Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse walks

As you follow the streams, change valleys and visit the church of Saint-Hugues de Chartreuse, decorated by the painter Arcabas.

Leave the village and walk around the valley, discovering the main peaks as you go: Charmant Som, Chamechaude, Dent de Crolles, Scia and Grand Som. You will also pass through several Carthusian hamlets.

A shaded circular route with beautiful scenery and very well signposted. The climb is a bit steep at the start. No technical sections apart from a short stretch near the Rocher du Mollard (above the cliff) where you’ll need to reassure those prone to vertigo and hold onto children. There’s a safety cable to hold onto, though it’s not strictly necessary. Best done in dry weather. See practical information regarding certain restrictions.

A wonderful circular hike with no major difficulties, except for the length and elevation gain! After the point (3), the trail becomes more technical (especially in rainy or snowy weather).

A walk along a wooded slope leading to old meadows; discover Carthusian architecture.

Le Charmant Som is very busy due to the access road to its sheepfold coming from the Col de Porte. Its other sides, however, offer a wilder approach, particularly when coming from Valombré and Malamille. This route offers a relatively long but varied circular route, featuring ridge walks and crossings over slabs and sharp limestone pavements, whose wild character contrasts with the crowds at the summit arriving via the mountain pastures.

This is a classic circular route, both fun and demanding, but without any major difficulties. It was found almost unchanged in Chartreuse - Vercors: Les randonnées du vertige by Pascal Sombardier. As this cult book is now out of print and virtually impossible to find, I think it is worth mentioning it here, with what I hope is a clear description of the route. This circular path is strongly discouraged for people who are afraid of heights or who are unsure of themselves on steep terrain. It is therefore not suitable for children either. See the Practical Information section. Rated very difficult from (3) to (4) and then to (5).

This extensive circular route will take you to one of the most legendary peaks in Chartreuse. Technical passages, magnificent views of the massif and the Chartreuse monastery, wild trails: it has it all!

A contemplative hike in the quiet zone of the Chartreuse Desert, following in the footsteps of Saint Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order. The site is perfect for meditation. It offers a stunning view of the peaks of the Grand and Petit Som.

A beautiful classic circular in Chartreuse, starting from La Correrie via Habert de Billon, Col de la Ruchère and finally Notre-Dame de Casalibus.

This is a loop trail that passes through the Grand Som and, to avoid the crowds, descends along the Arête de la Suiffière (a little exposed but easy), then joins the Col de Freney (and the forest) and, via a path with numerous hairpin bends, returns just above La Correrie, our starting point.

Day hike with picnic at the Col de Léchaud. Climb through magnificent forest to Habert de Bovinant, Col de Bovinant, Col de Léchaud, Petit Som, return via Pas du Loup, Col de La Ruchère, Habert de Billon and the Grande Chartreuse monastery. Splendid 360° view from the top of Petit Som, including Mont Blanc.

A magnificent hike that combines a natural section starting with a climb through the forest, continuing over the pleasant Pas de La Suiffière and then the easy but aerial ascent of the south ridge of the Grand Som, with a cultural section exploring the Monastère de la Grande Chartreuse, a veritable work of architectural art.

Take a short walk in the Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse valley. You can admire the peaks of Chamechaude to the south, Charmant Som to the west and Grand Som to the north-west, while passing through charming Carthusian hamlets.

The appeal of this route lies in the challenging hike via the Pas de la Suiffère (ascending, which is much more pleasant), the chance to see the Grande Chartreuse Monastery early in the day, and finishing the hike with a beautiful sunset at the Petit Som, returning to the starting point by headlamp. With some stunning views in store, this is definitely a hike not to be missed.

A lovely, varied walk with a beautiful view over the Saint-Pierre valley. The ‘moderate’ difficulty rating is solely due to a steep climb halfway through the walk (110 m elevation gain over 600 m). Otherwise, it is relatively short, easy and follows good paths. __

This walk through the woods is very pleasant in warm weather, with a beautiful view from the belvedere over the Grande Chartreuse Monastery and the surrounding peaks. The difference in altitude, the sometimes narrow path, the balcony-like terrain and the untimely opening of forestry tracks make the return journey difficult. Please read the recommendations carefully at (6).

A lovely route in Chartreuse in an area famous for its monastery. It is very popular, but there is room for everyone. There are no markings between Pont des Allemands and Habert de Billon.

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.

La Chartreuse is full of haberts, large alpine huts where shepherds live in summer whilst the flocks graze there. This circular route takes you past two of them: Chartrousette and Le Billon.

A beautiful hike through forests and valleys, ideal for warm weather but also in mixed or stormy conditions, as there are several options to shorten the route in case of bad weather. Haberts (shepherds’ and herdsmen’s huts), stunning scenery, a pass and several viewpoints overlooking the Grande Chartreuse Monastery. There is a short stretch of tarmac at the end, which is unavoidable but very quiet with few cars.

Here is a version of the snowshoe route over the Aliénard, Tracol and Ruchère passes, which can be varied in many ways. This is undoubtedly the longest route as it stretches to Chartroussette and covers undulating terrain that remains safe in the event of avalanche risk and is therefore well suited to snowshoeing.

In the land of silence of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, an easy and very pleasant walk in all seasons.

A beautiful classic summer circular route in the Chartreuse, passing through several historic passes and mountain pastures and their huts. Most of the route follows good paths through forest or open mountain pastures. Warning: a tricky section to be attempted only when the snow is stable.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

This is definitely the easiest and shortest way to climb the Grand Som. Caution for those prone to vertigo: between (2) and (3), the walk becomes a climb in places. The passages are often narrow and can be daunting.

Third and final day of this trip to the Chartreuse to collect the car.

Pravouta is a secondary peak in the Chartreuse range that is very popular due to its accessibility and its location, which makes it a beautiful viewpoint. Most visitors climb it from the Grésivaudan-Petites Roches side via the Col du Coq. This route takes you up the Saint Hugues-en-Chartreuse side and back down to the starting point.

A beautiful circular route away from the beaten track to one of the most beautiful peaks in the Chartreuse. This hike takes you along the spectacular but very passable Chemin des Dalles, which runs along the rock face below the summit.

The Pic de l’Oeillette is a rocky monolith on the edge of the road between Saint-Laurent-du-Pont and Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. There is no question of climbing it here; it serves merely as a visual landmark for a leisurely walk along the banks of the Guiers Mort. Accessible outside the snowmelt season, it offers a welcome respite from the heat in summer.

A short, quiet hike offering interesting views of the Dent de Crolles and Chamechaude, far from the crowds. Significant elevation gain to the summit of Bec Charvet. The route is partly unmarked: follow the route on the map and the instructions carefully.

A lovely circular route through little-known and little-visited parts of the Chartreuse, following old paths… which, sadly, are sometimes on the verge of disappearing.

The route runs mainly through the Chartreuse Natural Park, passing through the massif's iconic passes and mountains. The route combines fairly steep climbs, passages through plateaus, mountain pastures and a village.

A lovely circular route in the Chartreuse with the Bec Charvet as the highest point, a descent towards the Col de la Faïta via the ridges and the return via a section ofthe GR®9.

Short family-friendly walk with a magnificent view, manageable on foot or on snowshoes.

A short hike around the Guiers Mort, a pretty little stream. The walk is mainly through the undergrowth at the bottom of the gorges along the Guiers, in search of coolness, with several opportunities to take a dip. - User report on 24 August 2023: The trail is currently closed for works from 14 August to 30 November 2023 (the "blasting" sign is very dissuasive). Access from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse by car is also closed (long detour via Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont).

A walk along the Guiers Mort with small bridges and footbridges, also known as the ‘Balade des poissons bleus’. From the Pont Saint-Bruno to the Pic de l’Œillette, you can discover the legacy of the Carthusian monks. ⚠️ User comment>The route is currently (14/07/2026) closed for safety reasons. It features footbridges in poor condition, which could cause an accident. However, it is very popular for its refreshing atmosphere during heatwaves. Please check with the St Pierre de Chartreuse tourist office.

You set off from the Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse valley and climb to 1,867 metres on the Charmant Som, the central peak of the Chartreuse. You’ll be treated to a panoramic view of all the peaks in the massif and the surrounding area.

To reach the Fontanieu chimney, the classic route climbs through the forest on the western slope of the Mallissard valley. It is difficult to find your way here due to a maze of forest paths created by logging. In addition, the maps are often out of date.The proposed hike avoids this wooded valley and passes through a little-used area where the route is easy to follow with very few intersections. It consists of a single track, climbing up a valley to the Col de Fontanieu. However, this adds 2 km to the hike and 50 m to the elevation gain. From the pass, the trail climbs to the foot of the cliff and follows it to reach the Fontanieu chimney. Then there is a long aerial traverse followed by a ridge crossing. From the summit of the Lance Sud de Malissard, the return is via the Col de Bellefont and the Col de la Saulce. 4/12/2023: Some sections may be closed (see practical information).

Bec Charvet is a peak located slightly off the Grande Randonnée hiking trails, offering unobstructed views of the great peaks of Chartreuse and beyond. The following description outlines a route passing through the Emeindras de Dessus mountain pasture, where you can already enjoy a beautiful view of the panorama.

In summer, there is a very easy walk with magnificent views of the Grande Chartreuse, Mont Blanc and many other peaks. Dogs are not allowed at Charmant Som, even on a leash, from 10 June to 15 October.

A lovely little hike that extends the climb to the magnificent, very popular viewpoint at the summit with a more secluded detour around Charmant Som. This leads to the promontory with a beautiful view of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, returning to the car park via the western balcony.

This intermediate peak in the Chartreuse is relatively unknown and therefore rarely visited, except by wildlife. The ascent takes place through woodland, and you must reach the cliff-top summit to enjoy a beautiful view of the Chartreuse peaks. The hike is suitable in all seasons, including on snowshoes in winter.

A wilder approach to this iconic peak of the Grande Chartreuse, which will require some route finding to reach the starting point.

A beautiful hike in Chartreuse that follows the route of the 120 hairpin bends to reach the Col du Frêt, before turning onto the Col de Bovinant. In the second half of June, the flora is in full bloom: St Bruno's lilies, martagon lilies, columbines, anemones, gentians...

La Pinéa via the ridge that connects it to Charmant Som. On a clear day, there is a beautiful view of the Grande Sure, Charmant Som, Chamechaude and Mont-Aiguille.

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 pleasant hike, half of which is in the magnificent Génieux forest and the other half in the Hurtières and Vararey mountain pastures. The route, which runs off the marked trail along the Crête du Rocher de Lorzier, offers spectacular views of the Gorges de Crossey and the Voironnais, then, from the summit of Rocher de Chalves, of the Chartreuse, Belledonne, Dévoluy, Taillefer and Vercors ranges and peaks. The trail is poorly marked in the forest, so a GPS is recommended.

A magnificent, easy walk suitable for young walkers. Magnificent views and an area where you are likely to encounter mouflons and chamois! The passage through the Goulet d'Hurtières is pleasant and less frequented than the other paths leading to the Grande Sure.

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.

A fairly easy route to reach this summit in the Chartreuse mountains. However, the final ascent requires a bit of energy. At Col de la Sure, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the mountain pastures.

Magnificent view of the Chartreuse and the plain from the summit of the Grande Sure. The first part, from the car park to the summit of the Grande Sure, is the most difficult with scree. The descent from the summit to the Col de la Vache must be undertaken with caution. The rest is easier. The return after the Col d'Hurtières is through the woods.

From the Col de la Charmette in Chartreuse, climbing up through the Plaine de Varavey, a magnificent summer pasture, you will reach the Col d'Hurtières to admire the Grande Sure. You will walk along cliffs to pass the Goulet d'Hurtières. Once past this aerial gully, the descent takes you back to the car park through very varied landscapes. This route is less steep than the Col de la Grande Vache, and therefore less difficult, but it follows a path on a sloping hillside.

This pretty circular starting from the Col de la Charmette allows you to climb the Charmant Som via a fairly uncrowded route (but you won't avoid the crowds at the summit...). The final climb up a chimney requires caution, but does not present any particular difficulties.

A challenging day hike but very accessible for regular hikers, with varied terrain including scree slopes, cow pastures, forests and chasms, plus superb views of the Isère valley and the Chartreuse mountains.

An unmissable walk near Grenoble. Despite the crowds during these last beautiful days of autumn, we were able to avoid the rush (except on the climb to the summit).

A family hike away from the busy Charman Som route, avoiding the mountain pasture where dogs are not allowed from 10 June to 15 October. Mainly in the woods, the route is very pleasant in summer.

A beautiful circular loop with no technical difficulties, allowing you to traverse a varied ridge and climb Charmant Som in the process, with views of the main peaks of Chartreuse and Belledonne.

Circuit in Chartreuse starting from the very popular Col de Porte. The goal is the pointed summit of La Pinéa and a relaxing break at the Charmant Som chalets under the watchful eye of Chamechaude.

A very pleasant hike, described here snowshoe users, but also good for walks on sunny days.

This is a magnificent, very accessible winter snowshoe hike, which takes you to the summit of Charmant Som from the Col de Porte resort via the snow-covered D57E road, which is sometimes difficult to see when the snow is deep. This route offers magnificent panoramic views of all the surrounding mountains with a very reasonable elevation gain. Pass by the Oratoire d'Orgeval and the Chalets du Charmant Som.

One of the classic hikes in Grenoble. A few short, steep climbs, a lovely, almost flat section through the woods and a fun ascent to the summit for a 360° view of Grenoble, the Chartreuse, Belledonne, the Vercors, Mont Blanc, etc.