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Col de Léchaud walks
Grand Som loop
Visorando Member
8.77 mi
+4,639 ft
-4,619 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
This is a loop trail that passes through the Grand Som and, to avoid the crowds, descends along the Arête de la Suiffière (a little exposed but easy), then joins the Col de Freney (and the forest) and, via a path with numerous hairpin bends, returns just above La Correrie, our starting point.
The Petit Som loop from La Ruchère
6.34 mi
+2,260 ft
-2,260 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Hike through forests and mountain pastures, passing by the summit of Petit Som.
Le Petit Som
4.55 mi
+2,096 ft
-2,096 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
This walk, which is easy in summer, becomes more challenging with the onset of winter conditions; just a few centimetres of snow are enough to obscure the markings on the ground and make progress more difficult on sections where the slope is steeper.This hike can be done in half a day from mid-November onwards; do not set off after 2 pm, otherwise you’ll have to make your way back by headlamp.
Petit Som starting from La Ruchère-Le Habert
5.75 mi
+2,844 ft
-2,822 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Climb to the summit of Petit Som from La Ruchère. You will enjoy a 360° view and may also encounter marmots and chamois.
Petit Som departure from La Correrie
9.08 mi
+3,609 ft
-3,635 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
Day hike with picnic at the Col de Léchaud. Climb through magnificent forest to Habert de Bovinant, Col de Bovinant, Col de Léchaud, Petit Som, return via Pas du Loup, Col de La Ruchère, Habert de Billon and the Grande Chartreuse monastery.
Splendid 360° view from the top of Petit Som, including Mont Blanc.
Petit Som and Grand Som as seen from Les Riondettes
9.70 mi
+4,065 ft
-4,072 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Two stunning panoramic views in the heart of the Chartreuse, a well-balanced walk combining fairly steep sections with pastures and beautiful forests.
Petit Som via Les Riondettes
5.62 mi
+2,280 ft
-2,280 ft
4h 35
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Short family hike with a climb to Le Petit Som: 360° views,
marmots and chamois.
Petit and Grand Som circular loop
9.07 mi
+4,321 ft
-4,308 ft
7h 55
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A lovely circular route taking in two peaks, across a wide variety of terrain. You’ll encounter woodland, scree slopes, rocky outcrops and mountain pastures.
Petit Som, starting from La Correrie
8.58 mi
+3,350 ft
-3,346 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
A climb to one of the peaks of the Chartreuse, the Petit Som, starting from the car park at the Musée de la Grande Chartreuse, La Correrie.
An unusual route to the Petit Som via the rear of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, Notre-Dame de Casalibus, the Saint-Bruno Chapel, the Habert de Bovinant and the Col de Léchaud.
The descent towards Sous le Petit Som avoids the Pas de Loup by taking the ‘cheminée’ route. You then reach the Col de la Ruchère before descending towards Habert Billon, the reservoir and the Grande Chartreuse Monastery.
Circular walk around the Petit Som
5.24 mi
+2,283 ft
-2,290 ft
4h 25
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A superb circular route, offering great variety in terms of terrain and sublime panoramic views.
Two sections require mountain-walking skills: the chimney (take care not to dislodge any rocks) leading up to the Petit Som ridge, and the Pas du Loup, which can be tricky (a rope may provide reassurance for less experienced walkers, depending on the day’s conditions).