Villard-Saint-Christophe walks

Don't worry, we are not in the high mountains and the glacier disappeared 15,000 years ago. The route is easy and short enough to be done with children. It is enjoyable and educational, with two panels explaining the geological evolution of the region and the formation of the Matheysine lakes.

From Villard-Saint-Christophe, there are many hikes possible in the Tabor massif, but the Croix de Gouret is the most accessible and offers beautiful views of the Matheysine, Vercors and Dévoluy lakes. The route suggested here is the shortest and offers interesting views, but other routes starting from the village are also possible.

Seen from Lake Charlet and the climb to Tabor, the Sentier du Diable, which winds its way up the south-western face of Pérollier, is impressive, and its name deters many hikers from taking it. However, it is a pleasant trail with a fairly steady climb and is not particularly dangerous. We take it here to climb Pérollier (2,183 m), the third highest peak in the Tabor massif, and make a loop via Lake Charlet for the return journey.

The Piquet de Nantes (2,215 m) and the Tabor (2,389 m) near La Mure in Isère are the two highest peaks in the Tabor massif and can be reached separately, but the route proposed here connects the two peaks via a trail that gives an almost high-mountain feel while being easy and very pleasant. It takes only an hour and offers a circuit with beautiful views of the Matheysine lakes and the surrounding mountains.

Le Pérollier is a small peak on the ridge separating the Lacs de Laffrey and the Alpe du Grand Serre resort. This circuit offers unobstructed views of the lakes and the Taillefer, Grand Armet and Belledonne mountain ranges. Note that in June, the meadows are particularly flowery (blue gentians and anemones, among others).

I recommend a beautiful, easy hike – the only challenge being the elevation gain – to one of the finest panoramic views in the Matheysine region. Indeed, the summit offers a 360° view of all the mountain ranges of southern Isère as well as the Grenoble region.

A beautiful hike where, on the way there, you will walk along the shores of the Pierre-Châtel and Pétichet lakes with a short detour to see Lake Laffrey, and return via the Cholonge ridges at the foot of the Grand Serre.

A fairly easy hike to discover three of the four lakes on the Matheysin plateau and one of the wonders of the Dauphiné, the Pierre Percée. The route is well signposted and marked, partly in the shade and offering beautiful views of the Matheysin and the surrounding mountain ranges (Obiou, Vercors).

Follow the legend of the Pierre Percée (Pierced Rock) on this short circuit that will take you to one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné.

A pleasant walk with no particular difficulty, offering regular beautiful views of the Vercors, the Conneste and Senepi ranges, etc., as you pass through a few hamlets and villages.

This circuit, which takes you twice through Pierre Percée, one of the seven wonders of the Dauphiné, allows you to enjoy the view of the mountains bordering the Matheysin plateau and takes you around Lake Pierre Chatel.

This is an additional and original way to access the Pierre Percée, a marvel of the Dauphiné region. The site overlooks the entire Matheysine area and offers magnificent views of all the surrounding mountains. After climbing through the forest, the route opens out onto meadows, and the descent to the Motte d'Aveillans is clear.

This lovely circular route leads to the Conest (or Conex or Connex) summit plateau, which is a vast area of pasture. Although the climb may seem a little long, it is very pleasant and a magnificent reward awaits the hiker once at the top: a 360° panorama offering views of the Belledonne, Taillefer, Grandes-Rousses, Dévoluy and Vercors mountain ranges. The ‘Difficult’ rating is due to the combination of distance and elevation gain, both of which are significant.

This hike is a real treat for the eyes, with the summit of Beauregard in the Connex offering a sweeping panorama of southern Isère and all the surrounding mountain ranges, particularly the Laffrey Lakes. This circular route also allows you to discover the small, typical hamlets of the Matheysine region.

A pleasant hike at the foot of the Piquet de Nantes and the Tabor, with beautiful views of the Obiou and the Grand Armet, passing through three lovely streams, then descending through the village of Fontagneux to change mountain ranges and walk at the foot of the Grand Armet, this time, and see the Tabor. The passage through old hamlets is also very pleasant for lovers of old stones.

This is a beautiful, easy hike with relatively little elevation gain, which will allow you to discover the lakes of Matheysine and the surrounding mountains.

A route offering shade, elevation gain, breathtaking views and a variety of alternative routes.