Fontaine (Isère) walks

Every year, Grenoble organises a Street Art Festival, best explored by bike rather than on foot. This route brings together the main temporary artworks from the last three years, some of which are monumental. The owners have kindly allowed renowned artists to use their walls and garage doors. It’s best to set off on this city tour on a Sunday morning around 9.00 am, as there’s less traffic, the light is better and, above all, the shutters on shop fronts and garages are down.

This first stage takes you on an assault on the Vercors, gradually leaving the urban environment behind you.

This is a trek across the Vercors via the high plateaus, the wildest and most unspoilt part of the Vercors. From the north to the south of the Vercors, an 88km hike through spectacular landscapes. You’ll be camping in tents or in the various shelters lining theGR®.

Exploring La Bastille and Mont Jalla. Since 2000, the summit of Mont Jalla has been home to the National Memorial to the Mountain Troops.

A beautiful, physically demanding route in the hills above Grenoble with impressive views. Quite a long route, with the possibility of running on several sections. Be careful, however, as the route on the La Tronche side is a bit chaotic.

The city has developed the western ascent of the Bastille, which is little known except to a few runners. This ascent is accessible via the Route de Clémencières. The proposed descent takes you back to the Jardin des Dauphins, but you can take another usual route (Fontaine du Lion or Porte Saint-Laurent, or even the Grenoble cable car, nicknamed "les Bulles").The slope is quite steep but safe. You will pass by some unusual views of the valley and the Grottes de Mandrin, a defensive structure of the Bastille's glacis.This hike should not be attempted in rainy weather or up to 24 hours afterwards, as the ground is slippery. The return trip is not recommended.

A short walk taking in various historical sites in Grenoble. Very easy and accessible, the route allows you to discover the historic centre and the squares that have marked Grenoble. With numerous cafés along the route, allow more than just walking time.

This hike takes you on a varied route with scenic viewpoints to discover some local curiosities, without leaving the Grenoble metropolitan area, as the starting point is at the terminus of tram line A, "La Poya". The varied passages through Les Vouillants are described in another hike on Visorando and can be added on for experienced walkers.

A “Town-to-Mountain” hike that takes you from the banks of the Isère to the summit of Mont Rachais. At 1,046 metres, its ridge overlooks the eastern part of the Grenoble conurbation, the Haut-Grésivaudan and the Belledonne range. En route, you can visit the fortifications of the Bastille and the memorial to the Alpine troops on Mont Jalla. No particular difficulty (apart from the cumulative elevation gain of around 900m) and as this slope is well exposed, the route can be tackled in winter as the snow melts very quickly there.

From the city centre (where you can take your time exploring as you please), head out to the banks of the Isère for a short, entirely flat circular walk along the towpath – either on the embankment if the riverbanks are wet, or on the dirt track closer to the river if it is dry enough. Wide views of Belledonne, which may be snow-capped, depending on the season.

Grenoble, capital of the Alps, is well known. Climbing 400 metres from the centre of the city reputed to be the flattest in France is less common. We suggest a slightly challenging walk to the military memorial on Mont Jalla and, on the way back, discovering the "380 steps".

A walk just a few kilometres from Grenoble offering beautiful views over the Isère valley, the Chartreuse and Belledonne. Although some sections are very busy, this route allows you to walk at a leisurely pace whilst enjoying the views.

The perfect family walk: easy, fun, with trails that all lead to the same place, Pré Faure. This circuit is unique in that it passes through the "Désert Jean-Jacques Rousseau", worthy of the greatest romantics, climbs up to the Ferme Froussard, a historic site linked to the Resistance, and returns via a viewpoint offering a superb view of Grenoble and its valley. More challenging access from the town of Fontaine via the "Coup de Sabre"

A lovely walk through the woods to reach a high point overlooking Grenoble and the Isère valley.

From the Promenade des Vouillants, treat yourself to a little adventure by climbing up to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte on pleasant trails to Pariset. You will return via the tramway, which no longer exists but has been replaced by a very pleasant forest path. You will pass in front of Pariset station, then, after visiting the Tour sans Venin, you will descend to Les Vouillants. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of Moucherotte and the Grenoble valley.

Climbing to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte from Grenoble remains a challenge for most of us, given the distance and elevation gain. It is possible to follow part of the old tramway line at Pariset for a gentler ascent, then descend via theGR®9. These three circular loops will allow you to discover a particularly overlooked area as you climb. It is possible to shorten the route from the first circular loop, at the tunnel, or from the second, at a place known as "Blanche Neige"

This is a short, easy walk, perfect for after lunch or before dinner, which will delight young and old alike. For adults, chatting will be the ideal accompaniment to this walk, while children can throw stones into the Vence or skip them across the water.

Walk through the Furon Gorges leading to the top of the village, where restaurants once welcomed Grenoble residents seeking coolness on Sundays. This short walk is very popular in hot weather, as the Furon area remains cool.

Explore the Gorges du Furon from Sassenage, via the Chemin des Cuves and, a little further up, the Pont Charvet (Resistance memorial). Do not attempt in wet weather: very steep paths for 2 hours with an 800-metre elevation gain. After that, the route via Engins and back to Sassenage is straightforward.

Whilst the Croix de Quinsonas, situated on Mont Jalla, pays tribute to local Resistance fighters, the one on the ridge of Mont Rachais is far more enigmatic as to its origin. But both offer superb vantage points over the sprawling Grenoble conurbation, surrounded by Belledonne, the Taillefer, the Matheysine and the Vercors.

Mont-Rachais from Lachal, passing at the foot of the rocky outcrops to rejoin theGR®9.

A well-known local walk, presenting no difficulty. It takes you to the heights of Sassenage, as well as some pleasant neighbourhoods and the village centre. The "Batteries" are a defensive structure from the "iron belt" of the late 19th century: several battery emplacements, now empty of their artillery pieces. Find out about their former function.

A walk in the shade above Grenoble.

Views of the Chartreuse, the Vercors, Grenoble, the Isère, the Drac, Belledonne and Mont Blanc.

Mont-Rachais from Lévetière. Return via Mont-Jalla. View of the Chartreuse, Belledonne, Vercors and Mont Blanc if the weather is clear enough.

This is a short, easy hike on the outskirts of Grenoble, accessible by TAG bus, which will give you a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Forest route to reach the Durand farm overlooking the Isère valley.

A beautiful circular loop that climbs up to Moucherotte via the east face (the steepest face) and descends via the ridges, avoiding the busiest paths. Please note: the climb is demanding: sections with cables in the rocks, sections requiring the use of your hands, trail not always easy to find. Moderator's note added on 14/09/2021 (still relevant on 24 April 2023): the cable section is currently closed and undergoing renovation work. See comments at the bottom of the page.

Climbing the Moucherotte via the east face from Saint-Nizier is a wild and little-known route. The return via the large ski jump (on foot, fortunately) is also unusual. Yellow and green markings, as well as white/red.

A magnificent hike reserved for experienced walkers who are not daunted by steep slopes. The ascent from Château Bouvier offers lovely scenery, and there are rocky outcrops to negotiate as soon as you emerge from the woods. The Trou Saint Michel is equipped with straps and ropes to aid the descent. Please read the route description carefully before setting out on this hike.

A short, challenging and perfect walk starting from La Monta, passing through the splendid Bellevue meadow—which certainly lives up to its name—then heading towards Le Sialet, to finish at the highest point of a superb wild meadow. Splendid views of the Chartreuse, Pinéa, Chamechaude, and the valley too! And directly opposite, the majestic Moucherotte, the Vercors stretching out behind it, and the bustling town far below. As beautiful as a painting by Jean Achard! And just a stone’s throw from the town...

This short hike or walk will allow you to discover one of the oldest hamlets in Claix, with its chapel and 16th-century houses. You will then walk along the Rocher de Comboire ridge with its viewpoint, from where you can enjoy a truly extraordinary view of the entire Grenoble conurbation as well as the Taillefer, Belledonne and Chartreuse ranges, stretching as far as Mont Blanc in good weather.

A pleasant mountain bike ride (with or without e-bike), via the Col de Vence, Mont Jalla, Les Clémencieres, La Bastille, and back via La Vierge Noire

Easy access to Mont Rachais. View over Chartreuse, Belledonne, Grenoble and the Vercors.

Starting from the Col de Vence, climb to Mont Rachais via the ridge after a detour via the Quichat batteries and return to the pass.

A classic hike from the Col de Vence to the Fort du Saint-Eynard. The entire route follows theGR®9trail, with no difficulty in finding your way. Wide panoramic view from the summit.

On the outskirts of the capital of the Alps, a circular route starting from Eybens provides access to the Fort de Montavie overlooking Grenoble. This is more of a walk than a hike, offering remarkable views of the three mountain ranges surrounding the Drac and Isère valleys: Belledonne, Chartreuse and Vercors.

A special hike organised as part of both the Grenoble-Vizille half marathon and the hike itself.

A leisurely stroll starting from Eybens church, offering a view of the Grenoble conurbation as you pass the Belvédère du Sabot orientation table.

This circular route takes you around the Quatre Seigneurs hill, offering a variety of breathtaking views of the nearby city of Grenoble and the Grésivaudan valley.