Tour de Mont-Saint-Martin

The start is in Voreppe, at the Notre-Dame de Chalais Monastery, Route de Chalais. Park in the upper car park, also known as ‘P3’ and the ‘Hikers’ Car Park’, where two information boards summarise the flora and fauna found in the Chartreuse.

Follow the yellow No. 9 markings.

(S/E) Continue along the wide path which starts on level ground and then follows the descending balcony path. Ignore the path branching off to the right and proceed to a junction where a sign reading “Risk of rockfall” stands, reminding you of the dangers of mountain trails.

(1) Continue to the left.

(2) Cross the Cheminée de Mont-Saint-Martin. It is equipped with handrails. The top of the Cheminée (975 m) marks the highest point of the hike. Then follow the descending path to the signpost on the right pointing towards Spain.

(3) Enjoy the view over the Isère valley. Continue along the track, which turns into a path, towards the village. At the bottom, turn left onto the Chemin de Colavière and continue until you reach the road known as the Chemin des Combes. At this junction, turn right and follow the road for 200 m to the car park.

(4) Take the path leading down to the right which runs alongside the Ruisseau de Lanfrey until it meets the Route de Mont-Saint-Martin at a bridge.

(5) Continue along the road for about sixty metres, then cross it to rejoin the path that runs alongside it before meeting the road again further down. Cross the road again and continue along the descending path. A passage between two rocks allows you to walk along the rock face and reach the same road one last time; follow it to the right for about twenty metres.

(6) At the bend, turn right to follow the path towards Le Cuchet and Chalais, which takes you back to the junction on the way out before La Cheminée.

(1) Continue straight on, in the opposite direction to the outward journey, to return to the starting point at the monastery (S/E).

This trail presents risks typical of mountain and forest trails: falling branches, falling trees, falling rocks as the path runs alongside cliffs, etc. Take care at the Mont-Saint-Martin chimney (2), although it is secured with cables.

(S/E) Water is available at the monastery. It is recommended that you stock up on water beforehand. The site is supplied solely by a reservoir. In summer, there may be restrictions.

(2) The Cheminée is secured. Nevertheless, caution is advised when using it.

Visit the Corepha association’s website to learn more about the history and heritage of the commune of Voreppe.

(4) In front of the Town Hall façade, a magnificent declining sundial. Have fun calculating the exact time based on the date of your hike. An ideal spot for a picnic.

A circular route around the village of Mont-Saint-Martin towards Namière and Les Combes takes you along the Meulières themed trail, or the millstone quarries from the time of the Dauphins.
Several walks start from Mont-Saint-Martin at “Les Combes” and lead to the mountain pastures of La Grande Sûre.

On the way back, you can take the Belvédère path.
Taste Chalais biscuits at the shop.

Chalais Abbey