approximately 2,183 meters (7,162 feet) above sea level.

Where is Pérollier?

Pérollier is in the Isère department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, within the Taillefer Massif of the French Alps.

What mountain range is Pérollier in?

Pérollier belongs to the Taillefer Massif, part of the Dauphiné Alps within the greater Alpine mountain system.

What is Pérollier’s prominence?

Its topographic prominence is approximately 160 meters (525 feet).

What is Pérollier’s nearest higher neighbor?

The nearest higher neighbor is L’Oreille du Loup, approximately 1.2 kilometers southeast of Pérollier.

Is Le Tabor the nearest higher neighbor of Pérollier?

No. Le Tabor is the higher parent summit, but L’Oreille du Loup is closer and is the correct nearest higher neighbor.

Can you hike to the summit?

Yes. Pérollier can be reached by established hiking routes during suitable snow-free conditions.

The Sentier du Diable from Saint-Honoré is one of the best-known approaches.

Is the Sentier du Diable dangerous?

It is not normally considered a technical climbing route, but portions are narrow and cross steep terrain. Wet ground, ice, snow, thunderstorms, or poor visibility can substantially increase the risk.

Can Pérollier be climbed in winter?

Yes, but winter ascents generally involve ski touring or other snow-travel techniques. Avalanche assessment and appropriate winter equipment are essential.

What can you see from Pérollier?

The summit offers broad views across the Matheysine region and toward neighboring mountains including Le Grand Serre, L’Oreille du Loup, Le Tabor, and higher portions of the Taillefer Massif.

🔗 Related Articles

🔗 Related Hiking and Safety Guides

📚 Sources

PeakVisor – Le Pérollier — elevation, prominence, isolation, parent summit, coordinates, and nearest higher neighbor.
Bivouak – Le Pérollier — French summit data, coordinates, local massif classification, and route information.
Visorando – Le Pérollier par le Sentier du Diable — hiking distance, elevation gain, route description, and Col de l’Ollière/Lac Charlet circuit.
Skitour – Le Pérollier — ski-touring route information and winter access from the Alpe du Grand Serre area.
Natura 2000 – Massif du Taillefer — geology, habitats, wetlands, biodiversity, and conservation context for the Taillefer Massif.

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