Saint-Vincent-de-Mercuze walks

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.

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.

The "Passage de l'Aulp du Seuil" ("Aulp du Seuil" passing): this hike is one of the most beautiful hikes of the Chartreuse massif.

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.

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

Hike to discover the sources of the Guiers Vif and the Crêtes du Grand Manti, among waterfalls, caves, cliffs and mountain pastures. Please note that this hike is vertiginous in some areas (Pas de la Mort) and is not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo or in wet weather.

Une superbe boucle où l'on côtoie, cascades, tunnel naturel, grotte, pas d'escalade, vire aérienne, alpage avec pour couronner le tout, au long du parcours, de très beaux points de vue. Attention, ce parcours exposé n'est pas adapté aux personnes sujettes au vertige et n'ayant pas l'expérience de traversée aérienne et de pas d'escalade. A éviter impérativement par temps humide en raison des risques de glissade.

Short hike in the forest to discover the waterfalls of the Guiers Vif.

From the Cirque de Saint-Même and its waterfalls to the Hauts de Chartreuse plateaus via 3 Pas to the Croix de l'Alpe (1,821 m). Very beautiful view.

A lovely with snowshoes, with a beautiful view of the Alpine peaks at its height. Note that this hike can be done in all seasons.

This circular allows you to take the longest route in the massif, linking the Sangle du Fouda Blanc and the Sangle du Pinet. The proposed return route allows you to visit the characteristic sites of the Pinet, which are its mushroom rocks and the arch of its sinkhole. Please note that this is a challenging route: you will be between two cliffs for about two hours, where missteps are not an option. Dry terrain is essential.

A pleasant walk in the Hauts de Chartreuse nature reserve. Lost in the mountain pastures, the old boundary markers between Savoie and Dauphiné still look beautiful.

Please note that this exposed route is not suitable for people who are prone to vertigo and have no experience of aerial crossings and climbing steps. It should not be attempted in wet weather due to the risk of slipping.This circular hike crosses the very aerial sangles of Fouda Blanc and Le Pinet, which, at over 3 km, is the longest in the Chartreuse. The Fouda Blanc sangle is slightly less exposed and busier than the Pinet. The latter is narrower, often grassy, slippery in wet weather, and has a few unstable earthy passages that must be crossed with caution. Access to this crossing is via the Varvats trail at Pas de l'Échelle. At the end of the ridges, you reach the summit of Pinet, also known as Truc, then the ridge trail joins Pas de Fouda Blanc, which you descend before crossing the Grotte à l'Échelle. The descent down a scree slope and then through the woods takes you back to the return path.GPX track required.

Here is the guidebook for the longest ledge in Chartreuse and, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful. It is a loop circuit that forms a figure 8. The west, slightly north-west orientation of this ledge leads me to recommend that you set off at the end of the morning and in this direction so that you can enjoy the most beautiful landscapes at the end of the afternoon. A much more complete description can be found in Pascal Sombardier's book "Les Randonnées du Vertige" (Vertigo Hikes).

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).

A beautiful loop in the northern Chartreuse with magnificent 360° views of the Alps.

Le Pinet is a viewpoint overlooking Les Entremonts. Less frequented than its neighbour, Le Granier, it is just as much a part of the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve and its access via the normal route is well suited to families, with a few variations possible.

Very pretty hike in the foothills of Granier. At the summit, there is a large plateau ideal for picnics, with views of the surrounding peaks and Mont Blanc in good weather. An easy family walk, done with a 3½-year-old girl who is used to walking, as it is quite steep.

From the small hamlet of La Plagne, summit of Le Pinet (1,867m), beautiful view to the west, then summit of La Croix de l'Alpe (1,821m) via the Chalets de l'Alpe.

From Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont, this beautiful walk leads to the source of the Guiers-Vif, follows the course of the torrent, passes through hamlets and reveals the large clearing of the Cirque de Saint-Même. The Cirque de Saint-Même is a very popular spot, attracting families in search of fresh air in the summer months. Hikers will find a little more freshness and tranquillity as they climb towards the Cascade du Guiers-Vif.

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.

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 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...

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

Roche Veyrand is a peak that proudly dominates the two Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont villages. Its steep slopes have made it possible to equip a Via Ferrata. This route is a classic in the Entremonts: it climbs directly up a steep path close to the equipped cliff, then descends via a wide forest detour that takes you through several hamlets of Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont (Savoie).

Around the two communes of Saint-Pierre d'Entremont, this walk covers the two departments of Savoie and Isère, exploring the architectural heritage and Carthusian landscapes. The most beautiful panorama can be seen from the esplanade of the Château du Gouvernement in Saint-Pierre d'Entremont (Isère).

A circular route in the beautiful valley between Theys and the Col du Barioz, ideal for a sunny winter afternoon. Yellow signs mark the route, as well as wooden signs marked "Tour de la Villette".

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.

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.

A very long, breathtaking circular route through forests, sharp limestone pavement, and exceptional landscapes! ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockslide has occurred at Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issueda municipal decree toclose several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

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 an unusual and challenging hike. It takes in all the highlights of the Dent de Crolles and its surroundings. Source of the Guiers Mort, Arche à l'Aiguille, Sangle Barrère, Chemin des Crêtes, Arche de Rocheplane and Lance Sud de Malissard.

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 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.

Stage 1: La Dent de Crolles via the cave route, then the ridge to the Col de Bellefond and finally descent to the Aulp du Seuil for a short bivouac near the sheepfold.Moderator's note for overnight stays, see notice dated 21/11/20223/10/2023 Moderator's message: some paths and trails are closed, see practical information. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockslide has occurred at Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issueda municipal decree toclose several hiking trails (walking, snowshoeing, ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Take a stroll along the Cozon torrent and enjoy a refreshing break in this lively corner of the Chartreuse. Cultural visits and relaxation will round off the day.

A magnificent route around Entremont-le-Vieux with splendid panoramic views of the Chartreuse massif, this moderately difficult hike will be a delight for landscape lovers and photographers. This hike is also available at tourist offices, offered by Chartreuse Tourisme

A very pretty walk above Theys, with a climb towards Belledonne and fantastic views. Between forest and mountain pastures, with the chance to take in the peaks.

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.

Third and final day of this trip to Chartreuse to pick up the car. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockslide has occurred at Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issueda municipal decree toclose several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

La Cochette in Chartreuse (1,618 m) is an easily accessible peak.

A lovely circular loop that will give you thrills on the east face of the Dent de Crolles, allowing you to take the Sangle de l'Arche à l'Aiguille and discover the aforementioned needle. The climb up to the Aiguille du Pas de l'Œille has several passages where you will need to use your hands. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockslide has occurred at the Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issueda municipal decree toclose several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

A magnificent, challenging hike taking in the most beautiful landscapes around the Dent de Crolles. The difficulty lies in the exposure of the east ridge of the Dent, the short climb up the Cheminée du Paradis and a section of the route that is off the beaten track. The most exposed section is the east ridge, but it is possible to avoid it. The Gothic cathedral formed by the Arche à l'Aiguille is rarely visited, even by locals, so marmots and chamois abound there. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockfall has occurred at the Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issued a municipal decree to close several hiking trails (walking, snowshoeing, ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

An iconic hike in the Chartreuse, the Dent de Crolles offers a beautiful view of the Isère valley. The trail around the Dent de Crolles is dotted with numerous caves and cavities, which are fun to explore. The climb to Pravouta takes you through beautiful mountain pastures, which are a change from the rocky atmosphere of its neighbour. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockslide has occurred at Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issueda municipal decree toclose several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

Alternative route to the ascent of the Dent de Crolles from the car park below the Col du Coq, via the Barrère ledge. This lesser-known route offers magnificent panoramic views of the Chartreuse.Caution: This route is not marked and includes some slightly vertiginous sections. It is not suitable for children, beginners or people prone to vertigo.Avoid in snowy or slippery conditions. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockslide has occurred at Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issueda municipal decree toclose several hiking trails (walking, snowshoeing, ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

Starting from the small downhill ski slopes of the Désert d'Entremont, this is a very accessible walk offering two beautiful views of the Chartreuse massif, both from the foot of Mont Outhéran and from Pointe de la Cochette, the latter being the most spectacular. The ascents and descents take place in the shade of the woods and forests, offering a beautiful panorama of the Chartreuse massif. Unbeatable value for money!

Mont Outheran is a long plateau stretching nearly 4 km, running roughly north-south between Col du Planet (1,184 m) and Col du Grapillon (1,509 m). It is a rather wild area, and for good reason: access via the Pas du Cuert is not the easiest, and the descent to the Col du Mollard requires the utmost caution. Warning: For those prone to vertigo, please read the wpt description carefully (2)

A short mountain hike leading to an exceptional viewpoint.

This is one of many hikes in the Dent de Crolles area that will allow you to discover a little-known arch that is not marked on maps.Be sure to read the comments in the practical information section.

A beautiful hike that climbs up to the Dent de Crolles via the west face and descends via the stunning plateau to the north. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockslide has occurred at Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issueda municipal decree toclose several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

A tour that offers a change from the classic Dent de Crolles hike, accessible to experienced hikers. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockslide has occurred at Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issueda municipal decree toclose several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

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

A pleasant hike above Grenoble, fairly short but with superb views. ⚠️ 27/11/2025: Hiking prohibited. A rockslide has occurred at Dent de Crolles. Following this incident, the municipality of Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse has issued a municipal decree to close several hiking trails (for walking, snowshoeing and ski touring). Please let us know if the trails reopen.

A beautiful hike to be done with or without snowshoes.

A snowshoe circuit in the Entremonts valley. It is a loop alternating between ascents and descents, passages through forests and mountain pastures, shady slopes and sunny slopes, crossing the hamlet of Grand Carroz with its few houses.