La Tronche walks

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.

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

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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

A walk in the shade above Grenoble.

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.

A short and easy walk on the ridge of Mont-Saint-Eynard, above Grenoble, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city, the Belledonne mountain range and, at the end, the Sappey valley. This walk is a local classic and can be very busy.

Every year, Grenoble organises a Street Art Festival, best explored by bike rather than on foot. This route brings together the main temporary artworks from the last three years, some of which are monumental. The owners have kindly allowed renowned artists to use their walls and garage doors. It’s best to set off on this city tour on a Sunday morning around 9.00 am, as there’s less traffic, the light is better and, above all, the shutters on shop fronts and garages are down.

Mount Rachais, from the hamlet of Frette, situated on its far northern side.

The walk took place as part of the Metrorando event. The Grenoble Metro, comprising 49 local authorities around Grenoble, organises two walking days open to all each year, offering three different walks. Each participant chooses the one that suits them best. This was the medium-length walk completed on that Sunday at the end of September.

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.

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.

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®.

A fairly short but steep circular route up the little-known Rocher du Bret ridge. At the summit, you will be rewarded with a 360° panorama of the southern Chartreuse, Belledonne, the Grenoble conurbation and the Vercors. The return journey is more conventional, passing by the Batteries du Saint-Eynard, which offer some more beautiful views.

This circuit runs along the Saint-Eynard ridge and offers a bird's eye view of the Grésivaudan valley and Grenoble.

A short, challenging and perfect walk starting from La Monta, passing through the splendid Bellevue meadow—which certainly lives up to its name—then heading towards Le Sialet, to finish at the highest point of a superb wild meadow. Splendid views of the Chartreuse, Pinéa, Chamechaude, and the valley too! And directly opposite, the majestic Moucherotte, the Vercors stretching out behind it, and the bustling town far below. As beautiful as a painting by Jean Achard! And just a stone’s throw from the town...

An original alternative to the usual route up to La Pinéa from the Col de Porte, mainly through woodland and very little used. An ideal hike in summer thanks to the coolness of the forest. The 360° view from the summit of La Pinéa is magnificent, taking in the Chartreuse, Belledonne and the Vercors.