An outstanding place to hike
Discover Isère, a hiker’s paradise in the heart of the French Alps, where breathtaking landscapes and thrilling trails through nature’s finest scenery await. Journey through the pristine landscapes of Chartreuse, Écrins in Oisans and Vercors Natural Parks, where clear mountain air, serene lakes and dramatic peaks await and explore panoramic footbridges, alpine meadows and historic forts along the way.
Pressed for time? Experience the beauty of Isère’s most outstanding hiking destinations with our selection of unforgettable trails and lookout points that highlight Isère’s natural splendour. With 9,000 km of well-marked paths, there’s a trail for everyone, from scenic strolls to rugged climbs, each leading to breathtaking views around every bend.
#1 The Charmant Som Lookout in Chartreuse
The exceptional lookout point of the Charmant Som is easily accessible with just a 200 m climb, and is one of the few summits in the Chartreuse mountains with a rounded top rather than a sharp ridge, surrounded by alpine meadows.
From the Col de Porte, a small tarmac road leads to the Bergerie car park, where you can enjoy traditional mountain cuisine and local dairy products at the inn. From there, a 30-minute walk across the meadows takes you to the summit of Charmant Som at 1,867 metres.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views with the Grande Chartreuse Monastery and the Correrie (a group of buildings housing the lay brothers) nestled below, including a 360-degree panorama of the Chartreuse, Vercors, Belledonne, Jura and Mont Blanc mountain ranges,
#2 Panorama of The Pic Blanc in Alpe d’Huez
Rising to 3,330 metres above sea level as part of the Grandes Rousses massif, the Pic Blanc offers an unparalleled view stretching over one fifth of France’s territory. From here, you can admire Mont Blanc, the Grandes Jorasses, Gran Paradiso, the Vanoise glaciers, the peaks of Maurienne, La Meije, Barre des Écrins and the Mont-de-Lans glacier – a vast sea of mountains as far as the eye can see.
Easily accessible by gondola or cable car from Alpe d’Huez or Oz-en-Oisans, the summit features a viewpoint indicator to help you identify all the legendary peaks surrounding you.
#3 Suspended aerial footbridge in Les 2 Alpes
At 3,400 metres above sea level, the Écrins Lookout Point features a 7-metre-long, narrow metal walkway offering an unobstructed panoramic 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.
This exhilarating experience will give you goosebumps: beneath your feet, a sheer drop of 1,500 metres leads down to the Vallon de la Selle, while all around you peaks stretch as far as the eye can see.
The Écrins Lookout Point is accessible either on skis or by a five-minute walk from the funicular station at 3,400 m.
#4 Chamrousse in Belledonne
A historic resort that hosted the 1968 Winter Olympics – where Jean-Claude Killy won three gold medals – Chamrousse offers one of the most breathtaking views over the city of Grenoble, the Vercors, Chartreuse, Trièves and the legendary Mont Aiguille, as well as the Isère valley.
Even when clouds occasionally blanket the peaks and valleys, there’s nothing quite like the experience of letting your imagination soar as you take in the scenery. Just 45 minutes from the centre of Grenoble, this mountain paradise offers a completely different perspective of the natural world.
#5 Fort du Saint-Eynard in Chartreuse
Perched on the summit of a limestone cliff at 1,358 metres above sea level, Fort Saint-Eynard dominates the Grésivaudan glacial valley.
Built between 1872 and 1880 to protect Grenoble in case of an enemy advance through the Chartreuse mountains, the fort blends seamlessly into the cliffside. Today, its strategic position provides visitors with a a breathtaking panoramic view of Grenoble, the Vercors and Belledonne mountains, the meandering Isère river and even Mont Blanc. In the distance, Mont Aiguille stands tall, offering a stunning sight from the terrace, where you can relax with a drink or a meal.
Tip: Visit in the evening for an especially incredible view!
Saint-Eynard is accessible on foot (hike from Grenoble or Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse), by bike or by car via a small road leading directly to the fort. A trail along the cliffs allows you to explore the various buildings of the fort, adding a sense of adventure to your visit.
#6 Vertige des Cimes footbridge in Vercors
At the top of the lookout point, where the Lans mountains loom over the Grenoble metropolitan area, the Vertige des Cimes walkway offers an exhilarating panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges and the city of Grenoble. Accessible year-round, this 2.1-metre-long walkway is securely attached to a cliff with a sheer drop of 300 metres, making it a thrilling experience for visitors.
To capture the moment, free Wi-Fi is provided, allowing hikers to take photos and create unforgettable memories with a unique souvenir of this breathtaking view.
#7 Around Mont Aiguille in Trièves
With its distinctive upturned pyramid shape, Mont Aiguille was once called “Mont Inaccessible” in the 12th century. The first ascent in 1492 marked the birth of mountaineering.
Today, the Tour of Mont Aiguille is considered one of the department’s “classic” hikes, offering a challenging and rewarding adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.
#8 The Dent de Crolles in Chartreuse
The Dent de Crolles, one of the legendary peaks of Chartreuse, offers breathtaking 360° views of the Chartreuse mountains and the Grésivaudan Valley.
This unique summit is not only famous for its panoramic vistas but also for also for its unique geological feature: it is completely hollow, with an extensive underground network of passages stretching over 55 km and a dramatic altitude drop of more than 600 metres.
#9 The Plateau d’Emparis in Oisans
A natural belvedere, the Plateau d’Emparis, a vast 2,900-hectare pasture, offers uninterrupted views of the towering peaks around it, including the Meije and the Pic du Mas de La Grave.
Each summer, this idyllic plateau hosts herds of sheep and cows during their Transhumance, adding a pastoral charm to the breathtaking landscape. It’s a perfect destination for a unique hike in an extraordinary natural setting.
#10 The footbridges of Monteynard in Matheysine
The Himalayan suspension bridges in the south of Isère span two rivers over Lake Monteynard-Avignonet: the Drac and the Ebron.
Suspended between 45 and 85 metres above the water, these towering bridges offer a truly dizzying experience. The Ebron bridge stretches 180 metres, while the Drac bridge extends 220 metres.
Crossing these bridges is a uniquely thrilling experience, all while being completely safe and secure.
With over 12 km of forest trails connecting the lake from shore to shore, you’ll be treated to both excitement and spectacular views.
