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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

Starting from the Col de Marcieu, this hike to the Pas de l’Écharasson begins with a walk through the forest before continuing along a path that leads to the foot of the Crête de l’Alpette at a scree slope. After negotiating its narrow gap and climbing two rocky outcrops, you’ll discover a magnificent cirque in a breathtaking setting. The route continues along a ledge sheltered by rock; climbing through a gap, then over a small, cable-secured rock barrier and finally along a ridge takes you to the crest and its magnificent viewpoint.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

The Cirque de Saint-Même is very busy in summer, with most visitors content to have a picnic on the meadows or follow the signposted route through the waterfalls. The short circular loop suggested here extends this route by taking in an additional waterfall and the Source du Guiers Vif, via the steep Pas Ruat pass with its astonishing passage beneath the rock face emerging in front of the Grotte du Guiers Vif. ⚠️ This route is partly unmarked, unmaintained and presents significant risks. Hikers undertake this route at their own risk. Please refer to the official marked trails. ⚠️ The footbridge leading to the Grotte du Guiers Vif (4) was damaged by a rockslide in July 2023: a mayoral order currently prohibits access.

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.

A superb circular walk featuring waterfalls, a natural tunnel, a cave, climbing sections, an exposed ledge and a mountain pasture, topped off with some stunning views throughout the route. ⚠️ Part of this route is unmarked, unmaintained and presents significant risks. Hikers undertake this route at their own risk. Please refer to the officially marked trails. ⚠️ The ‘Pas de la Mort’ between (5) and (9) is classified as dangerous and is strongly discouraged. See practical information. On all vertical sections, do not rely on the GPS track but follow the route description.

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

From the Cirque de Saint-Même and its waterfalls, across the Hauts de Chartreuse plateaus via 3 Pas to the Croix de l’Alpe (1,821 m).Stunning views. ⚠️ This route is partly unmarked, unmaintained and presents significant risks. Hikers undertake this route at their own risk. Please follow the official marked trails.

A circular route in a secluded area, passing through two pretty hamlets. Two-thirds of the route is on tarmac roads, but there is very little traffic as they are dead-ends.