Refine your search for walks in Merlas
Merlas walks
Around the Carabotin woods
Visorando Member
5.46 mi
+932 ft
-928 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Merlas (Isère)
A pleasant, easy walk that alternates between spruce forest and open stretches with views of the Dauphiné hills or the Chartreuse mountains.
Around Saint-Sixte
8.00 mi
+1,552 ft
-1,588 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Merlas (Isère)
A lovely country walk around the hamlet of Saint-Sixte. This circular route offers beautiful views of the lake of the same name and the Étang des Chartreux.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Circular route around Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine
4.67 mi
+686 ft
-656 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Saint-Sulpice-des-Rivoires (Isère)
A lovely little hike with beautiful, unobstructed views of the Chartreuse, Mont du Chat and Les Bauges.
Granges de Merlas circular in Massieu
3.91 mi
+1,112 ft
-1,125 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Merlas (Isère)
A walk through fields and forests to discover the small heritage of our forests, such as barns and forest huts.
Around Baracuchet
5.23 mi
+896 ft
-886 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin (Isère)
A country walk to discover the hamlets and ponds around the Colline du Baracuchet.
The Servelongue tour
4.63 mi
+768 ft
-755 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Saint-Sulpice-des-Rivoires (Isère)
This is an easy walk that still offers some beautiful views.
Circular from Saint-Aupre
7.53 mi
+1,598 ft
-1,591 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Aupre (Isère)
A short, easy walk with some lovely views and a passage over the original Pont de Pierre Chave bridge.
The countryside and hamlets of Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin
3.97 mi
+784 ft
-781 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin (Isère)
A short family walk of around 2 hours 15 minutes in the hills above Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin, through forests, greenery, woods and rural hamlets.
In summer, the route combines shaded areas with lush greenery. In winter, it can be enjoyable in snowy conditions (consider snowshoes depending on snow conditions).
The Belvédère de l'Ecolu
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.
Countryside route in Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin
4.45 mi
+561 ft
-545 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin (Isère)
A short country walk between Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin and Saint-Etienne-de-Crossey.
Discovering Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin
3.71 mi
+318 ft
-322 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin (Isère)
An easy walk to discover the hamlets of Saint-Nicolas-de-Macherin, nestled among hills, ponds and fields.
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.
The Herretang bog
3.58 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
In Saint-Laurent-du-Pont, there is a 6 km flat walk along a wetland discovery trail.
La Roche de la Garde
6.34 mi
+922 ft
-925 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne-de-Crossey (Isère)
A lovely little walk, mostly through woodland. The tarmac sections are along a quiet road. The view from the Rocher de la Garde is very pleasant.
Loop in the Voiron countryside
2.88 mi
+705 ft
-705 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Voiron (Isère)
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.
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.
Crossey Gorges - Croix du Rocher de la Garde
2.61 mi
+741 ft
-745 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne-de-Crossey (Isère)
This is an easy hike, except for a short acrobatic passage on the sharp limestone pavement near the cross. Beautiful view of Saint-Étienne-de-Crossey and its surroundings.
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 the Crossey Gorges to the Pierre Chave Bridge, a circular route
9.64 mi
+1,506 ft
-1,493 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Étienne-de-Crossey (Isère)
Starting from the impressive Crossey Gorges (200 m high), this double-circular route, mainly through woodland and without any technical difficulty or danger, will take you to the Tourniquet or Pont de Pierre Chave, a rather rare spiral structure where the road passes successively under and over the bridge. On the return journey, the route passes by the Rocher de la Garde, a lovely viewpoint overlooking Saint-Étienne de Crossey and the Voironnais region.
Between Pressins and Saint-Jean-d'Avelanne
6.54 mi
+650 ft
-650 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Pressins (Isère)
This route first winds through woods and hillsides, then returns via the 'flat' part, avoiding tarmac roads where possible.
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 Val d'Ainan and the Clermont Tonnerre tower
6.85 mi
+656 ft
-630 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chirens (Isère)
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.
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.
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-trail along the summit cliff.
Facing south to south-west, then west for the descent, entirely through woodland, this route is in the shade, even though the box trees have been badly affected by the box tree moth.
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.
A varied circular loop starting from Chirens
10.60 mi
+1,791 ft
-1,795 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Chirens (Isère)
This circular walk, starting from the village of Chirens, begins by crossing the Marais de l’Ainan, a designated Sensitive Natural Area, then climbs through the forest towards the Croix des Cochettes, and on to the Motte Castrale du Châtelar. The return route takes you via the Tour de Clermont-Tonnerre and the Guillermet, then along a path opposite Bavonne.
Les Trois Chênes
1.57 mi
+95 ft
-95 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Paladru (Isère)
Family walk along the edge of the woods and through the fields above Lake Paladru.
Notre-Dame de Vouise
5.24 mi
+1,434 ft
-1,434 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Voiron (Isère)
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
Discovering Voiron
9.07 mi
+2,274 ft
-2,270 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Voiron (Isère)
A very beautiful route for exploring Voiron and its surroundings, with stunning views over the Grenoble valley, the Chartreuse, the Vercors and Belledone.
On the heights of La Bridoire
5.80 mi
+1,299 ft
-1,299 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from La Bridoire (Savoie)
A pleasant walk in good weather. Some sections are quite steep.
Please note that for much of the route, signposting is virtually non-existent. Take care, and use the map or GPS track.
Loop around La Bridoire and Saint-Béron
6.78 mi
+1,726 ft
-1,719 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from La Bridoire (Savoie)
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.
Route around Combe Grenand
2.93 mi
+951 ft
-928 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from La Bridoire (Savoie)
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.
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.
The Mont Grêle lookout
8.94 mi
+3,780 ft
-3,786 ft
7h 25
Moderate
Departure from Attignat-Oncin (Savoie)
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.
Rochebrune
6.07 mi
+1,306 ft
-1,302 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-de-Raz (Isère)
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.
La Grande Sure from the Chartreuse de Curière
9.26 mi
+3,609 ft
-3,609 ft
7h 25
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
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.
The Grande Sure circular loop starting from Curière
10.55 mi
+3,937 ft
-3,937 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
A varied but relatively long route up to the Grande Sure, favouring sections that are slightly steeper but above all wilder and less frequented than the usual routes: Pas de la Biche and Crête des Charmilles.
Crête des Charmilles via the Chemin des Agneaux
5.98 mi
+2,654 ft
-2,631 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
A lovely hike, mainly through the woods, allowing you to discover the Chartreuse de Currière, a little-known monastery, and enjoy beautiful views of the Chartreuse from the ridges.
A lovely little tour of Voiron
9.15 mi
+794 ft
-810 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Voiron (Isère)
This semi-urban route will take you through part of Voiron town centre, but you’ll probably also discover some lesser-known and less-frequented neighbourhoods, paths and stairways. In several places, you’ll also enjoy beautiful views of the Chartreuse, the Vercors and the Grenoble valley.
Circular around the Vivier Pond starting from Saint-Ondras
7.65 mi
+774 ft
-758 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Ondras (Isère)
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.
Around the Guiers Mort (2): the gorges
1.75 mi
+610 ft
-584 ft
1h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
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).
Circular route: Sentier du Solitaire – Cheminée de Corde – Arpison Viewpoint
6.35 mi
+3,297 ft
-3,274 ft
5h 45
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
A lovely circular route through little-known and little-visited parts of the Chartreuse, following old paths… which, sadly, are sometimes on the verge of disappearing.
Pic de l'Oeillette
2.01 mi
+801 ft
-817 ft
1h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont (Isère)
The Pic de l’Oeillette is a rocky monolith on the edge of the road between Saint-Laurent-du-Pont and Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. There is no question of climbing it here; it serves merely as a visual landmark for a leisurely walk along the banks of the Guiers Mort.
Accessible outside the snowmelt season, it offers a welcome respite from the heat in summer.
The Bessay bocage in Saint-Cassien
4.80 mi
+348 ft
-361 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Cassien (Isère) (Isère)
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.