Les Échelles walks

Short hike to discover prehistory at the Fru site and the historic passage of the Via Sarde between Lyon and Turin.

The Col des Mille Martyrs is a road pass well known to cyclists, but hikers are also familiar with it, as there are many paths criss-crossing the area. The proposed walk takes place in a landscape of pastures and forests to the west of the Chartreuse Massif, offering panoramic views of the mountains.

Petit Som and Grand Som from Gîte à Rucher de la Ruchère.

This easy hike in summer becomes more difficult with the onset of winter conditions. A few centimetres of snow are enough to cover the markings on the ground and make it harder to progress on the steeper sections. This hike can be done in half a day from mid-November onwards, but don't set off after 2pm, otherwise you'll need a head torch for the return journey.

The Mont Grêle lookout point and Archelle’s summit. Mont Grêle is a peak that is visible from the valley of Chambéry and the Aiguebelette region. It is easily spotted thanks to or because of the pylons that are installed at the top. Up close, these towers have still look great, but they do not alone justify the purpose of the tour, which is interesting because it offers views over Lake Aiguebelette and Chartreuse.

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.

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

A short mountain hike leading to an exceptional viewpoint.

A beautiful hike to be done with or without snowshoes.

In the land of silence of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, an easy and very pleasant walk in all seasons.

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 In addition, the maps are often out of date.The proposed hike avoids this wooded valley and passes through a little-used area where the route is easy to follow with very few intersections.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 very pleasant walk, often in the shade. Ideal for very hot days. Very little tarmac and, as a bonus, waterfalls. Points of interest: the Robin Stele (a tragic episode in the Resistance), the gorges visible from the footbridge, the waterfall, etc.

A magnificent hike that combines a natural section starting with a climb through the forest, continuing over the pleasant Pas de La Suiffière and then the easy but aerial ascent of the south ridge of the Grand Som, with a cultural section exploring the Monastère de la Grande Chartreuse, a veritable work of architectural art.

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.

This is a loop trail that passes through the Grand Som and, to avoid the crowds, descends along the Arête de la Suiffière (a little exposed but easy), then joins the Col de Freney (and the forest) and, via a path with numerous hairpin bends, returns just above La Correrie, our starting point.

Leave the village and walk around the valley, discovering the main peaks as you go: Charmant Som, Chamechaude, Dent de Crolles, Scia and Grand Som. You will also pass through several Carthusian hamlets.

This hike takes you to the summit of Mont Grelle and runs along part of Lake Aiguebelette, which can be admired from a viewpoint.

Starting from Aiguebelette, this is an easy hike on the western slope of the Épine mountain, taking the Voie Romaine and the Voie Sarde. This route offers numerous views of Lake Aiguebelette. See the safety recommendations at (9).

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.