Ornon walks

A beautiful hike at the foot of the Taillefer, easily accessible and offering breathtaking views! This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

A very pleasant circular route through woodland and then across mountain pastures, allowing you to explore various villages (including one in ruins) in the Lignarre Valley and offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The variety of landscapes, the scenic spots and the local history: this circular route has everything you need to enjoy it.

After the difficult climb to Villard-Raymond, we will enjoy a varied hike through forests and mountain pastures, climbing to a small summit with a cross for a view of the entire landscape.

Starting from Villard-Reymond, there is a very pretty circular walk under the Grand Renaud cirque, through the mountain pastures and back via the Croix du Carrelet.

In an hour, you can reach a 360-degree viewpoint offering views of four Alpine massifs: Taillefer, Belledonne, Grandes Rousses and Écrins. The hike starts in the picturesque village of Villard-Reymond, which can be reached via a narrow road (with around 20 hairpin bends) from the Col d'Ornon. It begins in the shade of the undergrowth before reaching a ridge and then the Col de Saint-Jean. A steep climb, but under pine trees, takes you to the summit of Prégentil, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of peaks reaching 3,000-4,000 metres.

This redesigned route follows the path that the postman used to take to deliver the mail to the village of Villard Raymond. It is now part ofthe GR®50Tour du Dauphiné.

Facing the Taillefer range, discover a summit overlooking the peat bogs of this massif. This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect them (see practical information).

A peaceful exploration of one of the most beautiful alpine tundras, amidst sapphire-coloured lakes and weather-beaten rocks nestled amongst blueberry bushes, on the plateau separating the Grand Galbert from the Taillefer. The ascent and descent to Lac Fourchu follow very good paths. On the plateau, the route meanders as far as the eye can see and adapts to the mood of hikers eager for space and light.Le Grand Galbert offers a magnificent 360º view of all the mountain ranges surrounding Grenoble. This hike passes through a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect these (see practical information).

A superb family hike to discover a mountain lake perched at an altitude of 2,000 metres. The more adventurous can take a dip, while others can enjoy a picnic with their feet in the water. On the way back, you can discover the magnificent little Rioupéroux stream. This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

A very pleasant circular at the foot of Taillefer with beautiful views of the Oisans region. This hike crosses a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect them (see practical information).

Two central viewing points offer views of the massifs of the Northern French Alps, from Mont Blanc to the limestone Pre-Alps of Chartreuse and Vercors, to Belledonne, the Grandes Rousses, the Cerces, Oisans and Dévoluy. Numerous lakes dot the vast “tundra” plateau separating the Taillefer from the Grand Galbert like sapphires. Part of the hike is off-trail, though this does not add to the difficulty: only the elevation gain and distance justify the rating. See practical information.

A superb hike at the foot of the Taillefer Massif, set against a backdrop of northern tundra at an altitude of over 2,000 m, with numerous lakes to discover. Stunning views of the Écrins, Belledonne and Taillefer massifs.

A walk at the foot of the Taillefer massif amongst the many lakes.This walk passes through a Natura 2000 site and is subject to specific regulations. Please respect these.

A wild hike around the Vaunoire waterfalls and along the exposed ridge leading to the Grand Armet (2,792m), a viewpoint offering a unique panorama of the Dévoluy, the entire eastern barrier of the Vercors, the Taillefer, Belledonne, Mont Blanc, the Grandes Rousses, and the whole of the Oisans. Much of the route is off-trail and requires a (very) good sense of direction or the use of a GPS. The ridge, almost 2 km long, presents no technical difficulty but is exposed.

A hike that begins in the atmosphere of the undergrowth and ends in a high mountain setting.

At 3,049m, Pointe de Malhaubert is the highest of the peaks surrounding Lac du Vallon above Chantelouve, offering a unique, unobstructed 360° panorama of all the Alpine massifs.Ibex, chamois and griffon vultures frequent the nearby peaks and slopes. Warning:Reaching the summit requires proficiency in ridge walking (grade 3 climbing, with constant exposure) both on the ascent and descent. The snowfields require crampons and an ice axe, as well as an early start.

Ascent to Le Rochail from the hamlet of Les Bosses via Lac du Vallon. A very interesting route, both visually and technically. Be careful, however, as the slopes are steep and the ridge walk between the Col du Rochail and the summit can be dizzying.

Starting from the car park at the church in the hamlet of Chantelouve, this circular route, mainly through forest, offers numerous views of the village hamlets. The aim is to reach the shepherd's summer chalet and the pastures where the local sheep graze.

A technicolour skyline route… After a gruelling 500m climb on a more or less pleasant track, the forest finally opens out. At around 2,100m, the adventure begins. You need to make your way to the summit of Les Clottoux as best you can. From up there, the rest of the route is clear. A ridge walk to Le Neyrard, then above Lac du Vallon to La Berche Noire.

A very easy walk to and from the Himalayan footbridge overlooking the Romanche. There is a picnic area at the foot of the footbridge on the opposite bank.

The last stage begins at the large Vallon Lake. You will then cross the Col du Rochail, which rises to an altitude of 2,756 metres. After this climb, your path will take you to the Refuge des Sources, then to Villard-Notre-Dame, a village offering a superb view of Bourg-d'Oisans, your final destination.

This is a beautiful walk that allows you to discover the beautiful chalets of Alpe d'Huez, followed by a gentle path to an old coal mine that closed in 1951, the Herpie mine. Then there is a steeper climb to Lac Blanc. The descent to Alpe d'Huez offers a beautiful view of the resort.

A short walk starting from the village of Les Cours, taking you through six hamlets. An easy route taking less than 2 hours. You can extend the route with other circular loops using the various signposted waypoints.

This easy circular offers superb 360° views of five mountain ranges during the journeyOisans with a view of La MeijeThe Aiguilles d'Arves, symbol of the MaurienneThe Grandes Rousses mountain rangeThe Belledonne rangeThe Taillefer massifnot forgetting the Emparis plateau.

This route offers magnificent views of the Écrins Massif and La Meije, as well as the Bourg-d’Oisans valley. There are four chapels along the route: those in the hamlets of Les Cours and Cluy, the Saint-Géraud Chapel and the chapel in the hamlet of Les Certs. This is an easy walk with several picnic spots along the way. There are several alternative routes available, allowing you to extend the route. You can start from the resort.

All levels of the mountain up to the Pas de la Mine at 2,500 metres: forest, stubble and then red rocks. Cool temperatures near Lac Brouffier.

Access to Lac de Brouffier via the route with the least elevation gain.

This is a circular route without difficulty that takes you down into the Sarenne gorges. The first half of the hike is on the road with beautiful panoramic views, and the second half is along the Sarenne river, through the undergrowth to the village of Huez. You can choose to go back up via the ski lift or on foot via the Chemin du Village de l'Alpe (allow an extra 1½ hours, with a significant elevation gain).

Ascent of the Petit and Grand Taillefer, the first peaks of the Belledonne range, clearly visible from the city of Grenoble. The view from the summit is magnificent, taking in Mont Blanc, the peaks of the Écrins Massif (Barre des Écrins, Roc de la Muzelle, etc.) as well as the Aiguilles d'Arves to the east and the peaks of the Vercors and Dévoluy to the west.

This is a pleasant short hike in the Taillefer Massif, which takes you to the edge of a small lake. The return trip offers a bird's-eye view of the valleys, the Matheysine, the Vercors and Belledonne.

This superb hike starting from Allemont passes by the lake, the pass and the Croix de Belledonne before descending through the very wild Bâton valley and past the Lacs du Bœuf and du Bois. Half of the route is completely off-trail, allowing you to observe wildlife and listen to the sounds of the mountains in complete tranquillity. This challenging route requires crampons and an ice axe in all seasons and a night-time start in summer (see practical information).

The Tête de Barbalon, starting from the hamlet of Le Pay, is a route very rarely taken by walkers. It is true that from the Cabane du Pay onwards, there are no longer any markings, apart from a few scattered cairns, nor any proper paths either – at most, a few faint tracks. But the pleasure of encountering a somewhat rugged and wild natural landscape is very much there, and from the summit, the sweeping panorama of the surrounding mountains more than makes up for the effort involved.

A nice little circular loop in the Écrins National Park, to Lac du Lauvitel, from the Ougiers car park. The hike can start from La Danchère, but in August 2024 the road was closed due to a landslide in June. The ascent is via Les Selles and the descent via Les Rousses. It is a mountain trail, much of which runs through forest, so it is shaded, which is useful in hot weather. The trail is mostly paved with old stones and there are small bridges to cross.

A beautiful hike that will take you through the forest of the Arselle cross-country skiing plateau to Lake Achard. The view of the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. 03/01/2024: Change of starting point.

This route allows you to stay away from the resort facilities whilst enjoying the scenery and sweeping views. Alternating between forest trails and crossings through mountain pastures, it is varied enough to satisfy most people. 10/01/2024: Change to the starting point.

Hike along the red cross-country ski trail on the Arselle plateau, starting from the car park of the restaurant and swimming pool in the village of Bachat in Chamrousse 1700. Much of the hike takes place in the forest.

The Allemond cross-country ski trail offers a 2 km return route, suitable for beginners, along the river.Route accessible during the winter season, subject to snow conditions.

On the outskirts of Grenoble, Belledonne is a mountain range easily accessible for a day’s hike, offering all altitudes and numerous lakes. The Grand Sorbier, situated near the Chamrousse resort, overlooks the Romanche Valley from 1,800 m and, beyond that, looks out over the Grandes Rousses and the Alps.The first part of the route, which is very popular, starts at the Plateau d’Arselle, the cross-country skiing area of Chamrousse, and leads to the magnificent Lac Achard in the heart of a protected area. The second part, less frequented, leads to the Lacs Robert via the Col de l’Infernet and the Col de la Botte, an area favoured by ibex. The final section, secluded and off the beaten track, winds through a rocky scree landscape where the difficult and tiring climb is rewarded by the magnificent view from the summit of the Grand Sorbier.

Magnificent viewpoint overlooking Le Périer and the Malsanne valley. No signposting on the walk.

Loop in the Écrins National Park. Tour of the Aiguille de Venosc via the Lauvitel and Muzelle lakes, then the Vénéon Valley.A rich and varied itinerary! It is relatively long. It can be done in two days by spending a night at the Refuge de la Muzelle or bivouacking near the refuge.

The Lac du Lauvitel and its integral reserve (the first in France, created in 1995).

A very pretty circular route with a wild, high-mountain atmosphere despite the presence of the L'Alpe d'Huez cross-country ski area, which, incidentally, allows you to hike safely whilst making your own tracks in the powder snow.

A unique hike off the beaten track, featuring an ascent of La Botte (2,248 m), a descent along undulating ridges to Lac de l’Infernet, and a circumnavigation of the pass of the same name across wide, sloping meadows. The route then joins the classic trail to Lac Achard. Stunning views throughout the hike. Please note: see the ‘Practical Information’ section.

An easy hike to start your Belledone traverse gently. No fewer than four lakes dot the route, most of which are suitable for swimming and/or a nap. This description treats the hike as a one-way trip, but a day trip (there and back) is also possible.A more challenging alternative is available; see here

Well known to Grenoble residents, this hike offers superb views of all the surrounding mountains, including Chartreuse, Vercors, Grandes Rousses, Taillefer and Belledonne. As soon as you arrive at the top of the cable car, your gaze is drawn to La Meije, which looks so close.⚠️ This hike can only be done on foot from 30 June to 1 October ⚠️

This hike leaves the traditional, well-trodden trails of the Arselle plateau to follow the ski-touring routes in the area and explore steep, unmarked paths through the Lauze forest or along the cliffs of the Rocher de l’Homme. A wild landscape and magnificent views over the Romanche valley. To finish, a long circular loop through the Séchilienne Forest to recover from the previous exertions. (Please note: read the practical information).

An original route, starting from Roche Béranger towards the Refuge de la Pra, to explore numerous natural lakes. A varied route combining wide tracks, rugged paths, scree crossings, steep rocky gullies where you’ll often need to use your hands, and pleasant, shaded paths amongst Swiss stone pines. With a feel reminiscent of Scandinavia and the Canadian Rockies, the landscape is spectacular, offering a 360° panorama. (Please read the ‘Practical Information’ section carefully.)

A challenging hike starting from Roche Béranger to discover the Robert Lakes via the Brèche Sud, passing by the Lac des Vallons and returning via the Croix de Chamrousse. Magnificent, wild landscapes. Please note that there are rocky passages to cross.

There are several signposted routes to the Robert Lakes: either via the Brèche Nord or the Brèche Sud, but none combining these two approaches. This circular route, starting from Roche Béranger, does just that. You are free to choose the direction of the walk, as these two routes are completely different: the Brèche Nord route is longer, with steep and rugged ascents and rocks to climb over. A shorter route with less elevation gain but large scree slopes to cross via the Southern Pass. All set against a magnificent backdrop.

A hike in the heart of nature on the outskirts of Grenoble. The trail takes you through woods to Lac Archard, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. Then, in a more open area, the path climbs up to the Robert Lakes.

A challenging hike starting from Roche Béranger to discover the Lacs Robert via the Brèche Nord, passing by Lac des Pourettes and then returning via Lac Achard. Magnificent, wild landscapes. Please note that there are rocky passages to cross.

A hike to reach a very pretty lake in the Belledonne mountain range. Best done in spring to see the lake and its snowfields.

A short, gentle snowshoe walk to do after a good fall of fresh snow.The first part is almost flat and leads to the Refuge de Pré-Gaudet. Then the path climbs a little before descending into the undergrowth alongside a small stream.

An easy walk at medium altitude, accessible to most people, around the four lakes: Lac Noir, Lac Besson, Lac Faucille and Lac Carrelet, above Alpe d'Huez. Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Get off the beaten track by passing by Lac Noir and return above Lac Carrelet and Lac Besson!

A complete change of scenery is guaranteed on this ride, where you’ll be treated to a feast of lakes. The approach to the plateau via the Refuge de la Fare is impressive but poses no real danger, especially as the view on arrival is well worth the effort. Reaching the Dôme des Petites Rousses is then a mere formality before tackling the descent, partly along the ski runs.

From Le Recoin, there are easy routes to visit the Robert Lakes. This description deviates slightly from the most commonly used trails, particularly from the Brèche Sud to reach Lac des Pourettes.

A hike to Robert Lakes in Belledonne, which requires a good sense of direction and experience of walking off-trail. At the start of the season, a slightly steep section requires the use of crampons if there is still snow.

An exceptional hike leading to the wonderful Robert Lakes starting from the Chamrousse resort. Beware of late snowfields

This circular loop allows you to visit a number of lakes on the southern slope of Belledonne: starting from Le Recoin de Chamrousse, the route typically takes you to the Robert Lakes via the southern and northern passes, but you can also continue further up through the wild Combe de Jasse-Bralard to reach Lac David, then descend via the GR®738 alongside the Claret, Longet, Bernard, Léama, Robert and Pourettes lakes. Whilst most of the route follows marked paths, there are a few sections of fairly difficult terrain, and the cumulative elevation gain should not be underestimated, given the number of ascents and descents.

We’re going to walk on the ocean!Or how to walk around a ski resort almost without seeing the slopes, but taking in some beautiful lakes and a summit far more impressive than the famous Croix de Chamrousse.

A hike to the Robert Lakes, a little wilder than those starting from Chamrousse Ski Resort. Between (7) and (8), the descent via the ski runs is a bit challenging; it can be replaced by a long circular loop that passes by Lac des Vallons.

A very pleasant hike. First along the Rif Bruyant stream, through beech and then fir and larch forests, and finally in a high mountain setting in the middle of the Cirque du Coiro. Well-marked trails make the elevation gain on this hike easier.

After a challenging and technical day on this trek, today is a transitional stage leading to the magnificent village of Mizoën. The descent to Venosc is absolutely stunning, featuring beautiful waterfalls. Then, after a cable car ride reducing the elevation gain to 300 m, you’ll cross the resort of Les Deux Alpes, dominated by the Girose Glacier. You’ll reach Lac Chambon and the splendid village of Mizoën with its Lodge l’Emparis.