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Chartreuse walks
The Cirque de Saint-Même waterfall
Visorando Member
6.06 mi
+1,430 ft
-1,424 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Isère)
From Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont, this beautiful walk leads to the source of the Guiers-Vif, follows the course of the torrent, passes through hamlets and reveals the large clearing of the Cirque de Saint-Même.
The Cirque de Saint-Même is a very popular spot, attracting families in search of fresh air in the summer months. Hikers will find a little more freshness and tranquillity as they climb towards the Cascade du Guiers-Vif.
L’Aulp du Seuil
4.99 mi
+2,648 ft
-2,644 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Bernard (Isère) (Isère)
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.
La Grande Sure via the Cols de la Vache
7.10 mi
+2,828 ft
-2,828 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A magnificent loop starting from the Chalet de la Charmette, via the Col de la Grande Vache and Col de la Petite Vache.
An aerial walk with breathtaking views.
Chamechaude from the Col de Porte
4.78 mi
+2,474 ft
-2,474 ft
4h 20
Difficult
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
The highest point of the Chartreuse massif. As a bonus, there is a cable to access the summit platform.
Magnificent panorama of the Chartreuse, with views of Mont Blanc, Mont Aiguille and the Vercors.
Alloix waterfalls from Montalieu
3.15 mi
+1,234 ft
-1,234 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Vincent-de-Mercuze (Isère)
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.
Mont Pravouta and Col des Ayes
2.91 mi
+1,109 ft
-1,109 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pancrasse (Isère)
Short family-friendly walk with a magnificent view, manageable on foot or on snowshoes.
Le Grand Som from the Col du Cucheron
5.43 mi
+2,890 ft
-2,887 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Isère
This is definitely the easiest and shortest way to climb the Grand Som.
Caution for those prone to vertigo: between (2) and (3), the walk becomes a climb in places. The passages are often narrow and can be daunting.
Mont Granier via the Pas des Barres and the Balme à Colon
7.02 mi
+2,956 ft
-2,979 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Entremont-le-Vieux (Savoie)
A beautiful loop in the northern Chartreuse with magnificent 360° views of the Alps.
Le Charmant Som
1.67 mi
+640 ft
-643 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
In summer, there is a very easy walk with magnificent views of the Grande Chartreuse, Mont Blanc and many other peaks.
Dogs are not allowed at Charmant Som, even on a leash, from 10 June to 15 October.
Rochebrune
6.07 mi
+1,306 ft
-1,302 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-de-Raz (Isère)
This low peak and its twin opposite on the Vercors side, the Dent de Moirans, watch over the exit of the Isère as it flows quietly towards the Rhône and the entrance of rain and snow clouds pushed by the north winds. A remarkable viewpoint over the valleys, it is an ideal half-day walk.
Let's talk about Cozon
4.70 mi
+1,004 ft
-1,014 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Entremont-le-Vieux (Savoie)
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.
Loop under the Grande Sure
4.69 mi
+1,631 ft
-1,634 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A magnificent, easy walk suitable for young walkers. Magnificent views and an area where you are likely to encounter mouflons and chamois! The passage through the Goulet d'Hurtières is pleasant and less frequented than the other paths leading to the Grande Sure.
The Bellefont Pass via the Colonel's Trail
6.98 mi
+3,402 ft
-3,399 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A beautiful, fairly challenging walk offering splendid views of all the peaks of the Chartreuse.
Caution! Read the comments carefully. A tricky scree slope has been reported.
Cirque de Saint Même - Guiers Vif waterfalls
1.77 mi
+676 ft
-669 ft
1h 25
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Savoie) (Savoie)
Short hike in the forest to discover the waterfalls of the Guiers Vif.
Tour of the Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse valley
8.15 mi
+965 ft
-955 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
Leave the village and walk around the valley, discovering the main peaks as you go: Charmant Som, Chamechaude, Dent de Crolles, Scia and Grand Som. You will also pass through several Carthusian hamlets.
Unusual Chamechaude via L'Arche, Le Jardin, La Brêche Arnaud and Le Canyon
5.99 mi
+3,868 ft
-3,865 ft
5 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
A challenging hike that allows you to discover the most beautiful (and least known) landscapes around the summit of Chamechaude.
The route includes a few fun climbs and descents, a very short off-trail section, a breach through a cliff, a spectacular couloir and an aerial sangle overlooking numerous chamois, a guaranteed spectacle for anyone aiming to reach the summit before midday.
The route is far from the summer and Sunday crowds.
Tour des Bannettes (Trail No. 7 of the "Sentiers de Chartreuse Occidentale")
Association / Club / Walk leader
9.49 mi
+4,012 ft
-3,986 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Voreppe (Isère)
Warning: Trail for experienced hikers. It is strongly recommended that you follow this trail in a clockwise direction (Cheminée de Lorzier is not roped off).
Trail No. 7 of the "Sentiers de Chartreuse Occidentale".
Although our trails are regularly maintained, they are mountain and/or forest trails, with all the inherent risks:falling branches, trees, stones, rocks, mudslides, flash floods, slips... You will be walking alongside ravines and cliffs. Do not leave the marked trail.
Circuit of the 3 passes: Aliènard, Tracol and Ruchère
7.21 mi
+2,618 ft
-2,615 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
In the land of silence of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, an easy and very pleasant walk in all seasons.
Historical and prehistoric loop of Saint-Christophe la Grotte
3.76 mi
+1,004 ft
-1,001 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe (Savoie) (Savoie)
Short hike to discover prehistory at the Fru site and the historic passage of the Via Sarde between Lyon and Turin.
Mont Rachais from the Vence Pass
4.80 mi
+1,132 ft
-1,112 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Corenc (Isère)
Easy access to Mont Rachais. View over Chartreuse, Belledonne, Grenoble and the Vercors.
The Aiguille de Chalais
1.78 mi
+564 ft
-538 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Voreppe (Isère)
A family-friendly circuit starting from Chalais Monastery and ending at the eponymous Aiguille.
Loop starting from Chalais Monastery
5.45 mi
+1,900 ft
-1,890 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Voreppe (Isère)
This is a loop south of the Chartreuse, at a modest altitude. It starts at Chalais Monastery, climbs up the cable-assisted passageway of the chimney, then heads towards the small village of Mont-Saint-Martin and returns via the Cuchet route.
Traditional yellow directional signs indicate the distance to be covered and the time needed to reach the destinations concerned.
The Cross on the Alp
6.30 mi
+2,838 ft
-2,822 ft
6 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Savoie) (Savoie)
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.
Emeindras loop
6.79 mi
+2,129 ft
-2,116 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
A hike with a variety of points of interest, including the beginnings of skiing, rural life with woodworking and alpine pastures, and the impressive cliffs of Chamechaude.
The hamlets of Saint-Hugues de Chartreuse
3.92 mi
+430 ft
-423 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
Take a short walk in the Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse valley. You can admire the peaks of Chamechaude to the south, Charmant Som to the west and Grand Som to the north-west, while passing through charming Carthusian hamlets.
Grand Som loop
8.77 mi
+4,639 ft
-4,619 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
This is a loop trail that passes through the Grand Som and, to avoid the crowds, descends along the Arête de la Suiffière (a little exposed but easy), then joins the Col de Freney (and the forest) and, via a path with numerous hairpin bends, returns just above La Correrie, our starting point.
La Pinéa - Chalet du Charmant Som circuit
7.80 mi
+1,916 ft
-1,936 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
Circuit in Chartreuse starting from the very popular Col de Porte.
The goal is the pointed summit of La Pinéa and a relaxing break at the Charmant Som chalets under the watchful eye of Chamechaude.
The Pointe du Gorgeat
6.82 mi
+2,290 ft
-2,293 ft
5h 10
Difficult
Departure from Apremont (Savoie) (Savoie)
A somewhat challenging hike for the start of the season, but well worth the effort...
L'Écoutoux
5.83 mi
+1,699 ft
-1,699 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
This small peak in the forest above Sappey-en-Chartreuse makes for a very pleasant outing in the forest. There are few views, except from the summit, which offers a beautiful panorama of the Belledonne massif, Chamechaude and the Dent de Crolles.
La Cochette
3.94 mi
+1,371 ft
-1,371 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Entremont-le-Vieux (Savoie)
A short mountain hike leading to an exceptional viewpoint.
Le Pinet or Truc from La Plagne
6.15 mi
+2,802 ft
-2,802 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Entremont-le-Vieux (Savoie)
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.
Pichut waterfall circuit
3.28 mi
+797 ft
-801 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Apremont (Savoie) (Savoie)
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.
The Petit Som loop from La Ruchère
6.34 mi
+2,260 ft
-2,260 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Hike through forests and mountain pastures, passing by the summit of Petit Som.
La Cochette loop in Chartreuse
3.57 mi
+1,417 ft
-1,411 ft
4 hrs
Easy
Departure from Entremont-le-Vieux (Savoie)
La Cochette in Chartreuse (1,618 m) is an easily accessible peak.
Grand Carroz Snowshoe Circuit
4.61 mi
+1,024 ft
-1,056 ft
4 hrs
Easy
Departure from Entremont-le-Vieux (Savoie)
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.
Tour of the Grand Ratz plateau
4.78 mi
+804 ft
-804 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from La Buisse (Isère)
A beautiful loop around the Grand Ratz, passing by the Roche Brune viewpoint with its breathtaking view of the Isère valley.
A loop at Mont Joigny
4.10 mi
+1,388 ft
-1,391 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Apremont (Savoie) (Savoie)
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.
Le Petit Som
4.55 mi
+2,096 ft
-2,096 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
This easy hike in summer becomes more difficult with the onset of winter conditions. A few centimetres of snow are enough to cover the markings on the ground and make it harder to progress on the steeper sections.
This hike can be done in half a day from mid-November onwards, but don't set off after 2pm, otherwise you'll need a head torch for the return journey.
Fort du Saint-Eynard from the Col de Vence
4.25 mi
+2,014 ft
-1,985 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Corenc (Isère)
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.
Mont Outheran
5.59 mi
+1,673 ft
-1,657 ft
4h 00
Difficult
Departure from Entremont-le-Vieux (Savoie)
Mont Outheran is a long plateau stretching nearly 4 km, running roughly north-south between Col du Planet (1,184 m) and Col du Grapillon (1,509 m).
It is a rather wild area, and for good reason: access via the Pas du Cuert is not the easiest, and the descent to the Col du Mollard requires the utmost caution.
Warning: For those prone to vertigo, please read the wpt description carefully (2)
The ridges of Mont Fromage from Col de Porte
6.39 mi
+1,348 ft
-1,345 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
A very pleasant hike, described here snowshoe users, but also good for walks on sunny days.
The northern ridges of Mont Saint-Eynard
7.92 mi
+2,812 ft
-2,789 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
From Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse, climb up to the ridges of Mont Saint-Eynard, which offer beautiful panoramic views of the Belledonne mountains, the Dent de Crolles and Chamechaude.
Le Grand Manti
5.81 mi
+2,812 ft
-2,782 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Savoie) (Savoie)
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.
Charming Som circular via Mont Fromage
8.61 mi
+2,067 ft
-2,087 ft
6 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
A beautiful circular loop with no technical difficulties, allowing you to traverse a varied ridge and climb Charmant Som in the process, with views of the main peaks of Chartreuse and Belledonne.
Le Pinet via the Fouda Blanc strap
7.07 mi
+3,753 ft
-3,760 ft
6 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Savoie) (Savoie)
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).
Croix de la Coche loop
4.21 mi
+1,204 ft
-1,175 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Barberaz (Savoie)
Coche or Cochette means a passage. The ancestral passage between the villages of Montagnole and Saint-Baldoph is marked by a solid, massive stone cross. Information panels along the way. Panoramic views at the summit and on the descent along the ridge.
The Herretang bog
3.58 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
In Saint-Laurent-du-Pont, there is a 6 km flat walk along a wetland discovery trail.
Mont Granier via the Porte de l'Alpette and the Pas de la Porte
9.01 mi
+4,495 ft
-4,495 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Chapareillan (Isère)
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.
Charmant Som via Pré Batard
5.20 mi
+2,054 ft
-2,054 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
This pretty circular starting from the Col de la Charmette allows you to climb the Charmant Som via a fairly uncrowded route (but you won't avoid the crowds at the summit...). The final climb up a chimney requires caution, but does not present any particular difficulties.
