Saint-Christophe-sur-Guiers walks

A breathtaking heritage walk following the Sardinian ‘Route Royale’. Viewpoints and gorges are also on the itinerary. There is also the option to visit the caves (at the Grottes tourist site).

This circular loop combines a crossing of a little-visited summit offering views of the Chartreuse and the Avant Pays Savoyard with historic or documented passages: ascent via the Route Sarde and the Sentier du Beauvoir, return via the route Béatrice de Savoie and the Voie Royale.

Go back in time a few centuries, or even a few thousand years, first by discovering the Sardinian road built in the 17th century, then the prehistoric paths on the trail of the Magdalenians and Azilians. Please note that one path is closed in winter.

This route takes you through the lands of Béatrice of Savoy. From the commandery to the panoramic viewpoint at the Chapelle de la Madeleine, you’ll have the chance to discover the rich history of Les Échelles.

A pleasant walk in the woods overlooking the village of Les Échelles in Savoie.

Short hike to discover prehistory at the Fru site and the historic passage of the Via Sarde between Lyon and Turin.

A circular loop above Saint-Pierre-de-Genebroz with beautiful views.

A short, quick walk at the foot of the Ruchère cliff, along a narrow path that climbs steadily and crosses the Chemin des Bœufs, which you’ll take on the way down. This leads to the impressive Pierre de Onze Heures and the Barthélemy Fountain, which is always flowing, along a path that runs entirely through the forest.

A beautiful, long circular route at moderate altitude, with exposed sections that can be slippery. Start directly below the Rocher du Quartier and climb via Tramoley, passing the Saint-André fir tree to the Col de la Sarriette, then cross the Plateau de la Ruchère before descending via the postman’s path beneath the Pointe du Frou.

This route mainly follows the snowshoe trails maintained by the Ruchère Nordic ski centre, allowing for a quick pace; snowshoes are only really necessary between (2) and (3). As over 90% of the route is groomed, the first few kilometres around the centre are generally quite busy. The route can be walked during the summer season.

This is a lovely, easy snowshoe walk, mainly through forest. The Col de la Ruchère, at the foot of the Petit Som, is a truly beautiful part of the Chartreuse.

A circular route starting from La Ruchère, which takes you along a significant section of the ridge comprising the Rochers du Frou, the Rochers du Quartier and the Rochers du Pertuis. The route is mainly through woodland, but offers some lovely views over the valley.

Hike through forests and mountain pastures, passing by the summit of Petit Som.

A classic Chartreuse route that can be started from several locations.

A lovely, well-structured circular loop, though it lacks a few viewpoints.Part of the route is off-track along the summit cliff.Facing south to south-west, then west for the descent, and entirely through woodland, this route is in the shade, although the box trees have been severely affected by the box tree moth. Please note: on 4 August 2026, a user wrote => Circular route not feasible due to a local council order: path impassable.

Rather than heading off to see the Grottes des Échelles and the Voie Sardes, I suggest heading to the Gerbaix viewpoint, setting off from the picturesque little hamlet of Côte Barrier through woodland and mountain pastures, with lovely scenery and impressive views.

The unique location of the village of Corbel has always required its inhabitants to manage their water resources carefully. Explore the village's ovens and fountains. Before running water arrived in 1989, each isolated house or hamlet depended on its own stone basin.

A circular route between two villages in Chartreuse. This route's highest point is just over 1,000 metres, making it suitable for when temperatures have dropped. At these altitudes, the hand of man is often present in the villages and hamlets. You will encounter old dwellings, fountains, bread ovens... The route is well signposted.

This easy hike in summer becomes more difficult with the onset of winter conditions. A few centimetres of snow are enough to cover the markings on the ground and make it harder to progress on the steeper sections. This hike can be done in half a day from mid-November onwards, but don't set off after 2pm, otherwise you'll need a head torch for the return journey.

A superb circular route, offering great variety in terms of terrain and sublime panoramic views. Two sections require mountain-walking skills: the chimney (take care not to dislodge any rocks) leading up to the Petit Som ridge, and the Pas du Loup, which can be tricky (a rope may provide reassurance for less experienced walkers, depending on the day’s conditions).

A beautiful snowshoe hike on the edge of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, accompanied by the legendary peaks of Grand Som and Chamechaude. Choose a sunny day after a snowfall.

Climb to the summit of Petit Som from La Ruchère. You will enjoy a 360° view and may also encounter marmots and chamois.

A lovely circular route taking in two peaks, across a wide variety of terrain. You’ll encounter woodland, scree slopes, rocky outcrops and mountain pastures.

A peaceful hike from La Ruchère, at the foot of the Grand and Petit Som, along the paths of the haberts (shepherds' shelters). Autumn is a particularly good time to visit, with the colours of the beech trees and the sun flooding the few meadows you cross: Billon, Arpison, etc. Be careful at the end of the route, however, as there is a slightly steep path that may slow down inexperienced hikers (or in specific conditions, such as snow, rain, fallen trees, etc.). See comments.

Short family hike with a climb to Le Petit Som: 360° views, marmots and chamois.

Two stunning panoramic views in the heart of the Chartreuse, a well-balanced walk combining fairly steep sections with pastures and beautiful forests.

A very beautiful circular with views to the west, south and east. Remains at altitude throughout. Breathtaking view of the Grande Chartreuse monastery from the summit of Aliénard. A very quiet route with beautiful trails.

A beautiful circular on good trails and forest paths that passes by the two viewpoints of Pertuis and Arpison. This high-altitude route begins with a descent and ends with a descent.

This circular can be done in almost any season (except after storms or heavy rain) and allows you to discover some lesser-known parts of Chartreuse.

This circular walk is a variation on route no. 107635379, the Grande Sure, a return walk from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont. The ascent to the summit of the Grande Sure is the same, but this route differs in its return leg, which starts from the Col de la Sure, from where the path leads to the Col des Charmilles, descends the opposite slope, then crosses the Rochers des Agneaux before hurtling down a steep cirque and joining the Route Forestière de la Charmette, which leads to the magnificent Chartreuse de Currière. This route offers the advantage of a different return journey with a similar elevation gain, despite being 2.8 km longer, but has the disadvantage of ending on a road.

A lovely, shaded hike along steep slopes through the forest, passing through a cirque notable for its scree of dazzlingly white limestone. As you emerge from the forest, a superb view opens up over a grassy valley dotted with a few wooded areas and nestled between imposing rocky ridges. From the summit, you’ll enjoy a magnificent 360° panorama: to the east, from Mont Blanc to the Écrins via Belledonne and the Grandes Rousses; to the south, the Vercors; to the west, the Dauphiné Mountains; and to the north, the Chartreuse.