manubruas

A route combining classic GR®-style paths with more secluded tracks for a circuit around the Som mountains. No particular difficulties; a varied route offering magnificent views of the Grand Som ridge and the wild Chartreuse landscape as you return beneath its western face, after looking down on the monastery from the summit and passing through the magnificent Suiffière pass. Watch out for herds on the way back to Bovinant or at the Col de la Ruchère.

Circular route, featuring plenty of tracks and single tracks, taking you to the Col des Mille Martyrs from Lac de Saint-Sixte. Some sections are fast-paced, whilst others are very stony with round pebbles that roll easily.

A challenging and somewhat exposed circular route (Pas de l’Aronde). It is advisable to tackle it in this direction, as the descent via the Pas de l’Aronde can prove more dangerous than the ascent. You will be rewarded with magnificent views once you have passed the Goulet du Lorzier (Belledonne, Chartreuse...). ⚠️ Caution! Some sections are exposed; a rope of around ten metres may be useful.

A peaceful hike from La Ruchère, at the foot of the Grand and Petit Som, along the paths of the haberts (shepherds' shelters). Autumn is a particularly good time to visit, with the colours of the beech trees and the sun flooding the few meadows you cross: Billon, Arpison, etc. Be careful at the end of the route, however, as there is a slightly steep path that may slow down inexperienced hikers (or in specific conditions, such as snow, rain, fallen trees, etc.). See comments.

Variation of the GR®10 starting from the Iraty Campsite. Start in the undergrowth in a magnificent Basque beech forest, then walk through the mountain pastures with griffon vultures circling above. A peaceful short hike with magnificent views of the Pyrenees and the Basque Country. Please note that there are many animals roaming freely, so it is best not to bring your dog. As this hike does not return to the starting point, leave another vehicle at the Col de Bagargi.

A beautiful, wild hike in the heart of the Chartreuse and on the edge of its nature reserve. The route starts in the woodland, to the sound of the waterfall and the source of the Guiers, climbs up the cliff face, crosses the wild and rugged Chaos de Bellefont, passes through mountain pastures, and reaches the ridge with its stunning views.

A lovely circular route on a wild slope of the Charmant Som. Following the Combe d’If – an area untouched by human activity – then passing La Rochette, you emerge onto the mountain pasture, where you rejoin a north-south ridge offering a magnificent panorama of Belledonne, Mont Blanc… and everything else! After three hours of solitude, you emerge amongst many walkers who have arrived from the south via the mountain chalet, but the descent down the eastern face, with its limestone slab, quickly restores the charm of this beautiful hike in the Chartreuse!