Oulles 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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 ⚠️

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

We're going to walk on the ocean! Or how to tour a ski resort without seeing the slopes, but with a few beautiful lakes and a summit that is much more impressive than the famous Croix de Chamrousse.

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.

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.

The legendary summit of Belledonne is easily accessible in summer. The entire route is superb, whether it's the view of Lac du Crozet from Col de la Pra, the Lacs des Doménon or the view from the summit.

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.

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.

The light green Lac de la Balmette is located in a very wild cirque dominated by the Grand Pic de Belledonne and Pic Lamartine. Several torrents flowing under the scree feed it and its overflow gives rise to the Ruisseau d'Articol.

This hike takes you to a series of lakes set like precious stones along the path from the Oursière waterfalls to the Col de la Pra, between wave-cut rocks and alpine flora. This route, which is partly off-trail, is particularly treacherous: there is no way to keep to a schedule, as the fascinating landscapes compel you to linger and contemplate. A small part of the route is off-trail but there are no difficulties with orientation.

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 climbs up to Lac Claret via the impressive Cascade de l'Ousrière waterfall and Lacs Bernard and Longet. It offers a beautiful overview of the Lacs de la Pra, accompanied by a superb view of a large part of the peaks of the Belledonne massif. However, it is quite a long hike.

This very pretty circular loop up to Lac David via the Cascade de l'Oursière allows you to first enjoy the various Pra lakes (Bernard, Longet, Claret) and then make a beautiful traverse under the Jasse Bralard peaks. Throughout the traverse, you can enjoy a magnificent view overlooking the city of Grenoble below.

This is a magnificent circuit in the Belledonne massif that will take you to the shores of the Robert lakes, a site well known to skiers who visit the Chamrousse resort. The difficulty is not technical, but should be taken into account due to the steep slopes in places and the particular nature of this mountain range, which is often shrouded in fog.

This magnificent loop trail starts at the Gâte car park and climbs through the woods to the viewpoint of the impressive and beautiful Cascade de l'Oursière waterfall, then follows the Ruisseau du Doménon stream through a welcoming grassy valley, ideal for a short rest before tackling the climb up a scree slope. At the top, you will find the stream again, which flows peacefully through an alpine meadow in a picture-postcard setting. Once you have crossed a valley, you will discover the charming Lac Merlat in a high mountain atmosphere. Take a short detour to the Refuge de la Pra before continuing on to admire the series of superb lakes: Claret, Longet, Bernard and Léama. After crossing a few rocky outcrops, you come to a cute little lake and then the three Robert Lakes at the foot of the Croix de Chamrousse. The descent from the Brèche Robert Nord leads to the Lac des Pourettes in a marshy basin and finally a passage through the forest brings you back to the car park.

A fairly short hike starting from the Baraque des Carriers car park, but very interesting and moderately difficult, with a beautiful view from the summit. A lovely moment shared at the summit with a ibex.

This circular route starting from Vaujany offers a beautiful view of Allemond, Lac du Vernet, and the confluence of the Eau d’Olle and Fare valleys.Most of the route is through woodland.

This circular loop starting from Vaujany takes you up through the forest and blueberry bushes to the Grand Beau Rocher. There isn't really a rock at this spot, but there is a magnificent view of the entire region.

Following the Vénéon floods in June 2024, it is no longer possible to complete this route. The paths have been destroyed.

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).

An easy ski-touring route in magnificent surroundings. A route with a lovely finish above the Col du Sabot. A very beautiful route for warming up or for beginners. The Col du Sabot lies on the border between the Grandes Rousses massif and the Maurienne.

A circular hike in a rather deserted area, with unique geological features alternating between steep high-altitude grasslands and a chaos of clay and black limestone needles.