Sainte-Marie-du-Mont walks

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The first part of the walk is a bit of a slog, but the rest is fairly easy. It’s best to do this walk after a spell of rain to get the most out of the waterfalls.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A hike of superlatives, combining the most beautiful landscapes of the Northern Chartreuse with four little-visited arches, as well as magnificent limestone formations including the Dromadaire, the Griffes and the Grotte de l’Ours. The route alternates between barely marked, idyllic paths, vertiginous ridges and vast sharp limestone pavements, and runs largely off the beaten track. This hike requires a good level of fitness; please read the warning in the practical information carefully.

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.

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

La montée emprunte le parcours le plus fréquenté de l'accès au Granier, celui par le Col de l'Alpette et le Pas des Barres. La descente par le Pas de Tancovaz reste beaucoup plus secrète, la désescalade de deux étroitures nécessitant une certaine agilité doublée d'un bon sens d'orientation dans la descente hors sentier d'un pierrier pentu. Mais ces difficultés font tout le charme de ce retour atypique.

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.

This is a snowshoe hike with no specific markings for this activity; however, theGR® 9 markings do exist, though they are less visible in winter conditions The appeal of this hike lies not in the markings but rather in the atmosphere you experience along the route across the plateau.

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.

In the heart of the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve, the majestic Mont Granier welcomes you. Although the cross is inaccessible for safety reasons, this hike reveals astonishing geology and remarkable biodiversity.

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.