Cirque de Saint Même walks

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

From the Cirque de Saint-Même and its waterfalls, across the Hauts de Chartreuse plateaus via 3 Pas to the Croix de l’Alpe (1,821 m).Stunning views. ⚠️ This route is partly unmarked, unmaintained and presents significant risks. Hikers undertake this route at their own risk. Please follow the official marked trails.

The Cirque de Saint-Même is very busy in summer, with most visitors content to have a picnic on the meadows or follow the signposted route through the waterfalls. The short circular loop suggested here extends this route by taking in an additional waterfall and the Source du Guiers Vif, via the steep Pas Ruat pass with its astonishing passage beneath the rock face emerging in front of the Grotte du Guiers Vif. ⚠️ This route is partly unmarked, unmaintained and presents significant risks. Hikers undertake this route at their own risk. Please refer to the official marked trails. ⚠️ The footbridge leading to the Grotte du Guiers Vif (4) was damaged by a rockslide in July 2023: a mayoral order currently prohibits access.

A superb circular walk featuring waterfalls, a natural tunnel, a cave, climbing sections, an exposed ledge and a mountain pasture, topped off with some stunning views throughout the route. ⚠️ Part of this route is unmarked, unmaintained and presents significant risks. Hikers undertake this route at their own risk. Please refer to the officially marked trails. ⚠️ The ‘Pas de la Mort’ between (5) and (9) is classified as dangerous and is strongly discouraged. See practical information. On all vertical sections, do not rely on the GPS track but follow the route description.

A hike of superlatives, combining the most beautiful landscapes of the Northern Chartreuse with four little-visited arches, as well as magnificent limestone formations including the Dromadaire, the Griffes and the Grotte de l’Ours. The route alternates between barely marked, idyllic paths, vertiginous ridges and vast sharp limestone pavements, and runs largely off the beaten track. This hike requires a good level of fitness; please read the warning in the practical information carefully.

A circular route around Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont via the Cirque de Saint-Même, returning via the Torrent du Cozon gorges. The views are magnificent all along the way, and you reach the cirque on foot, rather than by car, to see the first waterfall. The route is marked and well signposted with numerous signs.

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.