Refine your search for walks in Sarcenas
Sarcenas walks
Unusual Chamechaude via L'Arche, Le Jardin, La Brêche Arnaud and Le Canyon
Visorando Member
5.99 mi
+3,868 ft
-3,865 ft
5 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
A challenging hike that allows you to discover the most beautiful (and least known) landscapes around the summit of Chamechaude.
The route includes a few fun climbs and descents, a very short off-trail section, a breach through a cliff, a spectacular couloir and an aerial sangle overlooking numerous chamois, a guaranteed spectacle for anyone aiming to reach the summit before midday.
The route is far from the summer and Sunday crowds.
Chamechaude circular via the Arche, the Rampe de l'Écureuil and the Canyon
4.36 mi
+2,533 ft
-2,523 ft
4h 15
Difficult
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
This circular aims to offer alternatives to the very busy normal route, allowing you to discover lesser-known aspects of Chamechaude, the highest point in the Chartreuse. Without being as technical as the Arnaud breach or as exposed as the Sangle du Jardin, this route is off the beaten track: it therefore sometimes requires a sense of direction and certain (short) steep passages require effort and attention.
Please read the Practical Information section carefully.
Col de Porte
Association / Club / Walk leader
7.07 mi
+1,358 ft
-1,358 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
In the heart of the Chartreuse mountains, the Col de Porte is a former family ski resort whose ski lifts are now closed. The paths are more or less well marked allowing you to enjoy the trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes. The proposed circuit climbs through forest, coming out on a crest and offers superb views over the entire Chartreuse mountain range.
Tour of the two highest peaks in the Chartreuse
17.39 mi
+6,673 ft
-8,005 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
Chamechaude (2,082 m) and the Dent de Crolles (2,062 m) are the two highest peaks in the Chartreuse; allow for a walk of around 30 km – fancy a go?
Chamechaude from the Col de Porte
4.78 mi
+2,474 ft
-2,474 ft
4h 20
Difficult
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
The highest point of the Chartreuse massif. As a bonus, there is a cable to access the summit platform.
Magnificent panorama of the Chartreuse, with views of Mont Blanc, Mont Aiguille and the Vercors.
L'Écoutoux
5.83 mi
+1,699 ft
-1,699 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
This small peak in the forest above Sappey-en-Chartreuse makes for a very pleasant outing in the forest. There are few views, except from the summit, which offers a beautiful panorama of the Belledonne massif, Chamechaude and the Dent de Crolles.
Circular route via the Habert de Chamechaude and the hollowed-out tree trunk serving as a drinking trough
7.08 mi
+2,352 ft
-2,323 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
This hike, mostly through woodland, will take you close to the eastern cliffs of Chamechaude and offer a stunning view from the habert, stretching towards the Belledonne and Taillefer massifs, all the way to the Vercors.
The northern ridges of Mont Saint-Eynard
7.92 mi
+2,812 ft
-2,789 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
From Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse, climb up to the ridges of Mont Saint-Eynard, which offer beautiful panoramic views of the Belledonne mountains, the Dent de Crolles and Chamechaude.
Circular route via the Habert de Chamechaude and the Émeindras, from Sappey-en-Chartreuse
6.55 mi
+2,254 ft
-2,251 ft
7 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
A lovely circular route alternating between woodland and mountain pastures, running along the eastern slope of Chamechaude, with a few steep ascents and descents, but no real difficulties provided there are tracks to follow on the descent from the Habert de Chamechaude to the Col de l’Émeindras. The Émeindras area is very busy in fine weather, whilst the Habert de Chamechaude is much less so.
From Sappey-en-Chartreuse to Émeindras de dessus via the high ridges
5.69 mi
+1,877 ft
-1,873 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
This hike takes you to the top of the Sappey ridges, where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views (the Belledonne mountain range, Dent de Crolles, Saint-Hugues, Chamechaude and the series of ridges).
On 28/12/18, I modified the route between the new points (1) and (2) to take into account the 2018 logging operation that destroyed the previous hiking trail (shown as a dotted line on the map).
Roche Rousse
5.89 mi
+2,077 ft
-2,077 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
A lovely walk offering views of the entire Sappey-en-Chartreuse valley and the surrounding mountains.
Le Habert de Chamechaude
4.21 mi
+1,936 ft
-1,936 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
This easy hike takes you to an alpine pasture above the small resort of Sappey-en Chartreuse. You will arrive at a magnificent site at the foot of the Chamechaude cliffs, with an exceptional panorama stretching from the Sept Laux massif to the Vercors.
Circular route around Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse
8.67 mi
+2,169 ft
-2,169 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
Circular route starting from Chemin des Combes, crossing above Sappey-en-Chartreuse to reach the Écoutoux viewpoint and return to the starting point.
Emeindras loop
6.79 mi
+2,129 ft
-2,116 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
A hike with a variety of points of interest, including the beginnings of skiing, rural life with woodworking and alpine pastures, and the impressive cliffs of Chamechaude.
The ridges of Mont Fromage from Col de Porte
6.39 mi
+1,348 ft
-1,345 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
A very pleasant hike, described here snowshoe users, but also good for walks on sunny days.
La Pinéa from the Col de Porte
4.08 mi
+1,391 ft
-1,391 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
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.
From Col de Porte to Charmant Som
7.43 mi
+1,788 ft
-1,811 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
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.
La Pinéa - Chalet du Charmant Som circuit
7.80 mi
+1,916 ft
-1,936 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
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.
La Pinéa, Montvernet and Montfromage via the Col de Porte
6.20 mi
+1,870 ft
-1,893 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
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.
Charming Som circular via Mont Fromage
8.61 mi
+2,067 ft
-2,087 ft
6 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Sarcenas (Isère)
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.
Mont Saint-Eynard via Rocher du Bret
2.84 mi
+1,270 ft
-1,276 ft
2h 25
Difficult
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
A fairly short but steep circular route up the little-known Rocher du Bret ridge. At the summit, you will be rewarded with a 360° panorama of the southern Chartreuse, Belledonne, the Grenoble conurbation and the Vercors. The return journey is more conventional, passing by the Batteries du Saint-Eynard, which offer some more beautiful views.
The Crête du Saint-Eynard
3.33 mi
+1,145 ft
-1,158 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
This circuit runs along the Saint-Eynard ridge and offers a bird's eye view of the Grésivaudan valley and Grenoble.
The Aiguille de Quaix
3.66 mi
+1,516 ft
-1,503 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Quaix-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
Ascent of the Aiguille de Quaix from the hamlet of La Jars in Quaix en Chartreuse: a fairly shaded forest route offering magnificent views of the Isère valley from the Aiguille de Quaix.
The ascent of the Aiguille de Quaix requires a climb that can be difficult with heavy boots or for people who are prone to vertigo. However, the view at the foot of the peak, without climbing, is still worth the effort. The hike remains very interesting.
Mount Rachais from Frette
4.66 mi
+1,207 ft
-1,207 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Quaix-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
Mount Rachais, from the hamlet of Frette, situated on its far northern side.
La Pinéa from the Orgeval oratory
4.35 mi
+1,096 ft
-1,115 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
The Saint Eynard ridge and the Pré du Plat
2.99 mi
+509 ft
-522 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (Isère)
A short and easy walk on the ridge of Mont-Saint-Eynard, above Grenoble, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city, the Belledonne mountain range and, at the end, the Sappey valley. This walk is a local classic and can be very busy.
Le Charmant Som from Les Cottaves
5.83 mi
+2,608 ft
-2,605 ft
4h 55
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
Fort du Saint-Eynard from the Col de Vence
4.25 mi
+2,014 ft
-1,985 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Corenc (Isère)
A classic hike from the Col de Vence to the Fort du Saint-Eynard.
The entire route follows theGR®9trail, with no difficulty in finding your way. Wide panoramic view from the summit.
Mont Rachais and the Quichat batteries from the Col de Vence
6.49 mi
+1,601 ft
-1,585 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Corenc (Isère)
Starting from the Col de Vence, climb to Mont Rachais via the ridge after a detour via the Quichat batteries and return to the pass.
Mont Rachais from the Vence Pass
4.80 mi
+1,132 ft
-1,112 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Corenc (Isère)
Easy access to Mont Rachais. View over Chartreuse, Belledonne, Grenoble and the Vercors.
Pinéa and Charmant Som via the Vermorel trail
9.62 mi
+3,481 ft
-3,474 ft
7h 25
Difficult
Departure from Proveysieux (Isère)
A very beautiful circular route linking two of the peaks overlooking the Col de Porte, via a picturesque and relatively quiet route. The peaks and ridges offer superb views of the Chartreuse and the surrounding mountain ranges: Vercors, Dévoluy, Taillefer, Oisans, Grandes Rousses and Belledonne.As the ascent is mainly in the shade, this hike—ideal for hot weather—presents no technical difficulties; however, care should be taken on the Vermorel path.
The Belvédère du Sialet
3.69 mi
+1,175 ft
-1,191 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Proveysieux (Isère)
A pleasant circular through the woods of the commune of Proveyzieux leading to the Belvédère du Sialet, which offers a bird's-eye view of the Isère valley. Hikers will be happy to discover the large shopping area of Saint-Égrève, where many of them stock up on supplies.
Charmant Som circular loop
2.49 mi
+978 ft
-1,004 ft
2h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
Le Charmant Som
1.67 mi
+640 ft
-643 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
Bec Charvet
5.38 mi
+2,156 ft
-2,152 ft
4h 20
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
Fontaine Ardente - the flaming fountain
1.11 mi
+594 ft
-571 ft
1h 00
Moderate
Departure from Meylan (Isère)
A short hike to enjoy this geological feature: a flaming fountain.
The Charmant Som in a circular pattern from Les Revols
6.24 mi
+2,772 ft
-2,762 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
Grande Sure from Col de la Charmette
5.99 mi
+2,349 ft
-2,323 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
La Grande Sure circular starting from the Col de la Charmette
8.76 mi
+2,877 ft
-2,864 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
Charmant Som via Pré Batard
5.20 mi
+2,054 ft
-2,054 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
La Grande Sure via the Col d'Hurtière
8.68 mi
+2,871 ft
-2,871 ft
6h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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).
The Col d'Hurtières circular route via Vararey and the Goulet d'Hurtières
7.09 mi
+1,972 ft
-1,972 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
La Grande Sure via the Cols de la Vache
7.10 mi
+2,828 ft
-2,828 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
The summit of Pravouta, crossing from Saint-Hugues
5.87 mi
+2,654 ft
-2,654 ft
6 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
Mont Rachais
5.30 mi
+1,808 ft
-1,834 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux (Isère)
Mont-Rachais from Lévetière. Return via Mont-Jalla.
View of the Chartreuse, Belledonne, Vercors and Mont Blanc if the weather is clear enough.
From Lévetière to Mont Jalla
4.15 mi
+951 ft
-955 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux (Isère)
Views of the Chartreuse, the Vercors, Grenoble, the Isère, the Drac, Belledonne and Mont Blanc.
The Batteries of Néron
4.06 mi
+515 ft
-512 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Martin-le-Vinoux (Isère)
A walk in the shade above Grenoble.
The Égaux trail
4.30 mi
+748 ft
-722 ft
2h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse (Isère)
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.
__
More walks in Sarcenas
Select a point of interest below: