Merlas walks

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.

A country walk to discover the hamlets and ponds around the Colline du Baracuchet.

This is an easy walk that still offers some beautiful views.

A short, easy walk with some lovely views and a passage over the original Pont de Pierre Chave bridge.

A pleasant walk in the woods overlooking the village of Les Échelles in Savoie.

A short country walk between Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin and Saint-Etienne-de-Crossey.

An easy walk to discover the hamlets of Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin, nestled among hills, ponds and fields.

In Saint-Laurent-du-Pont, there is a 6 km flat walk along a wetland discovery trail.

A country walk to discover the rural hamlets of La Pensière, Le Petit Souillet and Le Grand Souillet. New variation for 2021, which slightly lengthens the loop but makes it easier to park at the start.

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.

This walk is not difficult, except for the distance. In the first part, you walk along the Val d'Ainan Nature Reserve, then you follow a pleasant, soft path through the woods. After a detour to the Clermont Tonnerre tower, you return to Chirens via paths or small, quiet roads. In the second part of the route, if the weather is clear, you will have beautiful views of the Chartreuse Mountains.

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.

Family walk along the edge of the woods and through the fields above Lake Paladru.

An easy hike to discover the statue towering above Voiron. A real treat, especially in snowy weather. The statue of the Virgin Mary was erected in honour of the Iron Virgin of Le Puy-en-Velay. Legend has it that Bonnassieux committed suicide after sculpting the Virgin. However, he did not commit suicide and died with honours. He deliberately placed Jesus in her right arm so that he would not hide his mother's face as she blesses the town

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.

An easy route starting from the village of La Bridoire, where you can learn about contemporary history and marvel at the work of water, which over thousands of years has shaped the geological curiosities of what is now the Combe Grenand. There are various information panels along the route, including a series in the form of a game for children.

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.

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.

This low peak and its twin opposite on the Vercors side, the Dent de Moirans, watch over the exit of the Isère as it flows quietly towards the Rhône and the entrance of rain and snow clouds pushed by the north winds. A remarkable viewpoint over the valleys, it is an ideal half-day walk.

Another way to reach the summit of the Grande Sure. Most hikers from the Grenoble area access it via Proveysieux and the Col de la Charmette. For those coming from the Savoyard hinterland, access via Saint-Laurent-du-Pont and the Chartreuse de Curière is an interesting alternative. From the start at (5), the route is not very busy.

This route alternates between paths and small roads, winding along the ridges and offering views of the Bourbre valley, the Dauphiné, and the Chartreuse and Vercors mountains.

A short hike around the Guiers Mort, a pretty little stream. The walk is mainly through the undergrowth at the bottom of the gorges along the Guiers, in search of coolness, with several opportunities to take a dip. - User report on 24 August 2023: The trail is currently closed for works from 14 August to 30 November 2023 (the "blasting" sign is very dissuasive). Access from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse by car is also closed (long detour via Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont).

A very easy loop through this peaceful woodland. The chestnut wood is home to several protected bird species. This walk is best enjoyed in spring or on the last beautiful days of autumn.