How to get there:
The town La Mure (about 30 kilometer South-south-east of Grenoble) is a good
point of reference. Drive north on N-85, then fork right and drive the
switch-back road climbing to Le Relais du Tabor. There is a large parking area,
location N44.97279, E5.82515, elevation about 1510 meter.
Route description:
There are 2 routes, both easy and of similar length. To use one ascending, then
descend the other, makes for a nice loop hike.
Route 1.
Head across the shallow saddle and proceed uphill tending left of steepest slope.
Follow signs for Tabor. You will cross a couple of farmer roads. Just above 1600 meter
the road you are following forks, a sharp turn right, but there is also a rough road
going straight. This is where the two routes split.
Continue straight, you will (much later) get to a signed trail fork. Take the right fork
(sign says Tabor). Follow this to the summit. There is a single spot where you may need
to use your hands to climb up a 2 meter steepish, but very short section. There are several
alternatives right here, but all seem to require a short scramble. Continue to follow
the trail to the summit.
Route 2.
Go right at the split (see above). Follow this rod until you arrive at a (yellow) trail
sign. Here, you may decide to follow a rocky route directly uphill, it will re-connect
with the road. Alternatively, follow the road and make the very gentle ascent to merge
with the short-cut higher up on the slope. The route now follows the road as it climbs very
gently (the slope is very low, so the distance to walk is a bit more than most
hikers would like). Higher up the route turns into a trail that will climb more
steeply with zig-zag turns until reaching
the main (south) ridge of Le Tabor.
Turn left at the signed fork and ascend a continued
gentle trail to the summit. Comments:
I parked at the trailhead shortly after 0900 and started my hiking at 0910. A nice
route in good weather, I arrived aat the summit at 1045. A good rest was called for,
nice views all around. I could see Le Grand Veymont that I climbed yesterday, as well
as the dominating Obieu, a memorable climb 16 years ago.
I left at 1100, deciding to walk down the south ridge and make the trip a circular one.
This worked well and I was back at my car by 1230.
