Saint-Bernard (Isère) walks

A hike to explore the secluded Pas de Montbrun, which leads to the ridge of the Rochers de Bellefont via a route of moderate exposure and without any major difficulty, apart from finding your way in the upper section. From Les Massards, the path heads towards the Source du Sanglier and then the Col de Marcieu, leaving it opposite the Pas de Montbrun. A narrow track climbs up a scree slope and, via a few short scrambling sections, reaches the ridge leading to the Pas de Rocheplane. A well-marked path crosses a few rocky outcrops and, after a section through the forest, returns to the car park.

On the Saint-Hilaire du Touvet plateau, this is a circular loop of 2 to 3 hours that is suitable for young children. Very shady and close to the Saint-Hilaire paragliding training slopes (FFVL South take-off point), it also gives children a fun opportunity to watch the sails inflate.

A breathtaking circular route linking together numerous wonders: the rugged Pas des Charassons, the scenic Crête de l’Alpette, the magnificent Écaille du Pas de Ragris, the famous Tour Percée, the precarious Arche Miracle and the beautiful Aup du Seuil pass. This hike, covering less than 13km with 1,500m of elevation gain, requires a good sense of direction and sure-footedness (short sections of grade 3c climbing). Please note: the IGN topographic map is completely unreliable here! An agreement has been signed between the department and the owner of the 800 hectares in the Hauts de Chartreuse nature reserve to allow free access to the two paths that run across the Marcieu plateau. The exit at Pas des Charassons, which leads back onto the plateau, joins one of these paths within a few metres. You may request permission to pass from the landowner, although there are no visible prohibition signs on the ground.

Spectacular hike to the hanging gardens of Charassons with two magnificent arches to discover.As the Marcieu valley is entirely private, the hike never passes through it and always remains on authorised terrain. This hike is extremely difficult, beyond what is usual on Visorando, and requires climbing a short 3c section (a single move). An ice axe is recommended even (especially) in summer to tackle the steep slopes of the hanging gardens without stress. Most of the hike takes place on unmarked and (very) poorly marked paths. See Practical Information. This hike takes place largely at the foot of cliffs. Geolocation (GPS, etc.) is therefore approximate, with errors exceeding 40 m. You must therefore use your brain and critical thinking skills and act according to the terrain. As is often the case, this hike is a variation on a theme by Pascal Sombardier.

Whether you're a paraglider or hang glider, Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet is paradise. From the valley, the funicular takes paragliders and walkers alike to the Petites Roches plateau, where everyone can take off into the air or walk on the edge of the void. For hikers, this route at the foot of the Dent de Crolles offers a viewpoint over the valley before entering the forest in search of the remains of the Moulin de Porte-Traîne mill.

An easy route in the hills above Le Touvet, from one castle to another, with the first part in the forest and the return via the hamlets on the road, including 250 m on the D29, but without any danger.

The Aulp du Seuil route: this hike ranks among the most beautiful in the Chartreuse.

Day2 of this trip via the Col de Bellefont to reach the Dent de Crolles plateau.Descent via the pass above the Trou du Glaz, then down to the Col des Ayes and up the Roc d’Arguille to the Col de Pravouta and the hut of the same name. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Route modified following a rockfall. It is no longer possible to take the path via the Trou du Glaz (5). The area remains particularly dangerous due to the high risk of further rockfall and falling boulders. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issued a by-law to close several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). For an ascent of the Dent de Crolles, it is possible to take the route via the Pas de l’Oeille. You can also go via the Guiers waterfalls to reach (E).

A splendid but little-used circular, starting from Saint-Hilaire du Touvet and passing through the Pas des Terreaux, the Dent de Crolles, the Cheminée du Paradis and the Pas de Rocheplane. Much of the hike is on poorly marked paths on steep slopes. The Cheminée du Paradis is a small climbing step, which explains the level of difficulty. It is possible to extend this hike in a pleasant way, either during the hike itself or nearby.

A 25-minute drive from Grenoble, this is a family-friendly walk starting from the Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet funicular station, beneath the paragliders, to the path leading to the Crolles waterfall. There is little elevation gain and it can be done in all weathers.

An original outing that allows you to discover the superb work carried out here for the construction of the Touvet funicular railway. The ascent is on foot and the descent, to relieve the knees, is by funicular. (Please note): This route is currently closed. See explanations here (Comment from a hiker) dated 18 June 2023: small difficult section: crossing the scree slope where you need to use two ropes to reach the path in the forest.

Here is an unusual and challenging hike. It takes in all the must-see sights of the Dent de Crolles and its surroundings: Source du Guiers Mort, Arche à l’Aiguille, Sangle Barrère, Chemin des Crêtes, Arche de Rocheplane and Lance Sud de Malissard. ⚠️ 05/06/2026: route modified to avoid the Trou du Glaz path, which has been closed since November 2025 following a rockslide.

A walk well sheltered from the sun in the heart of the Cartusian forest. Best done on hot days. Once you reach the hut, you will be rewarded with a splendid 359° panorama. Please note! Several hikers have reported a landslide between points (3) and (4). This landslide could be a problem for people prone to vertigo and could prove dangerous.

This is a beautiful hike that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Chartreuse and Belledonne mountains in the distance from the summit. This hike also allows you to enjoy the magnificent limestone landscapes of the surrounding area! Please note: the final stretch through the rocks between the Col de Bellefond and the summit of the Lance Sud is quite steep and requires you to use your hands. In addition, the west face of the summit ridge is steep and therefore not necessarily suitable for people who are afraid of heights.

A short hike around the Guiers Mort, a pretty little stream. The walk is mainly through the woods and along the valley floor to discover its source. This walk can be followed by a second one, still around the same stream: the Gorges du Guiers Mort, where you can even take a dip. These two short hikes can be done one after the other (3½ hours + 30 minutes by car) or separately.

An unusual hike through the rocky outcrops of the Chaos de Bellefont. Expect a few short sections of easy climbing. You must follow the markings in the Chaos de Bellefont very carefully to avoid getting lost.

A beautiful, fairly challenging walk offering splendid views of all the peaks of the Chartreuse. Caution! Read the comments carefully. A tricky scree slope has been reported.

A very nice alternative for climbing to the Dent de Crolles from Perquelin, as a substitute for the Trou du Glaz, which is closed: rockfall in winter 2026. No technical difficulty apart from the descent of the Pas de l’Œille, where it is sometimes necessary to use your hands, and no vertiginous sections. The circular route can be done in either direction.

This route has the least elevation gain for climbing one of the four peaks over 2,000 m in the Chartreuse. Magnificent view of the back of the Dent de Crolles, the north of the Chartreuse and, on the other side, the majestic Mont Blanc.

An easy circular route, half through woodland and half along small tarmac roads, from one castle to another. This circular route can be combined with another circular route, from the fortified house of La Frette to Château du Touvet.

From Saint-Vincent-de-Mercuze, this is a varied, beautiful and enjoyable hike, accessible to children in dry weather. Please note that the climb up the Ruisseau l'Alloix can be very slippery in wet weather. Most of the route is under trees. It is pleasant to do in hot weather, with a short stop halfway to eat at Moulin Tardy (picnic table) and the possibility of swimming in the Alloix. It is best to do this in spring when there is plenty of water and the waterfalls are magnificent.