Country:
City:
Park in the upper car park (altitude 940 m) above the monastery, going around it on the left.
The many hiking trails in the area are shown on a sturdy sign.
(S/E) Head south-east along a path that continues from the car park, leaving the forest track that leads to the Roize forest shelter on your left.
The path gradually turns south as it becomes a balcony trail.
Follow the path and ignore the two other paths on the right that descend into the valley.
(1) At the intersection that leads to the chimney, ignore the Cuchet trail opposite, which will be the return route, and turn left. Caution: this trail may be closed. See comment dated 29-07-2018.
The 840m intersection is reached in about 40 minutes via a downhill route. Start by climbing to the left to tackle the chimney passage. The passage is remarkably well equipped and secure, with a cable on each side in some places.
Once you have crossed the chimney at 975m, continue down the path. At the junction towards "Espagne" at 910m, head towards Mont Saint Martin, taking the longer route via Namière (45 minutes instead of 30 minutes) and leaving the direct path down to your right.
As you head east, a little further on, you will pass the path that climbs north to Chalet Bannettes on your left.
The trail becomes a path and leads to Les Combes (ruins) at 921m, where you will find a road.
(2) The road descends the valley alongside the Lanfray stream. When you reach Namière, continue down the valley to Collavière, cross the bridge and you will reach Mont-Saint-Martin 100 metres further on.
(3) In the village, look for the path that branches off to the right near a small car park and a hiking sign.
This is the Cuchet trail, which cuts across the road as it winds downhill, passing near some antenna towers
(4) Then, at a hairpin bend, head north for a long uphill stretch.
Along the way, there are a few viewpoints over the valley. You will then return to the junction you passed on the way up, which leads to the base of the chimney.
(1) Continue north, still heading towards the monastery, to return to the car park at Chalais Abbey (S/E).
! Diverse landscapes and vegetation for our enjoyment. The walk is not at all monotonous and full of surprises! The climb up the chimney is quite challenging, especially after lockdown, but it was enjoyable, and it offers some nice views of the Isère river!
Association / Club / Walk leader
Very difficult 
Visorando Member
Easy 
Extremely difficult 
Tourism professional
