Barraux walks

Circular walk around the foothills of the Chartreuse with a beautiful view of Belledonne and a walk past the Furet Waterfall.

A very beautiful loop, much less frequented than the classic Mont Granier route, starting from the beautiful church of Bellecombe and particularly pleasant in summer. After the Porte de l'Alpette, the hike runs along almost the entire cliff face of the mountain, passing through the magnificent "gardens" of the upper Alpette du Granier and returning to the Pas de la Porte pass overlooking the Grésivaudan valley.

A charming circular route in the hills above Chapareillan, facing Mont Blanc, between vineyards and forests, from village to village. This route, in the direction described, offers a long, gentle climb and ends with an hour-long descent, the first part of which is sustained without being very steep. A third of the route is on quiet tarmac roads, so 1 km of what I would call a tarmacGR®. Please note: several hikers suggest doing the route in the opposite direction to climb the steepest part, especially if the ground is wet. In this case, a map and GPS are recommended as the description loses its usefulness.

A wild and off-the-beaten-track hike linking the high-altitude ridge of Les Belles Ombres, where chamois frolic all year round, with the bucolic meadows of L’Alpette, where marmots abound. This route is mainly off-trail and requires sure-footedness and a good sense of direction. It is unlikely that you will encounter other walkers, except at the Croix de l’Alpe and on the section of path leading there.

This short hike leads to the Col de l'Alpe via the path used by cows going up and down from the mountain pasture.

A circular route along the eastern ridge of the Hauts de Chartreuse, combining a variety of terrain (rocks, forests, mountain pastures) with stunning views across the Alps. Can be completed in half a day, preferably in the morning. Please note: read the information regarding the difficulties in the ‘Practical Information’ section carefully.

A lovely start from the beautiful Tour d'Avalon, followed by a fairly varied circular route through forests and villages.This route is difficult to describe due to the numerous roads and paths in this area, so a GPS and an online map (for example, downloaded via the Visorando app) are recommended. The Tour d’Avalon serves as a good landmark.

Hike starting from a small village in Isère (on the border with Savoie) to reach the summit that separates it from its neighbour Allevard-les-Bains. From the ridge, a superb panorama allows you to discover the latter at the foot of the massif of the same name.This hike is more athletic than recreational, with a long and fairly steep climb, mainly through sometimes damp undergrowth, which can make the descent quite slippery.

A route offering stunning views of the Chartreuse, Belledonne, Maurienne and, time and again, Mont Blanc (especially when the trees have no leaves or have shed them). Numerous streams and torrents create a lovely atmosphere, but require good footwear, unless you fancy having wet feet. Unfortunately, my route description seems to be causing problems, so I strongly recommend using GPS and the map on your phone!

A pleasant walk through the woods, with no particular difficulties and very well signposted. It takes you to the small Lac Noir lake, dominated by the majestic Mont Granier, then along an educational trail to discover the work of the men who, during the Second World War, produced charcoal for gas generators.

A beautiful loop in the northern Chartreuse with magnificent 360° views of the Alps.

La montée emprunte le parcours le plus fréquenté de l'accès au Granier, celui par le Col de l'Alpette et le Pas des Barres. La descente par le Pas de Tancovaz reste beaucoup plus secrète, la désescalade de deux étroitures nécessitant une certaine agilité doublée d'un bon sens d'orientation dans la descente hors sentier d'un pierrier pentu. Mais ces difficultés font tout le charme de ce retour atypique.

Le Pinet is a viewpoint overlooking Les Entremonts. Less frequented than its neighbour, Le Granier, it is just as much a part of the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve and its access via the normal route is well suited to families, with a few variations possible.

This is a snowshoe hike with no specific markings for this activity; however, theGR® 9 markings do exist, though they are less visible in winter conditions The appeal of this hike lies not in the markings but rather in the atmosphere you experience along the route across the plateau.

Very pretty hike in the foothills of Granier. At the summit, there is a large plateau ideal for picnics, with views of the surrounding peaks and Mont Blanc in good weather. An easy family walk, done with a 3½-year-old girl who is used to walking, as it is quite steep.

From the small hamlet of La Plagne, summit of Le Pinet (1,867m), beautiful view to the west, then summit of La Croix de l'Alpe (1,821m) via the Chalets de l'Alpe.

This is a short, unusual walk that follows the Alloix torrent. Curious walkers will spend more time admiring the work of the water than walking. This walk can end with a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the old village or, as the locals say, "on the paths of yesteryear", where local markings will guide you.

At the foot of the largest cliff in the French Alps, autumn hike from the village of Saint-André to Lac Noir.From Atrus (village of Bellecombette) to Lac Noir, then from Lac Noir to the village of Lachat, the route follows a section of the Sentier des HuguenotsGR®®965.

A lovely little walk through the Savoyard vineyards in the commune of Les Marches. It is possible to add other itineraries to this description, as there are so many paths and trails. The proposed route takes in the typical landscapes of the Abymes vineyards, formed by the collapse of the Granier in 1248.

A Sunday stroll to aid digestion... or a circular loop to be completed several times while running for training!

This circular loop can be completed in almost any season, even in half a day, allowing you to enjoy beautiful views, discover fossils and, when in season, a renowned site for lady's slipper orchids.

A somewhat challenging hike for the start of the season, but well worth the effort...

Imagine life in the mountains of yesteryear as you pass through Les Granges de Joigny, admire the high-altitude orchids and discover the fossils etched into the beautiful limestone slabs. A true feast for the senses awaits you!

Short snowshoe hike to a peak in the north of the Chartreuse, which offers beautiful views to the south over the remarkable peaks of the Chartreuse and to the north over those of the Bauges. Clear markings and signs; no difficulty in finding your way.

A very beautiful hike, not very long but with a steep section. Magnificent view of Mont Blanc just before the summit and of the entire Chartreuse range from the summit. The route is very well signposted throughout. Ascent time indicated on the signs: 1 hour 35 minutes (it took us a little longer as we had a 2½-year-old girl who walked part of the way) Time for the descent: 1 hour 10 minutes.

From Saint-Vincent-de-Mercuze, this is a varied, beautiful and enjoyable hike, accessible to children in dry weather. Please note that the climb up the Ruisseau l'Alloix can be very slippery in wet weather. Most of the route is under trees. It is pleasant to do in hot weather, with a short stop halfway to eat at Moulin Tardy (picnic table) and the possibility of swimming in the Alloix. It is best to do this in spring when there is plenty of water and the waterfalls are magnificent.

An easy walk through the vineyards in search of sunshine, ending on the plain. Beautiful views of the region’s mountain ranges.

An easy hike offering views of the landscapes from Les Bauges to La Chartreuse, passing by Mont Blanc and Les Belledonnes.

A good half-day walk to enjoy panoramic views of the Chartreuse, the Vercors in the distance, Lauzière and the nearby Belledonnes. Please note: there is an error. This hike is on foot and not by mountain bike as indicated.

This circular allows you to take the longest route in the massif, linking the Sangle du Fouda Blanc and the Sangle du Pinet. The proposed return route allows you to visit the characteristic sites of the Pinet, which are its mushroom rocks and the arch of its sinkhole. Please note that this is a challenging route: you will be between two cliffs for about two hours, where missteps are not an option. Dry terrain is essential.

A lovely with snowshoes, with a beautiful view of the Alpine peaks at its height. Note that this hike can be done in all seasons.

A pleasant walk in the Hauts de Chartreuse nature reserve. Lost in the mountain pastures, the old boundary markers between Savoie and Dauphiné still look beautiful.

Please note that this exposed route is not suitable for people who are prone to vertigo and have no experience of aerial crossings and climbing steps. It should not be attempted in wet weather due to the risk of slipping.This circular hike crosses the very aerial sangles of Fouda Blanc and Le Pinet, which, at over 3 km, is the longest in the Chartreuse. The Fouda Blanc sangle is slightly less exposed and busier than the Pinet. The latter is narrower, often grassy, slippery in wet weather, and has a few unstable earthy passages that must be crossed with caution. Access to this crossing is via the Varvats trail at Pas de l'Échelle. At the end of the ridges, you reach the summit of Pinet, also known as Truc, then the ridge trail joins Pas de Fouda Blanc, which you descend before crossing the Grotte à l'Échelle. The descent down a scree slope and then through the woods takes you back to the return path.GPX track required.

Here is the guidebook for the longest ledge in Chartreuse and, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful. It is a loop circuit that forms a figure 8. The west, slightly north-west orientation of this ledge leads me to recommend that you set off at the end of the morning and in this direction so that you can enjoy the most beautiful landscapes at the end of the afternoon. A much more complete description can be found in Pascal Sombardier's book "Les Randonnées du Vertige" (Vertigo Hikes).

Take a stroll along the Cozon torrent and enjoy a refreshing break in this lively corner of the Chartreuse. Cultural visits and relaxation will round off the day.

A magnificent route around Entremont-le-Vieux with splendid panoramic views of the Chartreuse massif, this moderately difficult hike will be a delight for landscape lovers and photographers. This hike is also available at tourist offices, offered by Chartreuse Tourisme

From the Cirque de Saint-Même and its waterfalls to the Hauts de Chartreuse plateaus via 3 Pas to the Croix de l'Alpe (1,821 m). Very beautiful view.

Short hike in the forest to discover the waterfalls of the Guiers Vif.

An easy circular route, half through woodland and half along small tarmac roads, from one castle to another. This circular route can be combined with another circular route, from the fortified house of La Frette to Château du Touvet.

Hike to discover the sources of the Guiers Vif and the Crêtes du Grand Manti, among waterfalls, caves, cliffs and mountain pastures. Please note that this hike is vertiginous in some areas (Pas de la Mort) and is not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo or in wet weather.

Une superbe boucle où l'on côtoie, cascades, tunnel naturel, grotte, pas d'escalade, vire aérienne, alpage avec pour couronner le tout, au long du parcours, de très beaux points de vue. Attention, ce parcours exposé n'est pas adapté aux personnes sujettes au vertige et n'ayant pas l'expérience de traversée aérienne et de pas d'escalade. A éviter impérativement par temps humide en raison des risques de glissade.

The Cirque de Saint-Même is very popular in summer, with most visitors content to picnic on the meadows or follow the marked waterfall route. The short circular route proposed extends this route with a climb to an additional waterfall and the Source du Guiers Vif, via the steep Pas Ruat passage with its astonishing under-rock passage leading out in front of the Grotte du Guiers Vif. (¹) See During the hike or nearby

Around the two communes of Saint-Pierre d'Entremont, this walk covers the two departments of Savoie and Isère, exploring the architectural heritage and Carthusian landscapes. The most beautiful panorama can be seen from the esplanade of the Château du Gouvernement in Saint-Pierre d'Entremont (Isère).

A short hike that takes you through a few hamlets and offers unobstructed views of the Belledonnes and Chartreuse mountains.

A route for everyone that will take you to a remote hamlet and its castle steeped in history, then along the shores of Lake Sainte Hélène.

This circuit runs along the foothills of the Chartreuse mountains at the foot of Mont Granier. Discover the vineyards, a pretty waterfall and views of the Belledonne and Bauges mountains. A few information boards add to the interest of this easy walk. Yellow and occasional white and red markings forthe GR® 965.

Snowshoe route on a sunny slope in the Entremont valley. This route combines well-marked sections with others that are a little more open. In winter, this route is normally done on snowshoes. This was a snowshoe outing, but given the lack of snow at the end of January 2014, the snowshoes remained attached to our rucksacks.

A pleasant walk, with a bit of an uphill climb but a lovely atmosphere as you pass through hamlets, heading towards a chapel that apparently doesn’t exist. The views are lovely in any case, and the hamlets are pretty too. A very pleasant change of scenery.

A three-hour walk starting from the village centre.

Le Grand Carroz is at the centre of an area surrounded by a line of ridges, offering unobstructed and varied views. The proposed route climbs to the Col de la Drière, crosses Mont Pellaz or Lentille and the Col des Fontanettes, then climbs the Montfred ridge off-trail before returning via a forest path to the starting point. Caution: the ridge route is not technically difficult but runs alongside steep cliffs on the right-hand side.

A walk on Montraillan Hill between Belledonne and Les Bauges, following in the footsteps of the Lord of Montmayeur, vassal of the Duke of Savoy.

This hike describes a circular route that takes you to the historical heritage of Montmélian before discovering the Arbin vineyards. Numerous views of Les Bauges, La Chartreuse, La Lauzière and Belledonne.

This is a half-day hike. A steady climb takes you to the village of Montouvrard, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Belledonne. The yellow markings are a little faded.

A lovely hike with beautiful views and scenery, quite varied, a little bit of tarmac but not much, with good signposting. Doable almost all year round, except in muddy conditions after rain, of course. At the Pont du Diable, you will cross the Dauphiné-Savoie border, with its pretty, colourful boundary stone. By whom?

This circular route through the vineyards guarantees a sunny route. It also offers a panoramic view of the Belledonne Massif. Depending on the time of year, you may see work being done in the vineyards. The route is signposted.

A good, challenging hike to reach La Roche du Guet and its two information boards.

It is a very interesting and varied hike, offering a multitude of beautiful views of the Chambéry valley, the peaks of the Bauges, some of the peaks of the Chartreuse and Belledonne mountains, and the Tarentaise valley. This hike should be avoided in wet weather or just after a wet period.

A lovely circular route in the Désert d’Entremont Nordic ski resort.

A beautiful hike to be done with or without snowshoes.

A snowshoe circuit in the Entremonts valley. It is a loop alternating between ascents and descents, passages through forests and mountain pastures, shady slopes and sunny slopes, crossing the hamlet of Grand Carroz with its few houses.

From a distance, Mont Outherand looks like a fortress, with several gaps in the limestone walls of the fort. Near the Col du Mollard, a steep path allows attackers to overcome the fort's defences.

A lovely, short but scenic walk, featuring numerous viewpoints and an interesting section: the Pas du Cuert.

A short walk for an afternoon in the sunshine in the vineyard. The route described is largely based on a local circular loop called: The winegrower's year. In addition to the directional signs, there are yellow markings and pictograms (a winegrower working in the vineyard). The route is marked at intervals by seven information panels.

A long, easy walk taking in fountains, bridges and castles...

Please note: the route is closed from 15 August until the end of September 2026. The Aulp du Seuil crossing: this hike ranks among the most beautiful in the Chartreuse.

From the Chignin vineyard, it takes a good two hours to reach the foot of the ladders that allow you to overcome the final obstacle. This structure was built in response to the threat posed by the Roc de Tormery to the village below. The view, already visible during the ascent, opens up as soon as you set foot on the ridge.

A very pretty circular for a long walk among the vineyards of Chignin. Very pleasant in the foothills of Les Bauges. A beautiful getaway among medieval towers and cellars, with magnificent views of the Chambéry valley and the Belledonne mountain range. It is even more beautiful in the middle of autumn, just after the grape harvest.

A breathtaking circular route linking together numerous wonders: the rugged Pas des Charassons, the scenic Crête de l’Alpette, the magnificent Écaille du Pas de Ragris, the famous Tour Percée, the precarious Arche Miracle and the beautiful Aup du Seuil pass. This hike, covering less than 13km with 1,500m of elevation gain, requires a good sense of direction and sure-footedness (short sections of grade 3c climbing). Please note: the IGN topographic map is completely unreliable here! An agreement has been signed between the department and the owner of the 800 hectares in the Hauts de Chartreuse nature reserve to allow free access to the two paths that run across the Marcieu plateau. The exit at Pas des Charassons, which leads back onto the plateau, joins one of these paths within a few metres. You may request permission to pass from the landowner, although there are no visible prohibition signs on the ground.

Spectacular hike to the hanging gardens of Charassons with two magnificent arches to discover.As the Marcieu valley is entirely private, the hike never passes through it and always remains on authorised terrain. This hike is extremely difficult, beyond what is usual on Visorando, and requires climbing a short 3c section (a single move). An ice axe is recommended even (especially) in summer to tackle the steep slopes of the hanging gardens without stress. Most of the hike takes place on unmarked and (very) poorly marked paths. See Practical Information. This hike takes place largely at the foot of cliffs. Geolocation (GPS, etc.) is therefore approximate, with errors exceeding 40 m. You must therefore use your brain and critical thinking skills and act according to the terrain. As is often the case, this hike is a variation on a theme by Pascal Sombardier.

This circular route on the outskirts of Chambéry takes you to three vantage points offering panoramic views of the Belledonne mountain range, Les Bauges and La Chartreuse. On the outskirts of Mont Charvais, surrounded by pine trees, you can almost feel the Mediterranean atmosphere – all that's missing are the cicadas.

This is an easy hike to a small grassy peak overlooking the vineyards of Saint-Jeoire-Prieuré. Enjoy beautiful views of the Belledonne mountain range, the Chartreuse mountains and the Chambéry cluse. There are markings and even directional signs, but not along the entire route described.

In December, a good idea for a sunny walk is to go hiking in the vineyards. The walk described below is just one of many possible routes through the Chignin vineyards. There are endless variations possible.

An easy route in the hills above Le Touvet, from one castle to another, with the first part in the forest and the return via the hamlets on the road, including 250 m on the D29, but without any danger.

This is a beautiful hike with stunning views of the Chartreuse, the Chambéry valley as far as Lac du Bourget, Les Bauges, Belledonne and even Mont Blanc on a clear day.

Day2 of this trip via the Col de Bellefont to reach the Dent de Crolles plateau.Descent via the pass above the Trou du Glaz, then down to the Col des Ayes and up the Roc d’Arguille to the Col de Pravouta and the hut of the same name. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Route modified following a rockfall. It is no longer possible to take the path via the Trou du Glaz (5). The area remains particularly dangerous due to the high risk of further rockfall and falling boulders. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issued a by-law to close several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). For an ascent of the Dent de Crolles, it is possible to take the route via the Pas de l’Oeille. You can also go via the Guiers waterfalls to reach (E).

An easy hike that skirts around Lac de la Thuile. Mont Rochefort offers a beautiful view of the village and its lake. Panoramic views of Belledonne, Les Bauges, etc.

A pleasant, quiet walk starting from the village of La Thuile. The modest summit of Mont Rochefort offers one of the best views of the lake.Local yellow-green markings and signposts.

The village's main attraction in the summer is, of course, the small Lac de la Thuile lake. For hikers, the other attraction is the Roche du Guet, a pretty viewpoint equipped with two orientation tables.

This is a hike which, in its first section, follows little-used paths where the signposting is sparse. The Montgelas ridge is marked by two crosses. From (7), the signposting becomes more conventional.

A short hike near the quiet village of La Thuile and its peaceful lake.

A short hike that starts in the vineyard and climbs gently through sunny undergrowth. The chapel is a modest oratory on an old path once used by monks between Aillons and Lourdens.

An easy, pleasant and varied circular walk through the vineyards and surroundings of Cruet, along the foothills of the Bauges.