Col de la Grande Vache (1712m) walks

Chamechaude (2,082 m) and the Dent de Crolles (2,062 m) are the two highest peaks in the Chartreuse; allow for a walk of around 30 km – fancy a go?

Third and final day of this trip to the Chartreuse to collect the car.

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.

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.

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.

Footprints in the snow for this walk, which can be enjoyed in the summer sun or in the shade of oak and fir trees...

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).

This exploratory hike along the paths on the northern flank of the Vercors should be treated as a training session if it is cold higher up. There are three viewpoints, two of which have been developed. That said, the constant change in gradient along this route is sure to please any hiker or runner hoping to tackle the drovers' road leading to the Sornin plateau at a later date. This walk is only enjoyable in dry weather, as the slopes become slippery after rain.

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.

You’ll pass through the narrow streets of Grenoble city centre and on to the wide open green spaces on the northern outskirts of the city. In particular, you’ll pass through the Parc de l’Île d’Amour (suitable for all ages…) and the arboretum at the university campus. You’ll hardly feel as though you’re in an urban setting anymore.