Refine your search for walks in Col de Belles Ombres (1753m)
Col de Belles Ombres (1753m) walks
From the Pas de la Rousse to the Col de Belles Ombres via the Croix de l'Alpe
Visorando Member
4.34 mi
+2,333 ft
-2,320 ft
4h 00
Difficult
Departure from Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (Isère)
A circular route along the eastern ridge of the Hauts de Chartreuse, combining a variety of terrain (rocks, forests, mountain pastures) with stunning views across the Alps. Can be completed in half a day, preferably in the morning.
Please note: read the information regarding the difficulties in the ‘Practical Information’ section carefully.
Lower and upper ‘sangles’ and the ridge of the Rochers de Belles Ombres
5.69 mi
+2,303 ft
-2,303 ft
4h 35
Difficult
Departure from Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (Isère)
This circular loop, which takes you off the beaten track, allows you to explore the distinctive rocks of the lower Belles Ombres ridge, then climb up to the upper ridge to walk through its impressive cirques, before ascending to the ridge and returning via the Rochers de Belles Ombres to the pass of the same name.
The Belles Ombres and Fouda Blanc route via the Grotte de l’Ours
15.04 mi
+6,699 ft
-6,699 ft
10 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Savoie) (Savoie)
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.
Walks near Col de Belles Ombres (1753m)
Aulp du Seuil Hut – Pravouta Hut
6.81 mi
+2,815 ft
-3,009 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Bernard (Isère) (Isère)
Day2 of this trip via the Col de Bellefont to reach the Dent de Crolles plateau.Descent via the pass above the Trou du Glaz, then down to the Col des Ayes and up the Roc d’Arguille to the Col de Pravouta and the hut of the same name.
⚠️ 27/11/2025: Route modified following a rockfall. It is no longer possible to take the path via the Trou du Glaz (5). The area remains particularly dangerous due to the high risk of further rockfall and falling boulders. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issued a by-law to close several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). For an ascent of the Dent de Crolles, it is possible to take the route via the Pas de l’Oeille.
You can also go via the Guiers waterfalls to reach (E).
Col de Bellefont via Le Chaos and back via the Col de Saulce
6.85 mi
+3,720 ft
-3,678 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A beautiful, wild hike in the heart of the Chartreuse and on the edge of its nature reserve. The route starts in the woodland, to the sound of the waterfall and the source of the Guiers, climbs up the cliff face, crosses the wild and rugged Chaos de Bellefont, passes through mountain pastures, and reaches the ridge with its stunning views.
Le Pal de Fer
1.43 mi
+2,001 ft
-0 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Crolles (Isère)
An original outing that allows you to discover the superb work carried out here for the construction of the Touvet funicular railway. The ascent is on foot and the descent, to relieve the knees, is by funicular.
(Please note): This route is currently closed. See explanations here
(Comment from a hiker) dated 18 June 2023: small difficult section: crossing the scree slope where you need to use two ropes to reach the path in the forest.
Cabane de Pravouta - La Plagne
15.41 mi
+4,469 ft
-6,211 ft
12 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
Third and final day of this trip to the Chartreuse to collect the car.
From Col du Coq to Sainte-Marie-du-Mont
14.29 mi
+4,423 ft
-5,938 ft
10h 25
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Pancrasse (Isère)
The route runs mainly through the Chartreuse Natural Park, passing through the massif's iconic passes and mountains. The route combines fairly steep climbs, passages through plateaus, mountain pastures and a village.
Col du Coq – Col de Porte
7.76 mi
+2,972 ft
-3,219 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
This first stage of the Tour of the Ten Highest Peaks of the Chartreuse links the Col du Coq to the Col de Porte, via Chamechaude, the highest point of the Chartreuse massif. However, with the passage through the Double Arche, situated at the foot of Chamechaude, followed by the Rampe de l’Écureuil (or Pas du Lapin), and the canyon on the descent, these gems of the Chartreuse massif do require sure-footedness, combined with a good sense of direction.
La Grande Montagne
7.50 mi
+2,182 ft
-2,051 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Chambéry (Savoie)
This walk combines a variety of points of interest, starting from Les Éléphants, Chambéry’s iconic monument, before heading towards the Charmettes neighbourhood, dear to Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Further up lies the Grande Montagne, which, whilst nothing like high mountains, nevertheless offers panoramic views of distant mountain ranges.
The first section follows theGR®96route.
From the Lodge de la Martinette to the Refuge de l’Oule via Lac du Léat
8.13 mi
+4,619 ft
-2,129 ft
7h 45
Very difficult
Departure from La Ferrière (Isère) (Isère)
A very physically demanding day, with very steep slopes right from the start that give you almost no respite until you reach the refuge. But from the Refuge de la Grande Valloire onwards, the views are magnificent.
Easy