Cholonge walks

This is a beautiful, easy hike with relatively little elevation gain, which will allow you to discover the lakes of Matheysine and the surrounding mountains.

Don't worry, we are not in the high mountains and the glacier disappeared 15,000 years ago. The route is easy and short enough to be done with children. It is enjoyable and educational, with two panels explaining the geological evolution of the region and the formation of the Matheysine lakes.

From Villard-Saint-Christophe, there are many hikes possible in the Tabor massif, but the Croix de Gouret is the most accessible and offers beautiful views of the Matheysine, Vercors and Dévoluy lakes. The route suggested here is the shortest and offers interesting views, but other routes starting from the village are also possible.

The Piquet de Nantes (2,215 m) and the Tabor (2,389 m) near La Mure in Isère are the two highest peaks in the Tabor massif and can be reached separately, but the route proposed here connects the two peaks via a trail that gives an almost high-mountain feel while being easy and very pleasant. It takes only an hour and offers a circuit with beautiful views of the Matheysine lakes and the surrounding mountains.

Seen from Lake Charlet and the climb to Tabor, the Sentier du Diable, which winds its way up the south-western face of Pérollier, is impressive, and its name deters many hikers from taking it. However, it is a pleasant trail with a fairly steady climb and is not particularly dangerous. We take it here to climb Pérollier (2,183 m), the third highest peak in the Tabor massif, and make a loop via Lake Charlet for the return journey.

Le Pérollier is a small peak on the ridge separating the Lacs de Laffrey and the Alpe du Grand Serre resort. This circuit offers unobstructed views of the lakes and the Taillefer, Grand Armet and Belledonne mountain ranges. Note that in June, the meadows are particularly flowery (blue gentians and anemones, among others).

One of the most beautiful mountain pastures in the region: the Conest mountain, whose Beauregard viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Grenoble mountain triptych: Vercors, Chartreuse and Belledonne to the north, and the Jonche valley and its lakes, as well as the Grande Tête de l'Obiou to the south. Circular around the hamlet of Les Arnauds, returning via the hamlet's combe trail.

A beautiful hike where, on the way there, you will walk along the shores of the Pierre-Châtel and Pétichet lakes with a short detour to see Lake Laffrey, and return via the Cholonge ridges at the foot of the Grand Serre.

This relatively short and easy hike takes you to two modest peaks offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. It also takes you to one of the largest mountain pastures in the department.

Follow the legend of the Pierre Percée (Pierced Rock) on this short circuit that will take you to one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné.

This circuit, which takes you twice through Pierre Percée, one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné, allows you to enjoy the view of the mountains bordering the Matheysin plateau and takes you around Lake Pierre Chatel.

This is a pleasant short hike in the Taillefer Massif, which takes you to the edge of a small lake. The return trip offers a bird's-eye view of the valleys, the Matheysine, the Vercors and Belledonne.

This walk in Matheysine offers a splendid 360° panorama of the Chartreuse, Belledonne, Vercors and Dévoluy at the summit. Best enjoyed on a very clear day to get the most out of it.

Ascent of the Petit and Grand Taillefer, the first peaks of the Belledonne range, clearly visible from the city of Grenoble. The view from the summit is magnificent, taking in Mont Blanc, the peaks of the Écrins Massif (Barre des Écrins, Roc de la Muzelle, etc.) as well as the Aiguilles d'Arves to the east and the peaks of the Vercors and Dévoluy to the west.

Access to Lac de Brouffier via the route with the least elevation gain.

All levels of the mountain up to the Pas de la Mine at 2,500 metres: forest, stubble and then red rocks. Cool temperatures near Lac Brouffier.

A very pleasant hike. First along the Rif Bruyant stream, through beech and then fir and larch forests, and finally in a high mountain setting in the middle of the Cirque du Coiro. Well-marked trails make the elevation gain on this hike easier.

A very pleasant site on the outskirts of Grenoble. Ideal for a family outing.

This hike is not difficult, although the climb is sustained, and will allow you to discover a unique view of the village of Vizille, the castle grounds and the surrounding area. An information board will tell you about the history of Vizille and its geography.

This easy hike, just outside the city, will first take you to a little-known viewpoint, La Roche Courbière, which offers a surprising view of the lower Drac valley, the Grenoble metropolitan area and the surrounding mountains such as the Vercors and the Chartreuse. The route then takes you to the ruins of the Priory of Saint-Michel de Connexe, which dates back to the 11th century.

This easy circular route between the villages of Saint-Georges-de-Commiers and Notre-Dame-de-Commiers will allow you to discover the Drac valley, the old La Mure railway line and a beautiful viewpoint at the Pierre du Soleil orientation table.

This hike can be enjoyed in any season to discover the Vizillois landscape, the Romanche valley and the surrounding mountains. Very easy with a reasonable elevation gain, it is accessible to most people.

A pleasant hike at the foot of the Piquet de Nantes and the Tabor, with beautiful views of the Obiou and the Grand Armet, passing through three lovely streams, then descending through the village of Fontagneux to change mountain ranges and walk at the foot of the Grand Armet, this time, and see the Tabor. The passage through old hamlets is also very pleasant for lovers of old stones.

This short hike allows you to discover the local heritage: the site of the old gypsum quarries, the hamlet of Saint-Sauveur and the ruins of Saint-Michel monastery. It also offers a breathtaking view of the Drac valley, the Vercors and the Grenoble conurbation.

This relatively easy hike offers beautiful views of the eastern flank of the Vercors massif, the Drac valley and the Monteynard dam lake in its first, open section, as well as the Matheysine area towards the peaks overlooking the Matheysine lakes. The second part, which is more shaded, will take you through the surrounding hamlets and past some of the engineering structures of the La Mure tourist railway.

A hike that begins in the atmosphere of the undergrowth and ends in a high mountain setting.

A magnificent hike 35 km from Grenoble, with no difficulty, offering 360° views of the surrounding mountains. The climb to this summit is a magnificent hike through the mountain pastures (one of the largest in the region).

A walk at the foot of the Taillefer massif among the many lakes. This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect them (see practical information).

Two central viewpoints offer views of the French Northern Alps, from Mont Blanc to the limestone foothills of Chartreuse and Vercors, Belledonne, Grandes Rousses, Cerces, Oisans and Dévoluy. Numerous lakes dot the large "tundra" plateau separating Taillefer from Grand Galbert like sapphires. Part of the hike is off-trail, but this does not add to the difficulty: only the elevation gain and distance justify the rating. See practical information.

A superb family hike to discover a mountain lake perched at an altitude of 2,000 metres. The more adventurous can take a dip, while others can enjoy a picnic with their feet in the water. On the way back, you can discover the magnificent little Rioupéroux stream. This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

A very pleasant circular at the foot of Taillefer with beautiful views of the Oisans region. This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect them (see practical information).

A peaceful exploration of one of the most beautiful alpine tundras, between sapphire-coloured lakes and sheep-shaped rocks planted in blueberry bushes, on the plateau separating Grand Galbert from Taillefer. The ascent and descent to Lac Fourchu is on very good paths. On the plateau, the route meanders with the view and adapts to the mood of hikers eager for space and light. The Grand Galbert offers a magnificent 360º view of all the mountains surrounding Grenoble. This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect them (see practical information).

Facing the Taillefer range, discover a summit overlooking the peat bogs of this massif. This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect them (see practical information).

This is an easy hike on well-marked paths, suitable in all seasons, which will allow you to discover the surrounding mountains, the small village of Montchaboud clinging to the hillside, and the Château de Bon Repos, which hosts many cultural events.

Circuit in the Lac du Luitel nature reserve.

Among the routes available near the city of Grenoble, here is a relatively short one with a reasonable elevation gain, which will give you an overview of the mountains surrounding the city. The route varies between forest and meadows.

A beautiful hike with magnificent views of the Trièves and Dévoluy regions, on a sunny hillside, ideal for the off-season. The slopes are moderate but the atmosphere is mountainous. It is possible to climb to the summit of Sénépy along the way.

A hike to reach the summit of Sénépy via good paths or trails, mainly on the southern slope. A very beautiful hike for cool or cold seasons, with splendid views.

This hike, which is suitable for everyone, will take you along a Discovery Trail to a small peak overlooking the little town of La Mure. Crossing the meadows, you will then discover the surrounding mountains from the south of the Vercors to the Oisans via the Obiou. In Prunières, you will visit an old mining well where a magnificent fresco pays tribute to the miners. Paths and trails alternate between shaded and sunny passages.

The Sommet de la Cavale does not claim to be on a par with its imposing neighbour, Le Coiro, which is 460 m higher. However, it remains a worthwhile destination, both for its wild and airy setting and for the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. The fairly sustained climb up this long ridge is richly rewarded by the magnificent viewpoint offered by the summit, which provides breathtaking views of the Valbonnais, Dévoluy, Matheysine and Vercors massifs and the high peaks of the Écrins.

A short, gentle snowshoe walk to do after a good fall of fresh snow.The first part is almost flat and leads to the Refuge de Pré-Gaudet. Then the path climbs a little before descending into the undergrowth alongside a small stream.

A beautiful hike that will take you through the forest of the Arselle cross-country skiing plateau to Lake Achard. The view of the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. 03/01/2024: Change of starting point.