Col du Grand Van walks

An easy hike to start your Belledone traverse gently. No fewer than four lakes dot the route, most of which are suitable for swimming and/or a nap. This description treats the hike as a one-way trip, but a day trip (there and back) is also possible.A more challenging alternative is available; see here

Well known to Grenoble residents, this hike offers superb views of all the surrounding mountains, including Chartreuse, Vercors, Grandes Rousses, Taillefer and Belledonne. As soon as you arrive at the top of the cable car, your gaze is drawn to La Meije, which looks so close.⚠️ This hike can only be done on foot from 30 June to 1 October ⚠️

The last stage begins at the large Vallon Lake. You will then cross the Col du Rochail, which rises to an altitude of 2,756 metres. After this climb, your path will take you to the Refuge des Sources, then to Villard-Notre-Dame, a village offering a superb view of Bourg-d'Oisans, your final destination.

From Lac Labarre, the route follows part of the GR®54B. You will cross the Col de la Romeïou, the Cabane de la Selle, then the Col du Paletas. From there, a wild hike along the ridges, passing by the Neyrard at an altitude of 2,796 m, will take you to Lac du Vallon.

There are countless route options in this forested area on the outskirts of the Grenoble conurbation, delighting both walkers and mountain bikers alike. The advantage of this route, linking the village of Saint-Martin-d’Uriage to Eybens, is that it offers varied views, first of the Belledonne massif and then of the “capital of the Alps”, dominated by the Vercors and the Chartreuse.

An easy hike to warm up and enjoy a superb view of the Deux Alpes resort. In this sense, the route allows you to benefit from the shade of the forest on the way up, and therefore to arrive in good conditions at Clos des Balmettes, where the descent to the resort will be in the open.

The second stage of this Tour du Grand Replomb takes you through a rocky landscape with a steep descent towards Lac de Crop.

A mountain hike on the Emparis plateau with views of La Meije.This hike can be completed over several days. Message from the moderators: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (for more information on this SNA and available accommodation, see the practical information).

After a challenging and technical day on this trek, today is a transitional stage leading to the magnificent village of Mizoën. The descent to Venosc is absolutely stunning, featuring beautiful waterfalls. Then, after a cable car ride reducing the elevation gain to 300 m, you’ll cross the resort of Les Deux Alpes, dominated by the Girose Glacier. You’ll reach Lac Chambon and the splendid village of Mizoën with its Lodge l’Emparis.

Another magical stage, thanks to the breathtaking scenery all along the balcony trail above Lac du Chambon, including a stop at the ‘petrifying’ spring. Opposite lies a long mountain range and majestic glaciers, with famous names: the Girose Glacier, Pic de la Grave, Le Râteau and the majestic Meije. You will finish this stage at the start of the Emparis plateau at the Refuge des Mouterres, one of the most beautiful camping spots with an exceptional view of the Meije. Message from the moderators: You are in a sensitive natural area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).