Notre-Dame de Vouise

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

Details

103220
Creation:
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Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.44 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 437 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 437 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 728 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 291 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) Start from the centre of Voiron, in front of the cathedral. Head north from Place de la République and turn left onto Rue des 4 Chemins. This street continues into Rue Sermorens, which you should follow.
After 400 metres, turn right onto Avenue Marie Curie. Continue along the winding main road until you reach the Collège de la Garenne.

(1) Continue straight ahead, then turn right onto Rue de la Martelière. Continue straight ahead and pass in front of the Martelière agricultural college. You will reach a fork in the road at the wash house.

(2) Turn right onto Rue d'Orgeoise. Continue on the main road until you reach Petit Col, where you will see a signpost for various hiking trails on the right-hand side of the road as you climb.

(3) Turn right towards the south. Take the small path that climbs to the left, as the other path (on the right, shown on the map) is too rough. This small path on the left is not marked on the map. After about 150 metres, you will rejoin the other path.

(4) Continue south. The route is mainly uphill, still heading south, until you reach the sign for Notre Dame de Vouise 100 metres to the right, where there is a magnificent statue.

(5) Walk around it to discover a spiral staircase with 90 steps to climb, at the top of which you will find a splendid panorama of the Chartreuse, the Vercors and Voiron.
Return via the same route to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 291 m - Departure from the Cathedral. Close to the - Morge (rivière) - Affluent de l'isère
  2. 1 : km 1.46 - alt. 367 m - Collège de la Garenne
  3. 2 : km 2.3 - alt. 433 m - Fork to take Rue d'Orgeoise
  4. 3 : km 3.18 - alt. 544 m - Le Petit Col, hiking signs
  5. 4 : km 3.38 - alt. 566 m - Trail junction
  6. 5 : km 4.23 - alt. 728 m - Statue of Our Lady of Vouise
  7. S/E : km 8.44 - alt. 291 m - Cathedral

Notes

In February, we took two pairs of shoes, "normal" hiking boots and après-ski boots. Ski poles for climbing are recommended if you cannot find a sturdy branch to help you.

The path can be slippery in wet weather as there are lots of stones and leaves.
In general, hiking boots are best for good traction.

Don't forget to bring a bin bag if you plan to picnic at the top, as there are no facilities.
There are no toilets or water sources.

Worth a visit

At various points along the hike, we were able to admire the beautiful panorama before us.
There are picnic areas at the foot of the statue.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 15 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
CAB743826
CAB743826

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The starting point is the church in Voiron: it's not easy to park in town! We went to the school a little further up
At this time of year, there are few visitors, nature is still dormant, and the colours are still a little dull. A walk in the forest to cool off in summer, with beautiful views

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Sannik
Sannik
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A beautiful, uncommon hike, worth trying even in winter. The paths are wide and easy to climb, but you still need to be careful because of wet rocks and occasional mud. Unfortunately, there isn't much to see along the forest path, but if you climb up to the Notre-Dame de Vouise statue, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Voiron.

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Lily38
Lily38

Good evening, there are four road signs that are clearly visible from the church. You have chosen the route for the car and not the easiest hike..

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Dominique Z
Dominique Z
• Edited:

Not enough signage. There are several possible routes, and this one starting from the college in Voiron involves too much walking on the road.

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Pierreclos
Pierreclos

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A superb view from the summit, a short but very pleasant hike

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courrenq marie-yvonne
courrenq marie-yvonne

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 22, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Great hike

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Zoé2
Zoé2

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 07, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely hike accessible to all, with beautiful views of the town and mountains.
The forest sections can be muddy

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DANIELCOURRIER
DANIELCOURRIER

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 25, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant and easy walk (done with a hiking friend who is undergoing chemotherapy...).

To avoid walking too much through the streets of the town centre, it is best to drive to the Garenne secondary school, or even a little further towards the Martellière secondary school.

In this case, you can descend from the summit at La Garenne from the sign indicating ND de Vouise 100 metres away.

Otherwise, some sections of the staircase inside the tower are completely dark. The torch on your phone may be useful for some people, even though the steps are very regular.

very beautiful 360° view

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Lily38
Lily38

Indeed, it is a well-deserved gift!

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Edenath
Edenath

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The arrival at Notre Dame de Vouise is well deserved, especially after the climb from the small pass
The view is simply magnificent

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Lily38
Lily38

I'm glad you enjoyed the hike

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Nicolebo
Nicolebo

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Great hike, don't be afraid of the climbs. Very shady and, above all, the view from the top is superb

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anniemeignie
anniemeignie

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I didn't do this hike, but I modified the route to make it circular. It's possible and, in my opinion, more enjoyable.

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grossif
grossif

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2018
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A wonderful walk to do with children, as the finale is breathtaking.
Climbing this statue is exhilarating and the view is very informative about the city's development.

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Alain.kur38
Alain.kur38

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 30, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A pleasant family hike offering beautiful views. After a steep but short start on a forest track, there are no particular difficulties.

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