Monteynard walks

This relatively easy hike offers beautiful views of the eastern flank of the Vercors massif, the Drac valley and the Monteynard dam lake in its first, open section, as well as the Matheysine area towards the peaks overlooking the Matheysine lakes. The second part, which is more shaded, will take you through the surrounding hamlets and past some of the engineering structures of the La Mure tourist railway.

This walk in Matheysine offers a splendid 360° panorama of the Chartreuse, Belledonne, Vercors and Dévoluy at the summit. Best enjoyed on a very clear day to get the most out of it.

This hike takes you on a short detour into the Trieves region, where you will visit two remarkable sites: the Monteynard dam and the Château d'Ars. All this under the watchful eye of La Peyrouse and with a breathtaking view of Lake Notre-Dame de Commiers.

This short hike will allow you to discover this part of the Trièves. First, at the highest point, you will enjoy a magnificent 360° view of the Vercors, the Obiou and the western slope of the Senepy. You will then be able to see the Drac valley, Lake Monteynard and the route of the little train from La Mure along the mountainside.

A new short circular walk, ideal for a half-day in winter or spring, takes you along paths to a magnificent viewpoint over the Monteynard dam. You will also enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding mountains throughout the route.

A magnificent hike 35 km from Grenoble, with no difficulty, offering 360° views of the surrounding mountains. The climb to this summit is a magnificent hike through the mountain pastures (one of the largest in the region).

This circuit, which takes you twice through Pierre Percée, one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné, allows you to enjoy the view of the mountains bordering the Matheysin plateau and takes you around Lake Pierre Chatel.

This lovely circular route leads to the Conest (or Conex or Connex) summit plateau, which is a vast area of pasture. Although the climb may seem a little long, it is very pleasant and a magnificent reward awaits the hiker once at the top: a 360° panorama offering views of the Belledonne, Taillefer, Grandes-Rousses, Dévoluy and Vercors mountain ranges. The ‘Difficult’ rating is due to the combination of distance and elevation gain, both of which are significant.

This is an additional and original way to access the Pierre Percée, a marvel of the Dauphiné region. The site overlooks the entire Matheysine area and offers magnificent views of all the surrounding mountains. After climbing through the forest, the route opens out onto meadows, and the descent to the Motte d'Aveillans is clear.

This relatively short and easy hike takes you to two modest peaks offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. It also takes you to one of the largest mountain pastures in the department.

This easy half-day circuit takes you from the bottom of the Gresse valley to the Miribel-Lanchâtre plateau, passing by one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné: the Fontaine Ardente. On the plateau, there are some beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Follow the legend of the Pierre Percée (Pierced Rock) on this short circuit that will take you to one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné.

This hike is a real treat for the eyes, with the summit of Beauregard in the Connex offering a sweeping panorama of southern Isère and all the surrounding mountain ranges, particularly the Laffrey Lakes. This circular route also allows you to discover the small, typical hamlets of the Matheysine region.

A beautiful hike where, on the way there, you will walk along the shores of the Pierre-Châtel and Pétichet lakes with a short detour to see Lake Laffrey, and return via the Cholonge ridges at the foot of the Grand Serre.

This is a relatively easy short hike that will allow you to discover beautiful views of the eastern slope of the Vercors, the Obiou massif and the Gresse valley as far as Grenoble and the Chartreuse. You will also discover the mountain habitat of this part of the Isère as you pass through the small hamlets towards Saint-Paul-lès-Monestier.

A ridge trail offering beautiful views of the eastern Vercors, Dévoluy and Trièves.

A hike that visits one of the 7 Wonders of Dauphiné.

A beautiful hike with magnificent views of the Trièves and Dévoluy regions, on a sunny hillside, ideal for the off-season. The slopes are moderate but the atmosphere is mountainous. It is possible to climb to the summit of Sénépy along the way.

A hike to reach the summit of Sénépy via good paths or trails, mainly on the southern slope. A very beautiful hike for cool or cold seasons, with splendid views.

This is a hike that starts with a ferry crossing. The objective is to take the two elegant bridges. The first bridge crosses the Drac. The second bridge crosses the Ebron. Satisfactory markings.

This easy hike, just outside the city, will first take you to a little-known viewpoint, La Roche Courbière, which offers a surprising view of the lower Drac valley, the Grenoble metropolitan area and the surrounding mountains such as the Vercors and the Chartreuse. The route then takes you to the ruins of the Priory of Saint-Michel de Connexe, which dates back to the 11th century.

A circular hike to do when the boat is not crossing the lake (out of season) or if you want to take your time crossing the footbridges over two days. See my other hike: Drac footbridge hike. I do not recommend this hike for people who are afraid of heights or have a phobia of falling!

This easy circular route between the villages of Saint-Georges-de-Commiers and Notre-Dame-de-Commiers will allow you to discover the Drac valley, the old La Mure railway line and a beautiful viewpoint at the Pierre du Soleil orientation table.

A short circuit to warm up your legs as soon as the good weather arrives. No particular difficulty and some beautiful views of the mountains surrounding the Trièves!

Don't worry, we are not in the high mountains and the glacier disappeared 15,000 years ago. The route is easy and short enough to be done with children. It is enjoyable and educational, with two panels explaining the geological evolution of the region and the formation of the Matheysine lakes.

One of the most beautiful mountain pastures in the region: the Conest mountain, whose Beauregard viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Grenoble mountain triptych: Vercors, Chartreuse and Belledonne to the north, and the Jonche valley and its lakes, as well as the Grande Tête de l'Obiou to the south. Circular around the hamlet of Les Arnauds, returning via the hamlet's combe trail.

This is a beautiful, easy hike with relatively little elevation gain, which will allow you to discover the lakes of Matheysine and the surrounding mountains.

This beautiful hike takes you to one of the passes of the Vercors and offers an exceptional view of the Petite Moucherolle and Grande Moucherolle, which dominate Corrençon and Villard de Lans on the other side.

This is a beautiful, easy walk offering panoramic views of the Trièves basin and the surrounding peaks. The route and description were modified on 21 April 2022.

This hike, which is suitable for everyone, will take you along a Discovery Trail to a small peak overlooking the little town of La Mure. Crossing the meadows, you will then discover the surrounding mountains from the south of the Vercors to the Oisans via the Obiou. In Prunières, you will visit an old mining well where a magnificent fresco pays tribute to the miners. Paths and trails alternate between shaded and sunny passages.

Starting from Col de Fraisse above Monestier-de-Clermont, visit two viewpoints: La Roche, which overlooks Lake Monteynard, and Côte Rouge, facing the famous Mont Aiguille. On the way, pass by the beautiful beech tree called Arbre à Mimi.

Make no mistake, this short circuit is a real hike. The climb is steep in places but fortunately short, and the passage over the Ferrière ridge is a real treat (you are almost directly above the Gresse valley and the village of Miribel Lanchâtre). The view from the summit is well worth the detour.

From Villard-Saint-Christophe, there are many hikes possible in the Tabor massif, but the Croix de Gouret is the most accessible and offers beautiful views of the Matheysine, Vercors and Dévoluy lakes. The route suggested here is the shortest and offers interesting views, but other routes starting from the village are also possible.

This magnificent figure-eight route combines the ascent of Grande Moucherolle, the second highest peak in the Vercors, with the crossing of two challenging passes and the discovery of the Rocher des Deux Sœurs ridges. This hike includes two short climbing sections (less than 5 metres each), which are not particularly difficult but are exposed. A good quarter of the route is on poorly marked paths, requiring a good sense of direction even though orientation is easy. Marmots and ibex are on the menu.

A superb, quick walk to the Drac footbridge, along the north bank of the river of the same name, south of Lake Monteynard. Beautiful views of the lake and river, until you cross the Himalayan footbridge before returning.

A circular hike to do when the boat is not crossing the lake (out of season) or if you want to take your time crossing the footbridges over two days. See the Pont de Brion and Ébron footbridge hike. This hike is not recommended for people who are afraid of heights or have a phobia of falling.

After a few modifications, I am once again offering this enjoyable hike on the hillsides, which will allow you to discover unexpected aspects of the A51 motorway as well as interesting views of the eastern side of the Vercors. You will also discover small hamlets in the south of the Grenoble metropolitan area.

A challenging hike that takes you over one of the passes on the eastern edge of the Vercors. The final climb is difficult. Please be careful

This is an aerial hike, partly off-trail on the ridge extending from the Gerbier to Roc Cornafion, where you can encounter the wildlife of the Vercors, particularly ibex and chamois. The difficulty of the hike is due to its length, the absence of a trail for a good quarter of the route, and the short climb leading to Roc Cornafion.

This walk is a variation on the classic tour of the Himalayan footbridges of Lake Monteynard, which does not require a boat trip (for a fee) to return to the starting point. In addition, this route takes you to the Pas du Berlioz (very beautiful view of the lake) and the Pont de Brion. It is hardly any longer than taking the boat, as you don't need to go all the way to the pier, which is quite far away. However, part of the route is a return trip.

Le Sénépy and its exceptional panorama from Mayres-Savel via the ridges.

I suggest a new hike, perfect for a half-day, with a magnificent viewpoint at the summit of Côte Rouge.

A beautiful hike, accessible in all seasons, but it is best to avoid the heat of summer. Discover the Gresse valley and the Montagne d'Uriol with its almost Mediterranean vegetation.

This short hike will take you to the ridge overlooking the Gresse valley and the Vif plain on one side, and the village of Saint-Paul-de-Varces on the other, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains: Belledonne, Vercors and Chartreuse.

A beautiful variety of landscapes, beautiful views of the Drac gorges, the upper reaches of Lake Monteynard and, of course, the Vercors, Oisans, Obioux, etc. Yellow markings will guide you along the way, and there are numerous hiking signs to help you find your way.

This route allows you to discover the eastern slope of the Vercors as well as the view of the Gresse Valley and the massifs to the east (Taillefer, Belledonne). The vegetation on the eastern slope of Le Pieu is very characteristic of Mediterranean regions, even though we are in the heart of the Alps. Moderator's addition on 17/05/2021: Please note: parking problem at the start. See suggestion at the beginning of the description and the comment dated 17/05/2021

One of the most beautiful viewpoints over Grenoble, but you have to work for it – the climb is steep! Definitely avoid this route after or during rain. Walking poles are highly recommended. The difficulty of this hike is concentrated in the 300 m of elevation gain before the summit, where the slope through the undergrowth is very steep, on soft, slippery ground with only faint tracks in places. The descent is then very gradual and pleasant, which is why it’s worth taking the route in this direction.