Refine your search for walks in Les Échelles
Les Échelles walks
The Belvédère de l'Ecolu
Visorando Member
4.36 mi
+1,194 ft
-1,188 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Les Échelles (Savoie)
A pleasant walk in the woods overlooking the village of Les Échelles in Savoie.
Circular Écolu and Sainte-Madeleine Chapel
6.09 mi
+1,588 ft
-1,588 ft
4h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Genebroz (Savoie)
A circular loop above Saint-Pierre-de-Genebroz with beautiful views.
Heritage sites around Saint-Christophe
3.24 mi
+935 ft
-925 ft
2h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe (Savoie) (Savoie)
A breathtaking heritage walk following the Sardinian ‘Route Royale’. Viewpoints and gorges are also on the itinerary. There is also the option to visit the caves (at the Grottes tourist site).
Circular Mont Beauvoir from Saint-Christophe-la-Grotte
10.59 mi
+3,379 ft
-3,386 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe (Savoie) (Savoie)
This circular loop combines a crossing of a little-visited summit offering views of the Chartreuse and the Avant Pays Savoyard with historic or documented passages: ascent via the Route Sarde and the Sentier du Beauvoir, return via the route Béatrice de Savoie and the Voie Royale.
Circular prehistoric route via the Sardinian route
2.24 mi
+561 ft
-561 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Christophe (Savoie) (Savoie)
Go back in time a few centuries, or even a few thousand years, first by discovering the Sardinian road built in the 17th century, then the prehistoric paths on the trail of the Magdalenians and Azilians.
Please note that one path is closed in winter.
The Pierre de Onze Heures and the Barthélemy Fountain
1.71 mi
+974 ft
-968 ft
1h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A short, quick walk at the foot of the Ruchère cliff, along a narrow path that climbs steadily and crosses the Chemin des Bœufs, which you’ll take on the way down.
This leads to the impressive Pierre de Onze Heures and the Barthélemy Fountain, which is always flowing, along a path that runs entirely through the forest.
Historical and prehistoric loop of Saint-Christophe la Grotte
3.76 mi
+1,004 ft
-1,001 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe (Savoie) (Savoie)
Short hike to discover prehistory at the Fru site and the historic passage of the Via Sarde between Lyon and Turin.
Tour of the Rocher du Quartier and the Pointe du Frou
10.88 mi
+3,635 ft
-3,632 ft
8h 10
Very difficult
Departure from Entre-deux-Guiers (Isère)
A beautiful, long circular route at moderate altitude, with exposed sections that can be slippery. Start directly below the Rocher du Quartier and climb via Tramoley, passing the Saint-André fir tree to the Col de la Sarriette, then cross the Plateau de la Ruchère before descending via the postman’s path beneath the Pointe du Frou.
The Grotte du Loup starting from Miribel-les-Échelles
2.70 mi
+564 ft
-587 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Miribel-les-Échelles (Isère)
Here is a gentle stroll that will delight young and old alike in a very pleasant forest.
Circular Dolmen Tour in Miribel-les-Échelles
10.62 mi
+2,096 ft
-2,096 ft
6h 45
Moderate
Departure from Miribel-les-Échelles (Isère)
Set off to explore the geological features in the forest above Miribel-les-Échelles, heading towards the Col des Mille Martyrs. Numerous crosses, some recent, others ancient and steeped in history, mark this route. In other open areas, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Chartreuse mountains and the plain stretching towards Les Échelles and Saint-Laurent-du-Pont. To avoid roads as much as possible, you’ll take certain paths deep within the forest that aren’t always shown on the IGN map.
The Col des Mille Martyrs
5.92 mi
+925 ft
-906 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Miribel-les-Échelles (Isère)
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.
Mont Beauvoir Circular Walk
3.82 mi
+1,555 ft
-1,552 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Genebroz (Savoie)
A lovely, well-structured circular loop, though it lacks a few viewpoints.Part of the route is off-track along the summit cliff.Facing south to south-west, then west for the descent, and entirely through woodland, this route is in the shade, although the box trees have been severely affected by the box tree moth.
Please note: on 4 August 2026, a user wrote => Circular route not feasible due to a local council order: path impassable.
Above Miribel-les-Échelles
5.85 mi
+856 ft
-856 ft
3h 25
Easy
Departure from Miribel-les-Échelles (Isère)
This circular forest loop is accessible in all seasons, even in snow, and takes you through several areas of the Miribel, Saint-Aupre and Rocharey forests, crossing two medium-altitude passes, the Mille Martyrs and the Pilori.
You can also enjoy some unobstructed views along the route.
Rocharay Trail
Tourist office5.68 mi
+1,122 ft
-1,112 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Miribel-les-Échelles (Isère)
This circular forest route, dotted with natural attractions and historic buildings, also offers, after a short round trip, a lovely view of the Grande Sure. A booklet dedicated to the heritage along this route is available.
The Arpison and Pertuis viewpoints starting from La Ruchère
10.61 mi
+2,533 ft
-2,536 ft
6 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
This route mainly follows the snowshoe trails maintained by the Ruchère Nordic ski centre, allowing for a quick pace; snowshoes are only really necessary between (2) and (3).
As over 90% of the route is groomed, the first few kilometres around the centre are generally quite busy.
The route can be walked during the summer season.
Col de la Ruchère
3.91 mi
+1,132 ft
-1,142 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
This is a lovely, easy snowshoe walk, mainly through forest. The Col de la Ruchère, at the foot of the Petit Som, is a truly beautiful part of the Chartreuse.
From Pointe du Frou to Le Pertuis, starting from La Ruchère
6.73 mi
+1,696 ft
-1,686 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A circular route starting from La Ruchère, which takes you along a significant section of the ridge comprising the Rochers du Frou, the Rochers du Quartier and the Rochers du Pertuis. The route is mainly through woodland, but offers some lovely views over the valley.
The Petit Som loop from La Ruchère
6.34 mi
+2,260 ft
-2,260 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Hike through forests and mountain pastures, passing by the summit of Petit Som.
The three passes: Aliénard, Tracol and Ruchère
5.81 mi
+1,739 ft
-1,759 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A classic Chartreuse route that can be started from several locations.
Circular Fétrus-Pertuis from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont
6.37 mi
+2,917 ft
-2,900 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
This circular can be done in almost any season (except after storms or heavy rain) and allows you to discover some lesser-known parts of Chartreuse.
Le Petit Som
4.55 mi
+2,096 ft
-2,096 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
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.
Snowshoeing at Col d'Aliénard
5.21 mi
+1,886 ft
-1,877 ft
Duration unknown
Easy
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A beautiful snowshoe hike on the edge of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, accompanied by the legendary peaks of Grand Som and Chamechaude.
Choose a sunny day after a snowfall.
Petit Som starting from La Ruchère-Le Habert
5.47 mi
+2,897 ft
-2,887 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Climb to the summit of Petit Som from La Ruchère. You will enjoy a 360° view and may also encounter marmots and chamois.
Tour of the haberts via Aliénard
6.85 mi
+2,241 ft
-2,205 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A peaceful hike from La Ruchère, at the foot of the Grand and Petit Som, along the paths of the haberts (shepherds' shelters). Autumn is a particularly good time to visit, with the colours of the beech trees and the sun flooding the few meadows you cross: Billon, Arpison, etc.
Be careful at the end of the route, however, as there is a slightly steep path that may slow down inexperienced hikers (or in specific conditions, such as snow, rain, fallen trees, etc.). See comments.
Petit Som via Les Riondettes
5.62 mi
+2,280 ft
-2,280 ft
4h 35
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Short family hike with a climb to Le Petit Som: 360° views,
marmots and chamois.
Petit Som and Grand Som as seen from Les Riondettes
9.70 mi
+4,065 ft
-4,072 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
Two stunning panoramic views in the heart of the Chartreuse, a well-balanced walk combining fairly steep sections with pastures and beautiful forests.
Long circular of Arpison from Les Riondettes
5.95 mi
+2,221 ft
-2,195 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A very beautiful circular with views to the west, south and east. Remains at altitude throughout.
Breathtaking view of the Grande Chartreuse monastery from the summit of Aliénard.
A very quiet route with beautiful trails.
Circular of the Rochers de Pertuis from Les Riondettes
4.45 mi
+1,306 ft
-1,306 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers (Isère)
A beautiful circular on good trails and forest paths that passes by the two viewpoints of Pertuis and Arpison.
This high-altitude route begins with a descent and ends with a descent.
Côte Curt art trail
2.81 mi
+722 ft
-702 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
This short 1.5-hour hike is a family outing.
An artistic discovery route, you can admire and discover works of art along the old Sardinian road.
From distillery to distillery in Saint-Laurent-du-Pont
8.19 mi
+781 ft
-804 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
The Fourvoirie site marks one of the entrances to the Chartreuse Desert. One of the bridges, built in the 13th century, gave its name to the village of Saint-Laurent-du-Pont. On the right bank of the Guiers Mort, the Carthusians once started a major metallurgical industry, which continues today in the Saint-Laurent plain. On the other bank, the monks established a distillery, which was destroyed by a landslide in 1935.
Way of the Cross around Saint-Laurent-du-Pont
5.21 mi
+289 ft
-259 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
There are numerous crosses in the area around Saint-Laurent-du-Pont.
Here is a suggested route starting from the main church to see as many of them as possible, mainly in the plain.
