La Pinéa from the Col de Porte

One of the classic hikes in Grenoble. A few short, steep climbs, a lovely, almost flat section through the woods and a fun ascent to the summit for a 360° view of Grenoble, the Chartreuse, Belledonne, the Vercors, Mont Blanc, etc.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.56 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 424 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 424 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,746 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,322 m

Photos

Description of the walk

When you reach the ski slopes, continue along the road that climbs up to Charmant Som, pass the restaurant and park on the left.

(S/E) The path is signposted and goes straight ahead on a sort of road, to the left of a wooden sculpture. It is not difficult, just follow the double yellow + red and white markings.

(1) At the end of this forest road, take the path on the left and follow it to the next intersection.

(2) Keep to the right and continue straight ahead, following the markings. It's uphill! Once you reach the top of this climb, it's flat, so keep going! You will come to a T-junction.

(3) Turn left to tackle the final climb to the summit. This climb is not rock climbing, but you will need to use your hands in places to help you. Be careful in wet weather, as the rocks can be slippery. If you have them, put your walking sticks away, as they will be more of a hindrance than anything else. Reach the summit of La Pinéa.

(4) Enjoy the view. To return, follow the ascent route in reverse to get back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,322 m - Car park after the restaurant
  2. 1 : km 0.62 - alt. 1,353 m - End of forest road
  3. 2 : km 0.9 - alt. 1,399 m - Junction, left
  4. 3 : km 2.79 - alt. 1,615 m - La Pinéa / Charmant Som fork
  5. 4 : km 3.26 - alt. 1,746 m - La Pinéa
  6. S/E : km 6.56 - alt. 1,322 m - Car park after the restaurant

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 9965848

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike, mostly in the shade, but quite dangerous for the last 200 metres. I would not recommend it for young children

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Svalag
Svalag

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant short hike, not very physically demanding and sheltered in the forest, except for the final stretch (which is challenging and in direct sunlight)

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Piter
Piter

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The 360° view makes this route quite popular, even though the last section is quite steep, smooth and rugged. Take care with children, people who are prone to vertigo and in bad weather. It can get slippery quickly. Only this last section is exposed.

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Isabelle94
Isabelle94

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The rocky outcrop at the end of the hike is spectacular (for an amateur hiker like me)!
The view must be superb on a clear day, which was not the case during my climb.

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Charlie 38
Charlie 38

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A great hike to do early in the morning with the family, when it's quieter.

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Sandrandonneuse
Sandrandonneuse

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely hike done with crampons on snow compacted by foot traffic. The path is well marked with signposts and signs. Part of the path is in the forest and open enough to enjoy the sun. At Mont Fromage, continue along the ridge towards La Pinea. Breathtaking view of La Chamechaude and Les Belledonne opposite. On the day of our outing, we saw a sea of clouds above Grésivaudan. I will do this route in summer, pushing on to another pass.

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