Claix (Isère) walks

Another pleasant hike, suitable for all seasons, to discover the Grenoble region, the eastern balcony of the Vercors and cool off under an invigorating waterfall.

This circuit has the advantage of being able to be interrupted at any time for a shorter return. It can also be the starting point for a long hike to Le Moucherotte to the north or the Col de l'Arc to the south. Finally, for very young children, there is a short round trip to the peat bog, a unique feature in this area. The views of the other mountains are only possible from the peat bog, as the rest of the hike is in the woods until Savoyères.

This short hike or walk will allow you to discover one of the oldest hamlets in Claix, with its chapel and 16th-century houses. You will then walk along the Rocher de Comboire ridge with its viewpoint, from where you can enjoy a truly extraordinary view of the entire Grenoble conurbation as well as the Taillefer, Belledonne and Chartreuse ranges, stretching as far as Mont Blanc in good weather.

This is a short, easy hike on the outskirts of Grenoble, accessible by TAG bus, which will give you a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

A circular route along old, little-used paths, allowing you to discover the natural wonders around the spectacular Crête des Crocs: the magnificent Arche des Crocs, the Pierre Fendue, the "Main", the Rocher de l'Ours and its unique view of the Roc Cornafion, and the Crête des Crocs and its bird's eye view of the Col de l'Arc and the Pic Saint-Michel. The main difficulty is finding the route, as the paths are very poorly marked. Please note: see practical information.

A very beautiful hike offering superb views of the Grenoble region and the Vercors from the summit.

The Grenoble metropolitan area has developed a Frange Verte (Green Belt) to the south, bringing together several walking trails that are popular with everyone and offer views of the mountains. This route takes you along the Frange Verte in Échirolles, up the Combe de la Gouderie to the Étang de Jarrie-Le-Haut, then down the Voie Romaine, which no longer exists today. The route is classified as easy, although the climb up the Gouderie may put some people off. Fortunately, it is relatively short.

This short walk gives you an overview of the village and the Champagnier plateau. After the Saut du Moine, you can enjoy views of the Jarrie hillside with the Belledonne mountain range and the Chartreuse mountains in the background.

A splendid circular route around the Moucherotte, allowing you to literally traverse the rock to reach a balcony on the cliff face above Grenoble, where you can enjoy a unique view of the city and the mountain ranges from Belledonne to Dévoluy, passing through Les Rousses, Oisans and Taillefer. The wild Vallon des Forges is on the itinerary. This hike may require a 30m rope (or a 15m abseil rope) in the Trou Saint-Michel if you are not comfortable descending a grade 3 section.

A short walk in the Isles du Drac Nature Reserve for lovers of flora and fauna. Best done early in the morning or late in the evening to spot wildlife such as roe deer, does, foxes and herons.

A fairly challenging hike starting from the Tremplin car park (built for the 1968 Grenoble Olympic Games) leading to the Moucherotte orientation table and its wonderful 360° panorama.

A beautiful circular loop that climbs up to Moucherotte via the east face (the steepest face) and descends via the ridges, avoiding the busiest paths. Please note: the climb is demanding: sections with cables in the rocks, sections requiring the use of your hands, trail not always easy to find. Moderator's note added on 14/09/2021 (still relevant on 24 April 2023): the cable section is currently closed and undergoing renovation work. See comments at the bottom of the page.

Climbing the Moucherotte via the east face from Saint-Nizier is a wild and little-known route. The return via the large ski jump (on foot, fortunately) is also unusual. Yellow and green markings, as well as white/red.

A fairly long circular route (20 km in reality) which takes you up the classic Moucherotte climb, but descends via the Pas de la Tinette, Les Jeux and Les Traverses, which are less well known. The return from Lans-en-Vercors to Saint-Nizier is via a new, well-marked and well-maintained path, which keeps hikers away from the road.

Climb up to the magnificent Moucherotte viewpoint by taking a circular route up the wild Pas de la Bergère and back down the 'normal' route to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte.

First stage of the circular route from Saint Nizier to Corrençon en Vercors, with a stop at the Cabane de Roybon below the Col Vert.Whilst the first part is easy, the section between Col de l’Arc and Col Vertis challenging, with sections over a sheer drop!Take great care.

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.