Le Touvet walks

An easy circular route, half through woodland and half along small tarmac roads, from one castle to another. This circular route can be combined with another circular route, from the fortified house of La Frette to Château du Touvet.

From Saint-Vincent-de-Mercuze, this is a varied, beautiful and enjoyable hike, accessible to children in dry weather. Please note that the climb up the Ruisseau l'Alloix can be very slippery in wet weather. Most of the route is under trees. It is pleasant to do in hot weather, with a short stop halfway to eat at Moulin Tardy (picnic table) and the possibility of swimming in the Alloix. It is best to do this in spring when there is plenty of water and the waterfalls are magnificent.

An easy route in the hills above Le Touvet, from one castle to another, with the first part in the forest and the return via the hamlets on the road, including 250 m on the D29, but without any danger.

Please note: the route is closed from 15 August until the end of September 2026. The Aulp du Seuil crossing: this hike ranks among the most beautiful in the Chartreuse.

This is a short, unusual walk that follows the Alloix torrent. Curious walkers will spend more time admiring the work of the water than walking. This walk can end with a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the old village or, as the locals say, "on the paths of yesteryear", where local markings will guide you.

A breathtaking circular route linking together numerous wonders: the rugged Pas des Charassons, the scenic Crête de l’Alpette, the magnificent Écaille du Pas de Ragris, the famous Tour Percée, the precarious Arche Miracle and the beautiful Aup du Seuil pass. This hike, covering less than 13km with 1,500m of elevation gain, requires a good sense of direction and sure-footedness (short sections of grade 3c climbing). Please note: the IGN topographic map is completely unreliable here! An agreement has been signed between the department and the owner of the 800 hectares in the Hauts de Chartreuse nature reserve to allow free access to the two paths that run across the Marcieu plateau. The exit at Pas des Charassons, which leads back onto the plateau, joins one of these paths within a few metres. You may request permission to pass from the landowner, although there are no visible prohibition signs on the ground.

Spectacular hike to the hanging gardens of Charassons with two magnificent arches to discover.As the Marcieu valley is entirely private, the hike never passes through it and always remains on authorised terrain. This hike is extremely difficult, beyond what is usual on Visorando, and requires climbing a short 3c section (a single move). An ice axe is recommended even (especially) in summer to tackle the steep slopes of the hanging gardens without stress. Most of the hike takes place on unmarked and (very) poorly marked paths. See Practical Information. This hike takes place largely at the foot of cliffs. Geolocation (GPS, etc.) is therefore approximate, with errors exceeding 40 m. You must therefore use your brain and critical thinking skills and act according to the terrain. As is often the case, this hike is a variation on a theme by Pascal Sombardier.

Numerous streams flow down from the Petites Roches plateau into the Isère valley, creating several spectacular waterfalls. This route allows you to explore those at the northern end of the Petites Roches plateau, which are not part of the ‘Tour des Petites Roches’GR® de pays route, which runs further south. If the full hike is too long, you can use this as inspiration for easier alternatives.

A route offering stunning views of the Chartreuse, Belledonne, Maurienne and, time and again, Mont Blanc (especially when the trees have no leaves or have shed them). Numerous streams and torrents create a lovely atmosphere, but require good footwear, unless you fancy having wet feet. Unfortunately, my route description seems to be causing problems, so I strongly recommend using GPS and the map on your phone!

Day2 of this trip via the Col de Bellefont to reach the Dent de Crolles plateau.Descent via the pass above the Trou du Glaz, then down to the Col des Ayes and up the Roc d’Arguille to the Col de Pravouta and the hut of the same name. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Route modified following a rockfall. It is no longer possible to take the path via the Trou du Glaz (5). The area remains particularly dangerous due to the high risk of further rockfall and falling boulders. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issued a by-law to close several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). For an ascent of the Dent de Crolles, it is possible to take the route via the Pas de l’Oeille. You can also go via the Guiers waterfalls to reach (E).

A low-altitude circular route that is demanding, rising first to the beautiful Teppes Cochon waterfall, then climbing up to the Plateau des Petites Roches via the well-marked Pierre-Plate path, before crossing along the hillside towards Les Prés, and then descending back down to Grésivaudan via the tricky Pas du Facteur.

The Cirque de Saint-Même is very popular in summer, with most visitors content to picnic on the meadows or follow the marked waterfall route. The short circular route proposed extends this route with a climb to an additional waterfall and the Source du Guiers Vif, via the steep Pas Ruat passage with its astonishing under-rock passage leading out in front of the Grotte du Guiers Vif. (¹) See During the hike or nearby

Hike to discover the sources of the Guiers Vif and the Crêtes du Grand Manti, among waterfalls, caves, cliffs and mountain pastures. Please note that this hike is vertiginous in some areas (Pas de la Mort) and is not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo or in wet weather.

Une superbe boucle où l'on côtoie, cascades, tunnel naturel, grotte, pas d'escalade, vire aérienne, alpage avec pour couronner le tout, au long du parcours, de très beaux points de vue. Attention, ce parcours exposé n'est pas adapté aux personnes sujettes au vertige et n'ayant pas l'expérience de traversée aérienne et de pas d'escalade. A éviter impérativement par temps humide en raison des risques de glissade.

Short hike in the forest to discover the waterfalls of the Guiers Vif.

From the Cirque de Saint-Même and its waterfalls to the Hauts de Chartreuse plateaus via 3 Pas to the Croix de l'Alpe (1,821 m). Very beautiful view.

A circular loop exploring the Griffes de l’Ours and emerging onto the Belles Ombres ridge after a short stretch along the eponymous ‘sangle’. The Griffes de l’Ours are usually tackled by returning via the same path as the outward journey. Our route allows you to climb up onto the ridge via a few rocky sections, enabling you to admire the Griffes de l’Ours from every angle.

This circular loop, which takes you off the beaten track, allows you to explore the distinctive rocks of the lower Belles Ombres ridge, then climb up to the upper ridge to walk through its impressive cirques, before ascending to the ridge and returning via the Rochers de Belles Ombres to the pass of the same name.

This hike takes in two of the most challenging passes in the Chartreuse, where sure-footedness is essential; take great care on the descent from the Pas de la Rousse. Its highest point is very close to the Tunnel du Trèfle and, if you look carefully from the tunnel, you can catch a glimpse of the inaccessible Arche de la Morille.

A hike to explore the secluded Pas de Montbrun, which leads to the ridge of the Rochers de Bellefont via a route of moderate exposure and without any major difficulty, apart from finding your way in the upper section. From Les Massards, the path heads towards the Source du Sanglier and then the Col de Marcieu, leaving it opposite the Pas de Montbrun. A narrow track climbs up a scree slope and, via a few short scrambling sections, reaches the ridge leading to the Pas de Rocheplane. A well-marked path crosses a few rocky outcrops and, after a section through the forest, returns to the car park.

A wild and off-the-beaten-track hike linking the high-altitude ridge of Les Belles Ombres, where chamois frolic all year round, with the bucolic meadows of L’Alpette, where marmots abound. This route is mainly off-trail and requires sure-footedness and a good sense of direction. It is unlikely that you will encounter other walkers, except at the Croix de l’Alpe and on the section of path leading there.

This short hike leads to the Col de l'Alpe via the path used by cows going up and down from the mountain pasture.

A circular route along the eastern ridge of the Hauts de Chartreuse, combining a variety of terrain (rocks, forests, mountain pastures) with stunning views across the Alps. Can be completed in half a day, preferably in the morning. Please note: read the information regarding the difficulties in the ‘Practical Information’ section carefully.

Circular route through the beautiful valley between Theys and the Col du Barioz, ideal for a sunny winter’s afternoon. Yellow signposts mark the route, as do wooden ‘Tour de la Villette’ signs.Note: half of the route is on tarmac roads (narrow and with little traffic).

On the Saint-Hilaire du Touvet plateau, this is a circular loop of 2 to 3 hours that is suitable for young children. Very shady and close to the Saint-Hilaire paragliding training slopes (FFVL South take-off point), it also gives children a fun opportunity to watch the sails inflate.

A pleasant walk, with a bit of an uphill climb but a lovely atmosphere as you pass through hamlets, heading towards a chapel that apparently doesn’t exist. The views are lovely in any case, and the hamlets are pretty too. A very pleasant change of scenery.

Whether you're a paraglider or hang glider, Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet is paradise. From the valley, the funicular takes paragliders and walkers alike to the Petites Roches plateau, where everyone can take off into the air or walk on the edge of the void. For hikers, this route at the foot of the Dent de Crolles offers a viewpoint over the valley before entering the forest in search of the remains of the Moulin de Porte-Traîne mill.

A 25-minute drive from Grenoble, this is a family-friendly walk starting from the Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet funicular station, beneath the paragliders, to the path leading to the Crolles waterfall. There is little elevation gain and it can be done in all weathers.

An original outing that allows you to discover the superb work carried out here for the construction of the Touvet funicular railway. The ascent is on foot and the descent, to relieve the knees, is by funicular. (Please note): This route is currently closed. See explanations here (Comment from a hiker) dated 18 June 2023: small difficult section: crossing the scree slope where you need to use two ropes to reach the path in the forest.

A lovely with snowshoes, with a beautiful view of the Alpine peaks at its height. Note that this hike can be done in all seasons.

This circular allows you to take the longest route in the massif, linking the Sangle du Fouda Blanc and the Sangle du Pinet. The proposed return route allows you to visit the characteristic sites of the Pinet, which are its mushroom rocks and the arch of its sinkhole. Please note that this is a challenging route: you will be between two cliffs for about two hours, where missteps are not an option. Dry terrain is essential.

A pleasant walk in the Hauts de Chartreuse nature reserve. Lost in the mountain pastures, the old boundary markers between Savoie and Dauphiné still look beautiful.

Please note that this exposed route is not suitable for people who are prone to vertigo and have no experience of aerial crossings and climbing steps. It should not be attempted in wet weather due to the risk of slipping.This circular hike crosses the very aerial sangles of Fouda Blanc and Le Pinet, which, at over 3 km, is the longest in the Chartreuse. The Fouda Blanc sangle is slightly less exposed and busier than the Pinet. The latter is narrower, often grassy, slippery in wet weather, and has a few unstable earthy passages that must be crossed with caution. Access to this crossing is via the Varvats trail at Pas de l'Échelle. At the end of the ridges, you reach the summit of Pinet, also known as Truc, then the ridge trail joins Pas de Fouda Blanc, which you descend before crossing the Grotte à l'Échelle. The descent down a scree slope and then through the woods takes you back to the return path.GPX track required.

Here is the guidebook for the longest ledge in Chartreuse and, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful. It is a loop circuit that forms a figure 8. The west, slightly north-west orientation of this ledge leads me to recommend that you set off at the end of the morning and in this direction so that you can enjoy the most beautiful landscapes at the end of the afternoon. A much more complete description can be found in Pascal Sombardier's book "Les Randonnées du Vertige" (Vertigo Hikes).

This intermediate peak in the Chartreuse is relatively unknown and therefore rarely visited, except by wildlife. The ascent takes place through woodland, and you must reach the cliff-top summit to enjoy a beautiful view of the Chartreuse peaks. The hike is suitable in all seasons, including on snowshoes in winter.

To reach the Fontanieu chimney, the classic route climbs through the forest on the western slope of the Mallissard valley. It is difficult to find your way here due to a maze of forest paths created by logging. In addition, the maps are often out of date.The proposed hike avoids this wooded valley and passes through a little-used area where the route is easy to follow with very few intersections. It consists of a single track, climbing up a valley to the Col de Fontanieu. However, this adds 2 km to the hike and 50 m to the elevation gain. From the pass, the trail climbs to the foot of the cliff and follows it to reach the Fontanieu chimney. Then there is a long aerial traverse followed by a ridge crossing. From the summit of the Lance Sud de Malissard, the return is via the Col de Bellefont and the Col de la Saulce. 4/12/2023: Some sections may be closed (see practical information).

A splendid but little-used circular, starting from Saint-Hilaire du Touvet and passing through the Pas des Terreaux, the Dent de Crolles, the Cheminée du Paradis and the Pas de Rocheplane. Much of the hike is on poorly marked paths on steep slopes. The Cheminée du Paradis is a small climbing step, which explains the level of difficulty. It is possible to extend this hike in a pleasant way, either during the hike itself or nearby.

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

This is a half-day hike. A steady climb takes you to the village of Montouvrard, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Belledonne. The yellow markings are a little faded.

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.

An easy hiking version of this climb to the Grand Rocher. Once past the refuge, the route follows the Crêt Luisard ridge, where the view is breathtaking in all directions, and you can even see Mont Blanc from the summit.

Short hike to the Crêt du Poulet orientation tables via the Chalet Pierre Roubet.

A beautiful circular route on the ridge of the Grand Rocher, which acts as a balcony with a superb panorama of the Haut-Bréda valley, the Allevard massif and the Sept Laux massif. Easy access from the Barioz cross-country ski centre and an easy route to do in mid-spring when the peaks are still snow-covered.

A lovely snowshoe hike above Grésivaudan through forests and meadows, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The route is easy and ends at the Crêt du Poulet refuge, where you can enjoy a glass of mulled wine.

This route has the least elevation gain for climbing one of the four peaks over 2,000 m in the Chartreuse. Magnificent view of the back of the Dent de Crolles, the north of the Chartreuse and, on the other side, the majestic Mont Blanc.

Circular walk around the foothills of the Chartreuse with a beautiful view of Belledonne and a walk past the Furet Waterfall.

Here is an unusual and challenging hike. It takes in all the must-see sights of the Dent de Crolles and its surroundings: Source du Guiers Mort, Arche à l’Aiguille, Sangle Barrère, Chemin des Crêtes, Arche de Rocheplane and Lance Sud de Malissard. ⚠️ 05/06/2026: route modified to avoid the Trou du Glaz path, which has been closed since November 2025 following a rockslide.

A walk well sheltered from the sun in the heart of the Cartusian forest. Best done on hot days. Once you reach the hut, you will be rewarded with a splendid 359° panorama. Please note! Several hikers have reported a landslide between points (3) and (4). This landslide could be a problem for people prone to vertigo and could prove dangerous.

A short hike around the Guiers Mort, a pretty little stream. The walk is mainly through the woods and along the valley floor to discover its source. This walk can be followed by a second one, still around the same stream: the Gorges du Guiers Mort, where you can even take a dip. These two short hikes can be done one after the other (3½ hours + 30 minutes by car) or separately.

An unusual hike through the rocky outcrops of the Chaos de Bellefont. Expect a few short sections of easy climbing. You must follow the markings in the Chaos de Bellefont very carefully to avoid getting lost.

This is a beautiful hike that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Chartreuse and Belledonne mountains in the distance from the summit. This hike also allows you to enjoy the magnificent limestone landscapes of the surrounding area! Please note: the final stretch through the rocks between the Col de Bellefond and the summit of the Lance Sud is quite steep and requires you to use your hands. In addition, the west face of the summit ridge is steep and therefore not necessarily suitable for people who are afraid of heights.

A beautiful, fairly challenging walk offering splendid views of all the peaks of the Chartreuse. Caution! Read the comments carefully. A tricky scree slope has been reported.

A beautiful, wild hike in the heart of the Chartreuse and on the edge of its nature reserve. The route starts in the woodland, to the sound of the waterfall and the source of the Guiers, climbs up the cliff face, crosses the wild and rugged Chaos de Bellefont, passes through mountain pastures, and reaches the ridge with its stunning views.

A very nice alternative for climbing to the Dent de Crolles from Perquelin, as a substitute for the Trou du Glaz, which is closed: rockfall in winter 2026. No technical difficulty apart from the descent of the Pas de l’Œille, where it is sometimes necessary to use your hands, and no vertiginous sections. The circular route can be done in either direction.

A very pretty walk above Theys, with a climb towards Belledonne and fantastic views. Between forest and mountain pastures, with the chance to take in the peaks.

Starting from the Col d'Hurtières, you’ll enjoy varied scenery. Let yourself be surprised by the views. This walk is enjoyable in both summer and winter.

This is definitely the easiest and shortest way to climb the Grand Som. Caution for those prone to vertigo: between (2) and (3), the walk becomes a climb in places. The passages are often narrow and can be daunting.

A beautiful hike in Chartreuse that follows the route of the 120 hairpin bends to reach the Col du Frêt, before turning onto the Col de Bovinant. In the second half of June, the flora is in full bloom: St Bruno's lilies, martagon lilies, columbines, anemones, gentians...

A wilder approach to this iconic peak of the Grande Chartreuse, which will require some route finding to reach the starting point.

From Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont, this beautiful walk leads to the source of the Guiers-Vif, follows the course of the torrent, passes through hamlets and reveals the large clearing of the Cirque de Saint-Même. The Cirque de Saint-Même is a very popular spot, attracting families in search of fresh air in the summer months. Hikers will find a little more freshness and tranquillity as they climb towards the Cascade du Guiers-Vif.

A beautiful loop in the northern Chartreuse with magnificent 360° views of the Alps.

This circular walk exploring Château de Montbel is also a Randocroquis® route offering introductory art workshops: drawing techniques, contrasts, perspective and landscapes.

This route winds its way between the two churches of Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont before slipping into the Cozon valley. It follows an ancient path, a haven of greenery and freshness where it is pleasant to walk with the family on hot summer days.

La montée emprunte le parcours le plus fréquenté de l'accès au Granier, celui par le Col de l'Alpette et le Pas des Barres. La descente par le Pas de Tancovaz reste beaucoup plus secrète, la désescalade de deux étroitures nécessitant une certaine agilité doublée d'un bon sens d'orientation dans la descente hors sentier d'un pierrier pentu. Mais ces difficultés font tout le charme de ce retour atypique.

Le Pinet is a viewpoint overlooking Les Entremonts. Less frequented than its neighbour, Le Granier, it is just as much a part of the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve and its access via the normal route is well suited to families, with a few variations possible.

This is a snowshoe hike with no specific markings for this activity; however, theGR® 9 markings do exist, though they are less visible in winter conditions The appeal of this hike lies not in the markings but rather in the atmosphere you experience along the route across the plateau.

A lovely start from the beautiful Tour d'Avalon, followed by a fairly varied circular route through forests and villages.This route is difficult to describe due to the numerous roads and paths in this area, so a GPS and an online map (for example, downloaded via the Visorando app) are recommended. The Tour d’Avalon serves as a good landmark.

Very pretty hike in the foothills of Granier. At the summit, there is a large plateau ideal for picnics, with views of the surrounding peaks and Mont Blanc in good weather. An easy family walk, done with a 3½-year-old girl who is used to walking, as it is quite steep.

From the small hamlet of La Plagne, summit of Le Pinet (1,867m), beautiful view to the west, then summit of La Croix de l'Alpe (1,821m) via the Chalets de l'Alpe.

Roche Veyrand is a peak that proudly dominates the two Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont villages. Its steep slopes have made it possible to equip a Via Ferrata. This route is a classic in the Entremonts: it climbs directly up a steep path close to the equipped cliff, then descends via a wide forest detour that takes you through several hamlets of Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Savoie).

Hike starting from a small village in Isère (on the border with Savoie) to reach the summit that separates it from its neighbour Allevard-les-Bains. From the ridge, a superb panorama allows you to discover the latter at the foot of the massif of the same name.This hike is more athletic than recreational, with a long and fairly steep climb, mainly through sometimes damp undergrowth, which can make the descent quite slippery.

Around the two communes of Saint-Pierre d'Entremont, this walk covers the two departments of Savoie and Isère, exploring the architectural heritage and Carthusian landscapes. The most beautiful panorama can be seen from the esplanade of the Château du Gouvernement in Saint-Pierre d'Entremont (Isère).

Third and final day of this trip to the Chartreuse to collect the car.

The route runs mainly through the Chartreuse Natural Park, passing through the massif's iconic passes and mountains. The route combines fairly steep climbs, passages through plateaus, mountain pastures and a village.

Short family-friendly walk with a magnificent view, manageable on foot or on snowshoes.

A lovely circular route in the Chartreuse with the Bec Charvet as the highest point, a descent towards the Col de la Faïta via the ridges and the return via a section ofthe GR®9.

A short, quiet hike offering interesting views of the Dent de Crolles and Chamechaude, far from the crowds. Significant elevation gain to the summit of Bec Charvet. The route is partly unmarked: follow the route on the map and the instructions carefully.

Snowshoe route on a sunny slope in the Entremont valley. This route combines well-marked sections with others that are a little more open. In winter, this route is normally done on snowshoes. This was a snowshoe outing, but given the lack of snow at the end of January 2014, the snowshoes remained attached to our rucksacks.

Take a stroll along the Cozon torrent and enjoy a refreshing break in this lively corner of the Chartreuse. Cultural visits and relaxation will round off the day.

A magnificent route around Entremont-le-Vieux with splendid panoramic views of the Chartreuse massif, this moderately difficult hike will be a delight for landscape lovers and photographers. This hike is also available at tourist offices, offered by Chartreuse Tourisme

Visit the Haut-Bernin on a gentle walk at the foot of the Chartreuse cliff. You can contemplate a cumulative altitude of 9845m which is more than the Everest, with le Mont-Blanc (4806m), le Grand Pic de Belledonne (2977m) and la Dent de Crolles (2062m). You will meet lots of dog walkers and you will walk through forests, vineyards, and pass beehives.

A hike that takes you to the Plateau des Lacs des Sept Laux from Le Pleynet.Accommodation available at the refuge. ⚠️15/06/2026: a notice indicates a rockfall at Cul de la Vieille between 4 and 5, making it impossible to follow this route. You must take the GR®738 between 5 and 7. Please let us know in the comments if you have any information regarding the lifting of this notice.

A short hike in the heart of the Entremonts, offering stunning views from the summit and passing through beautiful meadows dotted with traditional old barns on the way back.

A circular route starting from Col de la Cluse (1170m), combining a wild route on the way there and a classic trail on the way back. This outing is not very difficult, but can be a little physically demanding at times when you have to break trail in 40cm of powder snow.

La Cochette in Chartreuse (1,618 m) is an easily accessible peak.

A good half-day walk to enjoy panoramic views of the Chartreuse, the Vercors in the distance, Lauzière and the nearby Belledonnes. Please note: there is an error. This hike is on foot and not by mountain bike as indicated.

Footprints in the snow for this walk, which can be enjoyed in the summer sun or in the shade of oak and fir trees...