Grenoble walks

From the city centre (where you can take your time exploring as you please), head out to the banks of the Isère for a short, entirely flat circular walk along the towpath – either on the embankment if the riverbanks are wet, or on the dirt track closer to the river if it is dry enough. Wide views of Belledonne, which may be snow-capped, depending on the season.

Grenoble, capital of the Alps, is well known. Climbing 400 metres from the centre of the city reputed to be the flattest in France is less common. We suggest a slightly challenging walk to the military memorial on Mont Jalla and, on the way back, discovering the "380 steps".

The city has developed the western ascent of the Bastille, which is little known except to a few runners. This ascent is accessible via the Route de Clémencières. The proposed descent takes you back to the Jardin des Dauphins, but you can take another usual route (Fontaine du Lion or Porte Saint-Laurent, or even the Grenoble cable car, nicknamed "les Bulles").The slope is quite steep but safe. You will pass by some unusual views of the valley and the Grottes de Mandrin, a defensive structure of the Bastille's glacis.This hike should not be attempted in rainy weather or up to 24 hours afterwards, as the ground is slippery. The return trip is not recommended.

A short walk taking in various historical sites in Grenoble. Very easy and accessible, the route allows you to discover the historic centre and the squares that have marked Grenoble. With numerous cafés along the route, allow more than just walking time.

A beautiful, physically demanding route in the hills above Grenoble with impressive views. Quite a long route, with the possibility of running on several sections. Be careful, however, as the route on the La Tronche side is a bit chaotic.

A “Town-to-Mountain” hike that takes you from the banks of the Isère to the summit of Mont Rachais. At 1,046 metres, its ridge overlooks the eastern part of the Grenoble conurbation, the Haut-Grésivaudan and the Belledonne range. En route, you can visit the fortifications of the Bastille and the memorial to the Alpine troops on Mont Jalla. No particular difficulty (apart from the cumulative elevation gain of around 900m) and as this slope is well exposed, the route can be tackled in winter as the snow melts very quickly there.

Exploring La Bastille and Mont Jalla. Since 2000, the summit of Mont Jalla has been home to the National Memorial to the Mountain Troops.

Whilst the Croix de Quinsonas, situated on Mont Jalla, pays tribute to local Resistance fighters, the one on the ridge of Mont Rachais is far more enigmatic as to its origin. But both offer superb vantage points over the sprawling Grenoble conurbation, surrounded by Belledonne, the Taillefer, the Matheysine and the Vercors.

This first stage takes you on an assault on the Vercors, gradually leaving the urban environment behind you.

This is a trek across the Vercors via the high plateaus, the wildest and most unspoilt part of the Vercors. From the north to the south of the Vercors, an 88km hike through spectacular landscapes. You’ll be camping in tents or in the various shelters lining theGR®.

Mont-Rachais from Lachal, passing at the foot of the rocky outcrops to rejoin theGR®9.

This hike takes you on a varied route with scenic viewpoints to discover some local curiosities, without leaving the Grenoble metropolitan area, as the starting point is at the terminus of tram line A, "La Poya". The varied passages through Les Vouillants are described in another hike on Visorando and can be added on for experienced walkers.

The perfect family walk: easy, fun, with trails that all lead to the same place, Pré Faure. This circuit is unique in that it passes through the "Désert Jean-Jacques Rousseau", worthy of the greatest romantics, climbs up to the Ferme Froussard, a historic site linked to the Resistance, and returns via a viewpoint offering a superb view of Grenoble and its valley. More challenging access from the town of Fontaine via the "Coup de Sabre"

A walk just a few kilometres from Grenoble offering beautiful views over the Isère valley, the Chartreuse and Belledonne. Although some sections are very busy, this route allows you to walk at a leisurely pace whilst enjoying the views.

From the Promenade des Vouillants, treat yourself to a little adventure by climbing up to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte on pleasant trails to Pariset. You will return via the tramway, which no longer exists but has been replaced by a very pleasant forest path. You will pass in front of Pariset station, then, after visiting the Tour sans Venin, you will descend to Les Vouillants. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful views of Moucherotte and the Grenoble valley.

A lovely walk through the woods to reach a high point overlooking Grenoble and the Isère valley.

Climbing to Saint-Nizier-du-Moucherotte from Grenoble remains a challenge for most of us, given the distance and elevation gain. It is possible to follow part of the old tramway line at Pariset for a gentler ascent, then descend via theGR®9. These three circular loops will allow you to discover a particularly overlooked area as you climb. It is possible to shorten the route from the first circular loop, at the tunnel, or from the second, at a place known as "Blanche Neige"

The advantage of Grenoble is that just 15 minutes from the city centre, you can go for a hike in the low mountains. Here’s a short circular route to get fit before spring, or a family walk to get up high and enjoy the views.

Views of the Chartreuse, the Vercors, Grenoble, the Isère, the Drac, Belledonne and Mont Blanc.

A pleasant mountain bike ride (with or without e-bike), via the Col de Vence, Mont Jalla, Les Clémencieres, La Bastille, and back via La Vierge Noire

Mont-Rachais from Lévetière. Return via Mont-Jalla. View of the Chartreuse, Belledonne, Vercors and Mont Blanc if the weather is clear enough.

A pleasant walk that takes you to the Clos des Capucins, either through the woods or along the quiet streets of the upper parts of Corenc and Meylan.

On the outskirts of the capital of the Alps, a circular route starting from Eybens provides access to the Fort de Montavie overlooking Grenoble. This is more of a walk than a hike, offering remarkable views of the three mountain ranges surrounding the Drac and Isère valleys: Belledonne, Chartreuse and Vercors.

A walk in the shade above Grenoble.

A special hike organised as part of both the Grenoble-Vizille half marathon and the hike itself.

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 leisurely stroll starting from Eybens church, offering a view of the Grenoble conurbation as you pass the Belvédère du Sabot orientation table.

This is a short, easy walk, perfect for after lunch or before dinner, which will delight young and old alike. For adults, chatting will be the ideal accompaniment to this walk, while children can throw stones into the Vence or skip them across the water.

This circular route takes you around the Quatre Seigneurs hill, offering a variety of breathtaking views of the nearby city of Grenoble and the Grésivaudan valley.

An easy walk just a stone’s throw from Grenoble. Or how to go from an urban suburb to a quiet, peaceful rural area that you would never have imagined could be so close to a city.

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 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.

Easy access to Mont Rachais. View over Chartreuse, Belledonne, Grenoble and the Vercors.

Starting from the Col de Vence, climb to Mont Rachais via the ridge after a detour via the Quichat batteries and return to the pass.

A classic hike from the Col de Vence to the Fort du Saint-Eynard. The entire route follows theGR®9trail, with no difficulty in finding your way. Wide panoramic view from the summit.

A short hike to enjoy this geological feature: a flaming fountain.