La Ferrière (Isère) walks

Starting from the village of Gleysin, from the Bourgeat Noire car park, this beautiful loop in Belledonne connects several iconic sites in the Haut Bréda valley.The route passes by the Chalet du Bout, then climbs up to the Croix du Léat, before descending to the peaceful Lac du Léat, ideal for a quiet bivouac with views of the Chartreuse and the Bauges. The route continues to the Refuge de l'Oule, a small, friendly alpine lodge where you can also spend the night, then descends back to the starting point. We did this hike over two days with a night at the lake, but it can also be done in a day for the more experienced. A beautiful and varied loop, between forests, alpine pastures, open ridges and wild waterways.

This is a beautiful loop for a day trip in the Belledonne massif, with varied terrain and landscapes. The refuge can be a stopover for more alpine hikes.

A family walk through forests and meadows in the Belledonne Massif with superb panoramic views of the Grande Chartreuse Massif on one side and the Vanoise and Sept-Laux on the other.

A stone's throw from town and you're high in the mountains. But pay attention to the risks.

A good hike in the crystalline Belledonne massif, the Combe Madame refuge is not very high up, but it provides access to areas for experienced and hardy mountaineers. Water is everywhere, lakes are nearby, wildlife inhabits the vertiginous slopes and hikers are treated to breathtaking views.

Hike between lakes and mountains around the Refuge des Sept Laux.

This is a very pretty route through the mountain pastures to the Col de Claran, offering panoramic views of all the mountains in the Bauges and Chartreuse regions in particular, but also far beyond, as far as Mont Blanc and Mont Aiguille. The circuit is very well marked with traditional yellow signs and markings on the rocks at regular intervals.

This is a magnificent, easy walk that takes you through many beautiful natural sites, with breathtaking views of the Grésivaudan valley and the Chartreuse mountains.

Loop between Prapoutel and Pipay, from the forest to the Balcon des Sept Laux trail, offering breathtaking views of the Chartreuse Massif and birds flying across the Belledonne sky. With a bit of luck, you may spot a bearded vulture, one of only four species of vulture in France, which is currently being reintroduced in the Alps.

A forest loop allows you to reach the Pont de la Betta, the starting point for a multitude of other hikes, while discovering the charming hamlet of Prabert and the magnificent Cascade des Avoux waterfall.

This is a beautiful, very easy walk through the forests surrounding Prapoutel, passing through various places such as the Pré de l'Arc and its holiday camp, the Gros Caillou, and the Chalet des Cortillets with its panoramic view of the Chartreuse Mountains and the Grésivaudan Valley.

A beautiful family walk in the heart of the Belledonne forest, starting from the Prapoutel resort (Les Sept Laux). This easy walk can be done via several routes and paths, all leading to Pré de l'Arc, where it is impossible to get lost thanks to the clear signposting.

A lovely day's hike with breathtaking views of the Aiguilles de l'Argentière, offering plenty of refreshment thanks to a myriad of lakes and, in the background, the Aiguilles d'Arves and La Meije.

This wild hike takes place in spectacular, uncrowded locations, with a good third of the route on a faint but obvious trail that presents no technical difficulties. There are many ibex and chamois as soon as you leave the marked trails, and it is easy to observe them if you set off early enough. A recommended alternative is to climb to the Pointe Centrale du Ferrouillet from the Col de la Brêche, which does not increase the difficulty (allow 30 minutes there and back).

A classic hike in the heart of Belledonne, ending at one of the great lakes of Belledonne, outside the Sept Laux. Round trip hike.

This hike, which takes place entirely above 2,000 metres, takes you to the edge of two artificial lakes fed largely by the Saint-Sorlin Glacier, dominated by the Pic de l'Étandard.