Montagnole walks

This varied route, set in a picturesque countryside, offers magnificent views of the Montagne de l’Épine, Lac du Bourget (and the Dent du Chat), as well as the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, not to mention, to the south, the view towards the Pointe de la Gorgeat, the gateway to the Chartreuse.

On the outskirts of Chambéry, the Nant du Ruisseau du Pontet retains a wild course, hemmed in by urban development, with its waterfalls and gorges offering an interesting hike that continues up the Grobelle hillside for views over the Chambéry Basin. The return route naturally involves some sections along roads that are fairly unavoidable given the layout of the area.

A pleasant green walk in the hills, very close to the very centre of the Chambéry conurbation, allowing you to visit the home of the illustrious Jean-Jacques Rousseau and explore the Nant du Pontet streams. This walk takes you through the areas of Jacob-Bellecombette, Chambéry and Barberaz, and past the boundary of the municipality of Montagnole. Despite its proximity to the city, most of the route is through woods or across meadows.

Visit the historic centre of Chambéry, passing by the Château des Ducs de Savoie, the Town Hall, Saint-François de Salles Cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts... and charming little pedestrian passages. A very pleasant route.

This is a beautiful hike with stunning views of the Chartreuse, the Chambéry valley as far as Lac du Bourget, Les Bauges, Belledonne and even Mont Blanc on a clear day.

Coche or Cochette means a passage. The ancestral passage between the villages of Montagnole and Saint-Baldoph is marked by a solid, massive stone cross. Information panels along the way. Panoramic views at the summit and on the descent along the ridge.

This is a simple circular walk for a half-day excursion. It takes place in the foothills of the Chartreuse Mountains. Beautiful views of Les Bauges, Chartreuse, L'Épine and Lac du Bourget.

This circular route on the outskirts of Chambéry takes you to three vantage points offering panoramic views of the Belledonne mountain range, Les Bauges and La Chartreuse. On the outskirts of Mont Charvais, surrounded by pine trees, you can almost feel the Mediterranean atmosphere – all that's missing are the cicadas.

A short walk to escape the city. Some clear views as soon as you climb.

Peri-urban circuit to quickly escape the city. Views of Chartreuse and Bauges.

This circuit runs along the foothills of the Chartreuse mountains at the foot of Mont Granier. Discover the vineyards, a pretty waterfall and views of the Belledonne and Bauges mountains. A few information boards add to the interest of this easy walk. Yellow and occasional white and red markings forthe GR® 965.

The Rocher du Corbeau is easily accessible from Aiguebelette-le-Lac. I suggest you get there without taking the car to cross the massif. I have deliberately extended the hike slightly by adding a bit of elevation gain and giving us the chance to walk through this massif and discover two passes and the François I Cave. It’s a hike I particularly enjoy in winter (when it’s warm, I prefer to head for the higher peaks), but above all, as it’s mainly through woodland, the lack of vegetation means you can enjoy more views.

This hike takes place on the eastern flank of the Montagne de l'Épine towards a destination that is clearly visible from the entire Chambéry basin. At the summit, there is a beautiful view of the Savoyard foothills and Lake Aiguebelette, and Lake Bourget is also visible. The route does not present any orientation difficulties.

An easy hike on the eastern slope of the Épine mountain, taking the Roman road and the Sardinian road.

A walk to revisit the classics near Chambéry.

Comment en quelques minutes à peine découvrir des panoramas et endroits à voir absolument à Challes-les-Eaux.

A somewhat challenging hike for the start of the season, but well worth the effort...

Short snowshoe hike to a peak in the north of the Chartreuse, which offers beautiful views to the south over the remarkable peaks of the Chartreuse and to the north over those of the Bauges. Clear markings and signs; no difficulty in finding your way.

A very beautiful hike, not very long but with a steep section. Magnificent view of Mont Blanc just before the summit and of the entire Chartreuse range from the summit. The route is very well signposted throughout. Ascent time indicated on the signs: 1 hour 35 minutes (it took us a little longer as we had a 2½-year-old girl who walked part of the way) Time for the descent: 1 hour 10 minutes.

This circular loop can be completed in almost any season, even in half a day, allowing you to enjoy beautiful views, discover fossils and, when in season, a renowned site for lady's slipper orchids.

Imagine life in the mountains of yesteryear as you pass through Les Granges de Joigny, admire the high-altitude orchids and discover the fossils etched into the beautiful limestone slabs. A true feast for the senses awaits you!

In December, a good idea for a sunny walk is to go hiking in the vineyards. The walk described below is just one of many possible routes through the Chignin vineyards. There are endless variations possible.

This is an easy hike to a small grassy peak overlooking the vineyards of Saint-Jeoire-Prieuré. Enjoy beautiful views of the Belledonne mountain range, the Chartreuse mountains and the Chambéry cluse. There are markings and even directional signs, but not along the entire route described.

The Mont Saint-Michel Chapel, which is clearly visible from the Chambéry basin, is often the destination for a Sunday afternoon walk starting from Montmerlet above Curienne. There is only a hundred metres or so of elevation gain. The trail is very well marked.

Le Grand Carroz is at the centre of an area surrounded by a line of ridges, offering unobstructed and varied views. The proposed route climbs to the Col de la Drière, crosses Mont Pellaz or Lentille and the Col des Fontanettes, then climbs the Montfred ridge off-trail before returning via a forest path to the starting point. Caution: the ridge route is not technically difficult but runs alongside steep cliffs on the right-hand side.

A long route following the Leysse and then the Ruisseau de Ternèze along the right bank, before descending via the left bank, allowing you to explore places that are by turns wild and marked by past human activity. The presence of water makes these sections pleasant in summer. The route is long as it covers the entire length; it is possible to shorten it at any point where you can cross from one bank to the other.

This walk to the Pragondran paragliding launch area takes place along the edge of the cliff, offering occasional views of the valley and Lake Bourget.

A beautiful walk along the Leysse gorges and through the old vineyards of Saint-Jean-d'Arvey. The trail, while not particularly difficult, can be a little steep and slippery. It offers superb views of the Leysse and the cliffs of Mont Peney.

A pleasant walk through the woods, with no particular difficulties and very well signposted. It takes you to the small Lac Noir lake, dominated by the majestic Mont Granier, then along an educational trail to discover the work of the men who, during the Second World War, produced charcoal for gas generators.

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

At the foot of the largest cliff in the French Alps, autumn hike from the village of Saint-André to Lac Noir.From Atrus (village of Bellecombette) to Lac Noir, then from Lac Noir to the village of Lachat, the route follows a section of the Sentier des HuguenotsGR®®965.

A very pretty circular for a long walk among the vineyards of Chignin. Very pleasant in the foothills of Les Bauges. A beautiful getaway among medieval towers and cellars, with magnificent views of the Chambéry valley and the Belledonne mountain range. It is even more beautiful in the middle of autumn, just after the grape harvest.

A Sunday stroll to aid digestion... or a circular loop to be completed several times while running for training!

A varied hike that takes you to the Croix de Nivolet from an unusual angle.

A lovely little walk through the Savoyard vineyards in the commune of Les Marches. It is possible to add other itineraries to this description, as there are so many paths and trails. The proposed route takes in the typical landscapes of the Abymes vineyards, formed by the collapse of the Granier in 1248.

A short walk for an afternoon in the sunshine in the vineyard. The route described is largely based on a local circular loop called: The winegrower's year. In addition to the directional signs, there are yellow markings and pictograms (a winegrower working in the vineyard). The route is marked at intervals by seven information panels.

This hike is quite physically demanding in the first part. The section along the Doria is really very pleasant. At the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of Belledonne and Chartreuse. The fairly long descent is not particularly difficult.

A short walk above the town to meet distant artists. Panorama of the valley and the Chartreuse massif opposite.

A beautiful hike, not too difficult despite a few climbs! But no problem for experienced hikers. The route is partly shaded.

This hike allows you to discover the magnificent site of the Ternèze Canyon and then, in the village of Curienne, to enjoy information about the Motte Castrale. Next, reach the Sommet de la Bognette for a 360° viewpoint, and on the way back, pass by the Stèle des Résistants.

This circular offers beautiful views and allows you to visit Mont St-Michel, which dominates the Cluse de Chambéry, the Motte castrale de la Bognette and, if you wish, the Grotte des Fées.

Admittedly, this route from Curienne is not the shortest way to reach the Chapel of Mont Saint-Michel! However, it offers the opportunity to (re)discover the very pleasant Chemin de la Paraie, the stele and farm of the Maquisards, the motte castrale of La Bognette, and superb views of Chambéry and the surrounding mountains. Although technically easy and with little elevation gain, this hike is classified as "moderate" due to its length.

At the foot of the Croix du Nivolet, enjoy a lovely walk in the woods to cool off and discover the Grotte à Carret and the Trou de la Doriaz (the source of the torrent in the middle of the cliff) as well as some beautiful waterfalls.

An easy hike offering views of the landscapes from Les Bauges to La Chartreuse, passing by Mont Blanc and Les Belledonnes.

This is a pleasant route to walk at any time of year, particularly in late autumn as it enjoys plenty of sunshine. The route of the Himalayan footbridge at Trou de l'Enfer allows you to discover the curious meanders of the Leysse.

From a distance, Mont Outherand looks like a fortress, with several gaps in the limestone walls of the fort. Near the Col du Mollard, a steep path allows attackers to overcome the fort's defences.

A snowshoe circuit in the Entremonts valley. It is a loop alternating between ascents and descents, passages through forests and mountain pastures, shady slopes and sunny slopes, crossing the hamlet of Grand Carroz with its few houses.

A beautiful hike to be done with or without snowshoes.

This walk passes through some of the many hamlets of La Motte Sevolex. Although they are gradually being swallowed up by urbanisation, they nevertheless retain their rural character. Along the way, there are beautiful views of Les Bauge and Lac du Bourget.

The Épine massif near Chambéry is criss-crossed by numerous marked and unmarked trails. It is a mountain that has always been frequented by humans. It is a living mountain with economic and tourist attractions. Here is a short circuit that allows you to discover some of its attractions.

A superb 360° panorama awaits you from the ridges of the Montgelas summit and the Chignin cross. Magnificent views of the Bauges peaks, the Lauzière and Belledonne mountain ranges and the Chartreuse massif. Also note the Belvédère viewpoint over Lake Thuile on one side and the Chambéry valley in Grésivaudan on the other.

Discover this magnificent route on the outskirts of Chambéry. Passing by the Ternèse stream (canyon) and the Trou de l'Enfer site where the Leysse river has carved its way through, this hike offers a complete change of scenery in a wild environment.

A short mountain hike leading to an exceptional viewpoint.

Mont Outheran is a long plateau stretching nearly 4 km, running roughly north-south between Col du Planet (1,184 m) and Col du Grapillon (1,509 m). It is a rather wild area, and for good reason: access via the Pas du Cuert is not the easiest, and the descent to the Col du Mollard requires the utmost caution. Warning: For those prone to vertigo, please read the wpt description carefully (2)

Starting from the small downhill ski slopes of the Désert d'Entremont, this is a very accessible walk offering two beautiful views of the Chartreuse massif, both from the foot of Mont Outhéran and from Pointe de la Cochette, the latter being the most spectacular. The ascents and descents take place in the shade of the woods and forests, offering a beautiful panorama of the Chartreuse massif. Unbeatable value for money!

Take a stroll along the Cozon torrent and enjoy a refreshing break in this lively corner of the Chartreuse. Cultural visits and relaxation will round off the day.

A magnificent route around Entremont-le-Vieux with splendid panoramic views of the Chartreuse massif, this moderately difficult hike will be a delight for landscape lovers and photographers. This hike is also available at tourist offices, offered by Chartreuse Tourisme

A pleasant hike on the western flank of Mont Nivolet. The route winds its way through the Passage du Croc to cross the cliff and reach Le Sire. Beautiful panorama of the region. The Sentier du Garde was part of the network of trails that criss-crossed the mountainside, allowing forest rangers to travel through the mountainous terrain.

A must-do hike for locals, this short trip to the Dent du Nivolet offers a beautiful 360° panorama of Lac du Bourget, Chartreuse, Belledonne, Beaufortain and Mont Blanc.

An easy walk at the foot of the Montagne de l'Epine, enhanced by a waterfall and panoramic views of Lac du Bourget and Les Bauges. Markings are inconsistent.

A very beautiful loop, much less frequented than the classic Mont Granier route, starting from the beautiful church of Bellecombe and particularly pleasant in summer. After the Porte de l'Alpette, the hike runs along almost the entire cliff face of the mountain, passing through the magnificent "gardens" of the upper Alpette du Granier and returning to the Pas de la Porte pass overlooking the Grésivaudan valley.

Fournet is not the best-known starting point, but this circular route along the cliff edge offers magnificent and varied panoramic views, passing by the paragliding take-off area.

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

A circular route starting from Col de la Cluse (1170m), combining a wild route on the way there and a classic trail on the way back. This outing is not very difficult, but can be a little physically demanding at times when you have to break trail in 40cm of powder snow.

A short hike in the heart of the Entremonts, offering stunning views from the summit and passing through beautiful meadows dotted with traditional old barns on the way back.

This long circular loop takes you across the slopes of L'Épine overlooking Lake Aiguebelette, between a rather tough and steep climb and a return to lake level. It can get hot here on summer afternoons, but it remains passable until late in the season, as long as the snow does not fall below 800m.

A charming circular route in the hills above Chapareillan, facing Mont Blanc, between vineyards and forests, from village to village. This route, in the direction described, offers a long, gentle climb and ends with an hour-long descent, the first part of which is sustained without being very steep. A third of the route is on quiet tarmac roads, so 1 km of what I would call a tarmacGR®. Please note: several hikers suggest doing the route in the opposite direction to climb the steepest part, especially if the ground is wet. In this case, a map and GPS are recommended as the description loses its usefulness.

A local classic with magnificent views of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, the Belledonne massif and the town of Chambéry.Ideal for hot days, the route is 90% shaded. However, it is not suitable for wet weather.

A beautiful hike to the Croix du Nivolet. A very varied and enjoyable route throughout.

A refreshing little outing just a stone’s throw from Chambéry. The Doriaz is an underground river that gushes out of the cliff. Along the way, you can watch the via ferrata climbers making their way up the cliff.

From the small hamlet of La Plagne, summit of Le Pinet (1,867m), beautiful view to the west, then summit of La Croix de l'Alpe (1,821m) via the Chalets de l'Alpe.

Very pretty hike in the foothills of Granier. At the summit, there is a large plateau ideal for picnics, with views of the surrounding peaks and Mont Blanc in good weather. An easy family walk, done with a 3½-year-old girl who is used to walking, as it is quite steep.

This is a snowshoe hike with no specific markings for this activity; however, theGR® 9 markings do exist, though they are less visible in winter conditions The appeal of this hike lies not in the markings but rather in the atmosphere you experience along the route across the plateau.

Le Pinet is a viewpoint overlooking Les Entremonts. Less frequented than its neighbour, Le Granier, it is just as much a part of the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve and its access via the normal route is well suited to families, with a few variations possible.

A beautiful loop in the northern Chartreuse with magnificent 360° views of the Alps.

Snowshoe route on a sunny slope in the Entremont valley. This route combines well-marked sections with others that are a little more open. In winter, this route is normally done on snowshoes. This was a snowshoe outing, but given the lack of snow at the end of January 2014, the snowshoes remained attached to our rucksacks.

A circular forest loop, which can be completed in half a day and is accessible for most of the year, passing by the Croix du Signal viewpoint overlooking the Cluse de Chambéry and the Échelles de Chateau-Richard with its views of Lake Aiguebelette.

A hike for everyone, entirely through woodland, with two superb viewpoints to discover the Chambéry basin, the foothills of the Bauges massif, the northern Chartreuse (Mont Granier) and, the icing on the cake, His Majesty Mont Blanc. There is a slight difficulty in the form of three steel ladders, which can be bypassed via another path so you don’t miss a thing.

A magnificent snowshoe hike offering 360° panoramic views of the Alps, the Épine massif, Chartreuse and Bugey throughout the route, particularly at the Croix du Nivolet... The Croix du Nivolet, the final destination, proudly overlooks Chambéry. The return journey follows the same route, but is always different given the magical landscape in good weather.

This hike takes you along a path through mountain pastures and woods that is quiet at the start, offering magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges. You can visit the cave and waterfalls before reaching the summit of the Nivolet and its cross. If you keep an eye out for the plants along the way, you may be able to spot the rare and protected Martagon lily.

The Croix du Signal is a point on the Mont du Chat ridge that is easily accessible in all seasons and offers, in fine weather, a sweeping view. In winter, the easiest ascent is on the western slope, from the former Verthemex snow stadium.

It is almost a suburban walk, not too busy during the week. And yet you are already in the Bauges with its characteristic buildings. From the start to the waterfall, you are on theGR®96. Then, from the pass to the ridge trail via Mont Peney, you are on the GRP®.

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

A short hike in the Savoyard hinterland on ancient paths, once essential to economic life, now developed for the enjoyment of hikers.