Saint-Alban-des-Villards walks

A beautiful hike in a wild area of Belledonne. With a bit of luck, you may encounter streams, lakes and trout, blueberries, marmots and chamois.

This circular walk offers stunning views of the Toussuire hillside as well as the Belledonne massif. You’ll be treated to 360° views. The pastures you will cross will no doubt give you the chance to see sheep and their patous, large dogs trained to protect livestock. This walk should be undertaken in clear weather to fully enjoy the scenery.

This circular walk around Mont Charvin is a great way to discover the diverse landscapes of the region. Along the way, you will pass through peaceful forests, walk along ridges offering magnificent panoramic views, and pass close to picturesque alpine hamlets. From the summit of Mont Charvin, the view of the Maurienne valley and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. The varied route allows you to fully appreciate the charm of the area while remaining accessible to occasional walkers. An ideal circuit for a getaway full of discovery and tranquillity.

A pleasant walk with no major difficulties. The ascent follows a wide, comfortable path that climbs steadily. An alternative route via another parallel path is possible (it passes through the Combe des Arvins). These paths run alongside the mountain pastures where you may encounter our friends the cows. The descent back down follows a slightly wilder path but is not difficult. Due to the presence of several small paths, various alternative routes are possible.

If you enjoy the atmosphere of green mountains, the countryside, walking along small, often shaded paths that are very pleasant in hot weather, and discovering the charm of numerous hamlets with magnificent views of the surrounding area, then this is the right hike for you. Of course, you can also discover the flora and fauna, such as crocuses in August.

A lovely, easy hike through the mountain pastures at high altitude, between two legendary Tour de France passes.

A splendid route, partly off-trail, offering views of the north face of the Aiguilles de l'Argentière and its reflections in the emerald lakes of Sambuis and La Croix: panoramic views. Many ibex frequent the rocky outcrops above the lakes. This hike presents no difficulty apart from the elevation gain and finding the route (4km without markings).

A lovely day's hike with breathtaking views of the Aiguilles de l'Argentière, offering plenty of refreshment thanks to a myriad of lakes and, in the background, the Aiguilles d'Arves and La Meije.

This circular, which starts at the Col de la Croix de Fer and passes by the Refuge de l'Étendard, gives you a taste of the high mountain atmosphere. Snow cover persists for quite a long time after winter. This hike is best done in late August or September. This hike can be easy in summer or difficult when there is snow (winter or spring). I did it when there was a lot of snow, which is why I consider it to be quite difficult.

This hike, which takes place entirely above 2,000 metres, takes you to the edge of two artificial lakes fed largely by the Saint-Sorlin Glacier, dominated by the Pic de l'Étandard.

From the Col de la Croix de Fer, often used by the Tour de France, enjoy a peaceful short hike on a little-used slope. Beautiful views of the surrounding area, particularly the Aiguilles d'Arves.

Pass under trees, pastures, rocky outcrops, streams and enjoy unobstructed views of the peaks. A superb condensed route that is well worth the detour and requires a little effort.

A hike starting from Montgellafrey, an authentic village in the Maurienne valley. The route passes scattered hamlets, then reaches Lac de la Grande Léchère, before continuing on to Croix du Grand Praz.

A circular route passing through the pastures and offering a stunning view of the Aiguilles d'Arves.

The Prairie de Montaimont is a vast, easy area that is ideal for snowshoeing. This route quickly offers magnificent panoramic views (Belledonne, Cheval Noir, the Col de la Madeleine, the Maurienne Massif, the Aiguilles d'Arves in the distance, etc.).

A summit with 360° views, easily accessible between forest and mountain pastures. Suitable for a family outing or for getting back into snowshoeing at the start of the season. Part of the route is shared with cross-country skiers, who are numerous around the Col de Chaussy.

A beautiful walk in the Montaimont cirque. The walk is described in a clockwise direction, but can also be done in the opposite direction.The markings, when visible, are those for the summer period. The route sometimes deviates from the official trail.The entire loop is well cleared, offering a vast panorama. Due to its orientation and modest altitude at the start, this hike is best enjoyed at the beginning of the season.There is no risk of snow slides on this route.

An easy hike to the Col de Montjoie. Unobstructed views, particularly of the Aiguilles d'Arves and the Glacier de l'Etendard.

A short, easy hike on foot or snowshoes along forest paths, starting from Albiez Montrond. Pass through the hamlet of La Cochette and return via Les Contamines, via a steep climb.

Discover the Paradis mountain pastures, above Saint-François-Longchamp, the bells of the cattle herds in the green summer pastures, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, the passage through the hamlet of La Perrière, then a return via the path through the Pézières Forest, with its complicated passages through muddy waterways or a tiny, vertiginous path. Beautiful emotions await you.

A short hike, mostly off-trail, allowing you to enjoy the wild splendour of the Aiguilles de l'Argentière area and come out at Rocher Blanc (2928m). The east face of Belledonne is much less frequented than its opposite, and the chances of encountering wildlife are therefore greater. This hike is particularly recommended at the beginning of the season when the snowfields are still present, or at the end of the season when the snow begins to dust the slopes again. (Danger) The difficulty of this hike increases to Extremely Difficult in summer when the slopes are snow-free.

This is a wild hike that quickly leaves the beaten track to tackle the Lac de l'Âne glacial cirque via its highest peak, the Pic de l'Agnelin. There are superb views throughout this walk, both on the Bréda and Belledonne valley side and on the Eau d'Olle and Grandes Rousses valley side. The difficulty lies mainly in finding the route, but the Visorando app makes it very easy to follow.

The climb is not very long but quite steep above the Grand Maison dam lake, below the Aiguilles de l'Argentières and opposite the Grandes Rousses, to reach a beautiful lake at the foot of the Sept-Laux massif. Ibex can be seen here when the sheep are not grazing.

Le Grand Charnier is the peak overlooking the Collet d'Allevard resort. You can climb it via a very scenic walk, which follows the ridge for almost the entire route, and the summit offers magnificent views of all the surrounding mountain ranges. For those prone to vertigo, see the ‘Practical Information’ section Moderator’s note : some sections are considered very difficult; see reviews

Circular route via the Tournetalon bypass. Climb up to the orientation table at the top of Les Plagnes, where a 360° panorama awaits you. Descend via Super Small Pass before returning to Prerond via the snowshoe trail.