Miribel-les-Échelles walks

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 – dot 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 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.

Here is a gentle stroll that will delight young and old alike in a very pleasant forest.

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.

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.

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

A pleasant, easy walk that alternates between spruce forest and open stretches with views of the Dauphiné hills or the Chartreuse mountains.

This route takes you through the lands of Béatrice of Savoy. From the commandery to the panoramic viewpoint at the Chapelle de la Madeleine, you’ll have the chance to discover the rich history of Les Échelles.

Explore the western part of the Herrétang peat bogs from its observation points, after following the cycle path uphill towards the Rocher de la Garde to enjoy its 360° panorama.

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

A circular loop above Saint-Pierre-de-Genebroz with beautiful views.

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

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.

This circular walk is a variation on route no. 107635379, the Grande Sure, which is a return walk from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont. The ascent to the summit of the Grande Sure is the same, but this route differs in its return leg, which starts from the Col de la Sure, from where the path leads to the Col des Charmilles, descends the opposite slope, then crosses the Rochers des Agneaux before hurtling down a steep cirque and joining the Route Forestière de la Charmette, which leads to the magnificent Chartreuse de Currière. This route offers the advantage of a different return route with a similar elevation gain, despite being 2.8 km longer, but has the disadvantage of ending on a road.

A lovely, shaded hike along steep slopes through the forest, passing through a cirque notable for its scree of dazzlingly white limestone. As you emerge from the forest, a superb view opens up over a grassy valley dotted with a few wooded areas and nestled between imposing rocky ridges. From the summit, you’ll enjoy a magnificent 360° panorama: to the east, from Mont Blanc to the Écrins via Belledonne and the Grandes Rousses; to the south, the Vercors; to the west, the Dauphiné Mountains; and to the north, the Chartreuse.

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.

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 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.