Car free hikes - the iron pathway in the Belledonne mountains

Climbing up to the heights of Allevard, you'll discover a site where iron ore has been mined since the Middle Ages, and beautiful views of the northern Belledonne peaks.
Itinerary with public transport offered by Alpes Là.

Start: Allevard Pleïade (480 m) - 1 h 25 (2.4 km, D+ 400 m, D- 18 m)

From the Pleïade stop, continue north on the D525, then turn right onto rue des écoles (which becomes rue Bouffier) to the square (church).
From the Tourist Office opposite the church, follow the signs to Montouvrard: through the streets to Etienne Tallard, then up the stairs to the right to reach La Montée.
Take a path up through the forest (at Croix Blanche, take the left-hand path). The path crosses the road on several occasions before reaching Montouvrard.

1) Montouvrard bas (866 m) - 35 min (1.6 km, D+ 85 m, D- 53 m)
Following the Sentier du Fer signs, cross the hamlet, then take the small road to the left at a large explanatory sign. Continue on a track that goes straight into the first hairpin bend. After 400 m, take the downhill path.

2) L'Ecurie à Mules (896 m) - 50 min (1.5 km, D+ 240 m, D- 10 m)
At L'Ecurie à Mules, we start on the iron trail itself, marked with purple arrows. Explanatory panels and a "sound trail" (joined at stage 4) explain the history of iron ore mining here. Follow the arrows to discover the various stages (very close together at first, then more widely spaced), via a sometimes steep path and wider tracks. The trail ends on the ridge at the Marameille orientation table.

3) Table d'orientation (1125 m) - 45 min (2.2 km, D+ 23 m, D- 281 m)
Retrace your steps and climb up the ridge to Jeu de Paume. Then head back down to Montouvrard, along a wide path that leads to some lovely isolated cabins. After 2 road crossings (the second a short descent along the road), you reach the village of Montouvrard. Descend to Montouvrard Bas.

4) Montouvrard bas (866 m) - 50 min (2.4 km, D+ 29 m, D- 414 m)
Return to the path taken on the outward journey to descend to Allevard (road crossings, and sometimes steep descent), and return to the Pleïade bus stop..