Rhône-Alpes walks

Visit the Trois Becs, the high points of the Forest of Saou. Correction: the elevation is 750 m instead of the 1071 m described.

Enjoy a complete change of scenery in this superb canyon between two narrow cliffs. An unusual spot with a crevasse that descends into nowhere, offering a calm and sombre atmosphere among rocky outcrops, lichens and ferns. Please note! The route has been changed to avoid the Ferme du Pêcher du Bas. At (1), go straight ahead, then take a path on the right and head straight for (3).

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.

The west summit of Saou forest, which marks the beginning (or end) of this forest.

A long hike across the Vercors Highlands ("Hauts Plateaux du Vercors"), to reach the Grand Veymont. Breath-taking view of the entire Vercors massif and Mont Aiguille.

A beautiful hike in the heart of the Ardèche Gorges, during which you will:- descend a valley, follow the river along a path equipped with cables and ladders for a short section. Cirques, cliffs, small caves, rocks, needles, rapids, sandy or pebble beaches follow one after another. Many birds inhabit the cliffs.- climb back up another beautiful valley, offering some stunning views of the gorges and their meanders, to reach the plateau.

From Buis-les-Baronnies, walk around the Rocher Saint-Julien enjoying the views of the Baronnies and Mont Ventoux.

Explore a particularly interesting woods above the town of Vans.

This easily accessed summit is located on a ridge between the "Vallée de la Gresse" and the Vercors plateau. It offers a breathtaking view on Belledonne, Les Rousses and a bit further Les Ecrins.

A circuit from Féclaz to the Nivolet Cross overlooking Chambéry.

From Col du chatoux (or col du Chêne), this hike goes through woods along the ridge line offering wonderful views: -over the Saône and eastern Beaujolais valleys - over Azergues Valley to the west.

A lovely, varied walk with undergrowth, meadows and small villages, with the added bonus of the Angon waterfall and superb views of the lake, La Tournette and the Dents de Lanfon.

This hike takes you on a loop through the heart of the Bugey region around Hauteville-Lompnes, on the edge of the plateau overlooking the Gorges de l'Albarine, with relatively little elevation gain.

The high point of Basse-Ardèche, this promontory (719 m) offers a beautiful panorama of the Cévennes, Mont Lozère, the Alps, the Baronnies, Mont Ventoux and the Ridge of Montmirail.

The highest point in the Vercors at 2341 m, the Grand Veymont offers 360° panoramic views.

This beautiful circular route from Duerne takes you along well-marked paths and tracks, often shaded, to discover the varied landscapes of this little-known part of the Monts du Lyonnais. A small stele by the side of the road commemorates the sacrifice of the American pilots who crashed there in 1944. At the end of the route, before heading back up towards Duerne, you can discover the astonishing remains of the Roman Aqueduct on the Brévenne.

A day's walk, quite lovely and varied. You start by going through the Grand Platon Forest, then going along the south-east bank of the lake with beautiful views over the lake. You change banks and go along the Feydelière and Véronnière marshes ('Marais' - protected sites). The return is via the north-west bank of the lake with beautiful views over Chartreuse and, if the weather is clear, Mont Blanc.

Passing over the Cols du Grand and Petit Pertuis, you'll be amazed by this route along the ridges, which offers 360° views of the Alps, Massif Central and Jura. An easy hike for regular walkers.

A route starting at a hilltop village, Saint-Laurent-sous-Coiron, with a wonderful, panoramic 180° view over the Ardèche mountains and plains, from Villeneuve de Berg to the Col de l'Escrinet (the Cham du Cros, Rocher d’Abraham, Montagne Sainte-Marguerite, Mont Lozère). In addition, educational panels depicting the history, geology and life on the Coiron adorn this hike.

A splendid medieval village, a hermit and his cave, a valley in the limestone hills and the views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Ventoux. Prepare yourself for a nice, family-friendly hike, which will suit everyone.

From Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont, this beautiful walk leads to the source of the Guiers-Vif, follows the course of the torrent, passes through hamlets and reveals the large clearing of the Cirque de Saint-Même. The Cirque de Saint-Même is a very popular spot, attracting families in search of fresh air in the summer months. Hikers will find a little more freshness and tranquillity as they climb towards the Cascade du Guiers-Vif.

A panoramic walk overlooking the town of Nantua and its famous lake, in an exceptional environment that alternates between countryside and coniferous forest. The mountainous route retains a good sporting aspect.

This is a lovely, easy hike in the Vanoise. It is also a lake circuit dominated by the Vanoise glaciers between the Dent Parrachée and the Grande Casse. From Lac Blanc to the Plan du Lac refuge, the route is neither mapped nor marked.

Discover the old tramway line linking Saint-Marcellin (38) and Lyon (69).

The three châteaux in Quincié-en-Beaujolais are well worth a visit. What's more, you'll pass through a highly varied landscape of vineyards, forests and meadows. The three châteaux trail is very well signposted and offers 4 variants of varying lengths.

An easy walk to enjoy as a family. Very popular in summer, it is worth the detour to admire the panoramic view over the Alps and the summits of Mont Blanc, the Lyonnais mountains and the Giers valley, the Vercors massif and those of northern Vivarais. With a wealth of flowers in spring, you can gather bilberries in August and raspberries in September. Unless you choose to go ski touring or cross-country skiing here in winter.

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

From the footbridge at Cusy, take the right bank up the Chéran gorges and the left bank down after crossing the spectacular "Pont de l'Abîme". This well-maintained itinerary allows you to discover the wildest part of one of Europe's last natural rivers.

A family-friendly trail that explores the troglodyte village of Barry, one of the finest and largest in France.

Located in the heart of the Vanoise massif, this route is a good introduction to France's first national park and goes around the Aiguille de la Vanoise. In early summer (June), you'll easily spot ibex, marmots and maybe even chamois. It is best to park at the Fontanettes car park above Pralognan-la-Vanoise, but you can also start from Pralognan. Moderator's addition on 04/08/2021: Please note! For safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that you do this route in the opposite direction to the one suggested here. See the reviews at the bottom of this page.

This hike is not particularly difficult, despite one slightly steep section, and will take you to the foot of the terminal tongue of the Bionnassay Glacier, then to the Col de Voza. All along the way, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Bionnassay Glacier, then the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Massif.

A beautiful family hike that combines green mountain slopes with water flowing in small streams and waterfalls. At the end of the hike, there is a small lake with crystal clear water.

Easy walk on this “tooth” overlooking the Isère valley and offering an interesting view over the east foothills of Chartreuse.

A beautiful circular walk starting from the village of Yzeron, alternating between forest paths and clear views of Lyon and the Alps. In good weather, there is an exceptional view of the Alps: you can easily recognise Mont Blanc, the Belledonne massif, the Chartreuse, the Vercors and even (for those in the know) the Meije! Part of the route follows the old (buried) aqueduct of Yzeron, which supplied Lyon with water in Gallo-Roman times (there are very informative signs along the route).

A superb hike starting from the Chalets de Bise, to discover Lake Darbon, a little gem nestled among the rocks. ⚠️ This route crosses the protected natural area of the Cornettes de Bise. To avoid disturbing the wildlife and preserve its habitat, please respect the regulations in force (see practical information). ANYONE WHO FAILS TO DO SO WILL BE FINED.

One of the most beautiful routes in the Vans region, both in terms of scenery and heritage. Balcony paths, chestnut groves and drying rooms, a gold-bearing river, low walls and beehives carved into chestnut tree trunks: everything invites you to discover this enclave of the Ardèche and its hamlets, which were once only accessible on foot. Be careful, there are steep and very steep ascents and descents. Allow 5 hours for the route, plus extra time for wandering around.

Loop trail starting from Yzeron, through varied landscapes. The trail passes around the small dam lake at the foot of Yzeron and then, at the end of the hike, along the Lac d'Yzeron, whose new facilities were inaugurated on 19/07/14.

A beautiful walk with several stream crossings. But beware of snow at the beginning of the season.

A magnificent loop starting from the Chalet de la Charmette, via the Col de la Grande Vache and Col de la Petite Vache. An aerial walk with breathtaking views.

The ridge trail from Mont Veyrier to Mont Baron overlooks Lake Annecy from a height of over 800 metres and offers panoramic views of the Bauges peaks. ⚠️ A decree issued by the municipalities of Annecy and Veyrier-du-Lac prohibits motorised vehicles from accessing the Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet.

This hike will take you into the charming Gorges du Gorgonnet. It is a family-friendly route. However, caution is advised. Although the trail is wide and comfortable, there are no guardrails in some places, so keep an eye on children. At the end of the gorges, they can enjoy a natural swimming pool with particularly clear (and cold) water.

A very nice circuit around the Monts du Lyonnais to explore the climbing area at Py Froid.

Tête Noire, Tête Ronde and Tête de l'Arpettaz: three peaks overlooking the southern end of the Glières Plateau. The hike takes you through a fairly wild and unfrequented part of the peaks surrounding the famous historic plateau. Magnificent 360° view.

The Rocher du Vent is an impressive rock formation offering a bird's eye view of Lake Roselend, near the Cormet de Roselend. The route described here is unusual as it goes through a tunnel and then along a balcony path, so it is only suitable for walkers who are not afraid of heights or claustrophobia! Others can still discover the site by cutting across to the Lauze chalet.

The "Passage de l'Aulp du Seuil" ("Aulp du Seuil" passing): this hike is one of the most beautiful hikes of the Chartreuse massif.

A lovely walk in the Giffre valley, starting from the immense glacial amphitheatre known as the Fer à Cheval, to reach the Fond de la Combe, with magnificent waterfalls, particularly in spring; the flora and fauna are also impressive. Moderator's note, following a comment from a user on 17 June 2023. The footbridge at Fond de la Combe is temporarily closed by municipal order and if you want to go to Bout du Monde, you should cross to the right bank of the Giffre at the Prazon chalet. The loop indicated here is therefore not currently possible.

In a wood near Saint Barthélémy de Vals, these rocks form a group of 51 blocks arranged in three roughly concentric circles covering nearly 6 hectares, hence the name "Cromlech de la Roche qui danse" (Dancing Rock Cromlech). Legend has it that "at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, the rocks begin to dance". Please note: see the practical information section.

A pretty lake in a rocky landscape, overlooking the Grésivaudan valley. From the lake, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Chartreuse mountains.

This circular hike runs along the slopes and ridge of La Galoppaz (pronounced Galoppe) to reach the summit with its magnificent 360° panorama.

Walk in the Bois d'Ajude near Lagorce. The Gour de la Sompe is not well described in guidebooks and is not on a marked path, but the site is worth a visit for its green water and waterfall (when there is enough water). Beautiful view of the Ibie valley from the Pertus de Fabria.