Saint-Maximin (Isère) walks

A lovely start from the beautiful Tour d'Avalon, followed by a fairly varied circular route through forests and villages.This route is difficult to describe due to the numerous roads and paths in this area, so a GPS and an online map (for example, downloaded via the Visorando app) are recommended. The Tour d’Avalon serves as a good landmark.

Hike starting from a small village in Isère (on the border with Savoie) to reach the summit that separates it from its neighbour Allevard-les-Bains. From the ridge, a superb panorama allows you to discover the latter at the foot of the massif of the same name.This hike is more athletic than recreational, with a long and fairly steep climb, mainly through sometimes damp undergrowth, which can make the descent quite slippery.

A good half-day walk to enjoy panoramic views of the Chartreuse, the Vercors in the distance, Lauzière and the nearby Belledonnes. Please note: there is an error. This hike is on foot and not by mountain bike as indicated.

A three-hour walk starting from the village centre.

Circular walk around the foothills of the Chartreuse with a beautiful view of Belledonne and a walk past the Furet Waterfall.

A lovely hike with beautiful views and scenery, quite varied, a little bit of tarmac but not much, with good signposting. Doable almost all year round, except in muddy conditions after rain, of course. At the Pont du Diable, you will cross the Dauphiné-Savoie border, with its pretty, colourful boundary stone. By whom?

A pleasant walk, with a bit of an uphill climb but a lovely atmosphere as you pass through hamlets, heading towards a chapel that apparently doesn’t exist. The views are lovely in any case, and the hamlets are pretty too. A very pleasant change of scenery.

This is a half-day hike. A steady climb takes you to the village of Montouvrard, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Belledonne. The yellow markings are a little faded.

A low-altitude circular route that is demanding, rising first to the beautiful Teppes Cochon waterfall, then climbing up to the Plateau des Petites Roches via the well-marked Pierre-Plate path, before crossing along the hillside towards Les Prés, and then descending back down to Grésivaudan via the tricky Pas du Facteur.

A walk on Montraillan Hill between Belledonne and Les Bauges, following in the footsteps of the Lord of Montmayeur, vassal of the Duke of Savoy.

A charming circular route in the hills above Chapareillan, facing Mont Blanc, between vineyards and forests, from village to village. This route, in the direction described, offers a long, gentle climb and ends with an hour-long descent, the first part of which is sustained without being very steep. A third of the route is on quiet tarmac roads, so 1 km of what I would call a tarmacGR®. Please note: several hikers suggest doing the route in the opposite direction to climb the steepest part, especially if the ground is wet. In this case, a map and GPS are recommended as the description loses its usefulness.

A family hike with a variety of attractions: flora, slate quarry, chapel and other points of interest. Beautiful view of the Val Gelon on the way down. Directional signs on the ground complement this description. In addition, Lac Saint-Clair is a pleasant place to relax before or after the hike.

A very beautiful loop, much less frequented than the classic Mont Granier route, starting from the beautiful church of Bellecombe and particularly pleasant in summer. After the Porte de l'Alpette, the hike runs along almost the entire cliff face of the mountain, passing through the magnificent "gardens" of the upper Alpette du Granier and returning to the Pas de la Porte pass overlooking the Grésivaudan valley.

Numerous streams flow down from the Petites Roches plateau into the Isère valley, creating several spectacular waterfalls. This route allows you to explore those at the northern end of the Petites Roches plateau, which are not part of the ‘Tour des Petites Roches’GR® de pays route, which runs further south. If the full hike is too long, you can use this as inspiration for easier alternatives.

A short hike that takes you through a few hamlets and offers unobstructed views of the Belledonnes and Chartreuse mountains.

A route for everyone that will take you to a remote hamlet and its castle steeped in history, then along the shores of Lake Sainte Hélène.

A wild and off-the-beaten-track hike linking the high-altitude ridge of Les Belles Ombres, where chamois frolic all year round, with the bucolic meadows of L’Alpette, where marmots abound. This route is mainly off-trail and requires sure-footedness and a good sense of direction. It is unlikely that you will encounter other walkers, except at the Croix de l’Alpe and on the section of path leading there.

This is a short, unusual walk that follows the Alloix torrent. Curious walkers will spend more time admiring the work of the water than walking. This walk can end with a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the old village or, as the locals say, "on the paths of yesteryear", where local markings will guide you.

This circular loop, which takes you off the beaten track, allows you to explore the distinctive rocks of the lower Belles Ombres ridge, then climb up to the upper ridge to walk through its impressive cirques, before ascending to the ridge and returning via the Rochers de Belles Ombres to the pass of the same name.

This hike takes in two of the most challenging passes in the Chartreuse, where sure-footedness is essential; take great care on the descent from the Pas de la Rousse. Its highest point is very close to the Tunnel du Trèfle and, if you look carefully from the tunnel, you can catch a glimpse of the inaccessible Arche de la Morille.

A circular loop exploring the Griffes de l’Ours and emerging onto the Belles Ombres ridge after a short stretch along the eponymous ‘sangle’. The Griffes de l’Ours are usually tackled by returning via the same path as the outward journey. Our route allows you to climb up onto the ridge via a few rocky sections, enabling you to admire the Griffes de l’Ours from every angle.

This short hike leads to the Col de l'Alpe via the path used by cows going up and down from the mountain pasture.

A circular route along the eastern ridge of the Hauts de Chartreuse, combining a variety of terrain (rocks, forests, mountain pastures) with stunning views across the Alps. Can be completed in half a day, preferably in the morning. Please note: read the information regarding the difficulties in the ‘Practical Information’ section carefully.

A route offering stunning views of the Chartreuse, Belledonne, Maurienne and, time and again, Mont Blanc (especially when the trees have no leaves or have shed them). Numerous streams and torrents create a lovely atmosphere, but require good footwear, unless you fancy having wet feet. Unfortunately, my route description seems to be causing problems, so I strongly recommend using GPS and the map on your phone!

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.

This hike is certainly a little long in its entirety, but it can easily be broken down into shorter circular loops. In addition, the wide, shaded track along most of the route is well suited to family walks.And it offers a magnificent panorama at its highest point over the Allevard massif (Belledonne range).

This is a very pretty route through the mountain pastures to the Col de Claran, offering panoramic views of all the mountains in the Bauges and Chartreuse regions in particular, but also far beyond, as far as Mont Blanc and Mont Aiguille. The circuit is very well marked with traditional yellow signs and markings on the rocks at regular intervals.

On the Allevard side, the Grand Charnier is the Belledones peak that must absolutely be added to your list of conquests. At 2,561 metres, it offers 360° views of all the peaks of the two Savoie departments and Isère. Here I suggest the shortest route to reach it, but ‘shorter’ means steeper, and is best suited to experienced hikers. A pleasant hike with a significant elevation gain that becomes technical over the final 300 metres; this summit sometimes remains snow-covered until the end of June.

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

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.

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.

A lovely little walk through the Savoyard vineyards in the commune of Les Marches. It is possible to add other itineraries to this description, as there are so many paths and trails. The proposed route takes in the typical landscapes of the Abymes vineyards, formed by the collapse of the Granier in 1248.

A long, easy walk taking in fountains, bridges and castles...

A Sunday stroll to aid digestion… or a circular loop to run several times for a workout!

This hike describes a circular route that takes you to the historical heritage of Montmélian before discovering the Arbin vineyards. Numerous views of Les Bauges, La Chartreuse, La Lauzière and Belledonne.

At the foot of the largest cliff in the French Alps, autumn hike from the village of Saint-André to Lac Noir.From Atrus (village of Bellecombette) to Lac Noir, then from Lac Noir to the village of Lachat, the route follows a section of the Sentier des HuguenotsGR®®965.

An easy hike offering views of the landscapes from Les Bauges to La Chartreuse, passing by Mont Blanc and Les Belledonnes.

An easy walk through the vineyards in search of sunshine, ending on the plain. Beautiful views of the region’s mountain ranges.

A pleasant walk through the woods, with no particular difficulties and very well signposted. It takes you to the small Lac Noir lake, dominated by the majestic Mont Granier, then along an educational trail to discover the work of the men who, during the Second World War, produced charcoal for gas generators.

This circular route through the vineyards guarantees a sunny route. It also offers a panoramic view of the Belledonne Massif. Depending on the time of year, you may see work being done in the vineyards. The route is signposted.

A good, challenging hike to reach La Roche du Guet and its two information boards.

It is a very interesting and varied hike, offering a multitude of beautiful views of the Chambéry valley, the peaks of the Bauges, some of the peaks of the Chartreuse and Belledonne mountains, and the Tarentaise valley. This hike should be avoided in wet weather or just after a wet period.

An easy hiking version of this climb to the Grand Rocher. Once past the refuge, the route follows the Crêt Luisard ridge, where the view is breathtaking in all directions, and you can even see Mont Blanc from the summit.

Short hike to the Crêt du Poulet orientation tables via the Chalet Pierre Roubet.

A beautiful circular route on the ridge of the Grand Rocher, which acts as a balcony with a superb panorama of the Haut-Bréda valley, the Allevard massif and the Sept Laux massif. Easy access from the Barioz cross-country ski centre and an easy route to do in mid-spring when the peaks are still snow-covered.

A family walk through forests and meadows in the Belledonne Massif with superb panoramic views of the Grande Chartreuse Massif on one side and the Vanoise and Sept-Laux on the other.

A stone's throw from town and you're high in the mountains. But pay attention to the risks.

A lovely snowshoe hike above Grésivaudan through forests and meadows, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The route is easy and ends at the Crêt du Poulet refuge, where you can enjoy a glass of mulled wine.

Please note: the route is closed from 15 August until the end of September 2026. The Aulp du Seuil crossing: this hike ranks among the most beautiful in the Chartreuse.

A somewhat challenging hike for the start of the season, but well worth the effort...

This circular loop can be completed in almost any season, even in half a day, allowing you to enjoy beautiful views, discover fossils and, when in season, a renowned site for lady's slipper orchids.

Short snowshoe hike to a peak in the north of the Chartreuse, which offers beautiful views to the south over the remarkable peaks of the Chartreuse and to the north over those of the Bauges. Clear markings and signs; no difficulty in finding your way.

Imagine life in the mountains of yesteryear as you pass through Les Granges de Joigny, admire the high-altitude orchids and discover the fossils etched into the beautiful limestone slabs. A true feast for the senses awaits you!

A very beautiful hike, not very long but with a steep section. Magnificent view of Mont Blanc just before the summit and of the entire Chartreuse range from the summit. The route is very well signposted throughout. Ascent time indicated on the signs: 1 hour 35 minutes (it took us a little longer as we had a 2½-year-old girl who walked part of the way) Time for the descent: 1 hour 10 minutes.

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.

This is a beautiful loop for a day trip in the Belledonne massif, with varied terrain and landscapes. The refuge can be a stopover for more alpine hikes.

Starting from Gleysin, here is a route that is accessible almost all year round (with snowshoes in winter) on the Montagne de Combe Grasse, offering unobstructed views and a visit to a charming lake.

The panoramic view from the summit of the Grand Morétan is exceptional, with the highest peaks of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps all in view. This route, half of which is off-trail, crosses the wild glacial cirque of the Glacier du Gleyzin and reaches the summit via the Col Nord du Gleyzin. A variant described here also allows you to pass via the Col Morétan.

This hike was done on snowshoes, but it can of course be done on foot when there is no snow. Most of the route is marked, with no specific markings for snowshoeing.

Starting from the village of Gleysin, from the Bourgeat Noire car park, this beautiful loop in Belledonne connects several iconic sites in the Haut Bréda valley.The route passes by the Chalet du Bout, then climbs up to the Croix du Léat, before descending to the peaceful Lac du Léat, ideal for a quiet bivouac with views of the Chartreuse and the Bauges. The route continues to the Refuge de l'Oule, a small, friendly alpine lodge where you can also spend the night, then descends back to the starting point. We did this hike over two days with a night at the lake, but it can also be done in a day for the more experienced. A beautiful and varied loop, between forests, alpine pastures, open ridges and wild waterways.

This circuit runs along the foothills of the Chartreuse mountains at the foot of Mont Granier. Discover the vineyards, a pretty waterfall and views of the Belledonne and Bauges mountains. A few information boards add to the interest of this easy walk. Yellow and occasional white and red markings forthe GR® 965.

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.