A nature break in the Chartreuse mountain pastures
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationChartreuse Mountains / Isère
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions47.44 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Chartreuse mountains for a revitalizing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Between dense forests, peaceful alpine pastures, and fragrant trails , let yourself be carried away by the natural beauty of this unspoiled region. Each hike reveals breathtaking panoramas of the Alpine peaks, offering a feeling of space and freedom.
Your stay combines comfort and authenticity , with warm accommodations and delicious local cuisine showcasing regional produce. From spring to autumn , the landscapes transform: vibrant blooms, resinous scents, and golden light create an enchanting setting. Here, time slows down , allowing for a true reconnection with nature .
The highlights
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Immerse yourself in the heart of the Chartreuse mountains, ideal for recharging your batteries.
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Spectacular scenery: Magnificent alpine panoramas throughout the hikes
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Warm accommodation: Comfortable lodging that combines friendliness and authenticity
Photos
Julie - verified review - august 2025
Julie - verified review - august 2025
Julie - verified review - august 2025
Colette - verified review - june 2025
Colette - verified review - june 2025
Colette - verified review - june 2025
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 454 m
- Average daily descent: 540 m
Management
French
Program
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Welcome and setup
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You arrive in the afternoon at the Au Pas de l'Alpette inn , where you can take some time to settle in. At 7:00 PM , a welcome cocktail is offered during an introductory meeting. This will be an opportunity to learn about the program for your stay and to chat with your guide. Dinner is included.
The hikes will start each morning around 9am , with a return around 4 :30-5pm , leaving you time to enjoy the hostel's facilities , including the swimming pool and the terrace with views of the Belledonne mountain range.
Day 1 -
The hamlets of Entremonts
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The Entremonts valley is in the center of the massif, at the heart of pastoral life and ancestral activities that have always animated the Chartreuse.
We invite you to hike and discover this pastoral life and summer pasture in the mid-mountains. We will walk in an exceptional setting, shaped by the natural elements and man over the centuries, where farmers, herds of cattle and local artisans live side by side.
Elevation gain : 500 m / 600 m
Walking time : 5 hours
Dinner at the inn.
Depending on the season, this hike may be replaced by another hike on Mont Joigny, just a few kilometers from the inn, to allow you to discover the panoramas of Mont Blanc and the entire Chartreuse mountains.
Day 2 -
The High Plateaus of the Chartreuse Nature Reserve
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 560 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
On the eastern summit part of the massif are the Chartreuse High Plateaus.
The hike will take us to the Croix de l'Alpe for a 360° panoramic view, with Mont Blanc as a bonus. It promises to be a beautiful day on the high-altitude pastures and unspoiled trails of the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve.
Where human labor, the summer pastures, and nature work in symbiosis to preserve a natural environment rich in wonders. Magical!
Elevation gain : 600 m / 650 m
Walking time : 5 hours
Dinner at the inn.
Depending on the season, this hike is replaced by another approach to the plateaus, and the reserve is replaced by the Col de l'Alpette and its wild landscape where wildlife is more abundant. The area remains the same.
Day 3 -
The paths of the Carthusians
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 560 m
- Negative elevation 560 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will travel as close as possible to the Grande Chartreuse monastery, following in the footsteps of the centuries-old history of the Carthusian monks.
For over 900 years, the Carthusian monks and fathers have lived in this unique valley, continuing their work. This day is like an invitation to encounter a timeless way of life, through the remains and buildings that forever mark the landscape.
Elevation gain : 550 m/600 m
Walking time : 5/6 hours
Dinner at the inn.
Depending on the week's schedule, this outing may be replaced by a beautiful loop in the Entremont Valley around Montfred. A forest environment similar to the vast Chartreuse forest.
Day 4 -
The departure
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This is your departure day after breakfast.
For those leaving by train, departure is scheduled for 9am from the hostel.
Day 5
Note
The hikes on this trip meet the demand of hikers who wish to combine moderately challenging walking with the discovery of the culture and human aspects of the Chartreuse massif.
The hiking program is adapted each week according to the hikers and the general organization of the terrain.
The trip is suitable for anyone who walks regularly or is capable of hiking in the mid-mountains.
Children are admitted from the age of 12.
Accommodation
Located in the hamlet of Bellecombe , high in the Combe de Savoie valley, the inn offers a peaceful setting with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains , Mont Blanc , and the Isère valley . A member of Logis de France , this establishment combines comfort and a friendly atmosphere.
You'll find an outdoor swimming pool , shaded green spaces , and an activity room equipped with a boot dryer . Several lounges and a wellness area complete the facilities. As for the cuisine, Jean-Luc , your host, offers regional recipes and more creative dishes daily, prepared with fresh ingredients .
Access
Departure after breakfast. For those departing by train, departure is scheduled for 9am from the hostel.
Go to the starting point
Transfer provided from Chambéry train station for arrivals by train, at 5:30pm at Chambéry train station.
At the inn at Pas de l'Alpette
Price details
The price includes
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to day 5 after breakfast (picnic lunch provided, even on rest days)
- The welcome drink during the welcome meeting and presentation of the stay
- Transportation at hiking sites
- The round-trip transfer if you arrive by train (Chambéry station around 5:30 pm and return on the last day by 10 am at the station)
- The guide: The visit to the Entremont cheese factory
- Access to swimming facilities, summer swimming pool
- Hostel facilities: pétanque court, games room
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Cancellation insurance
- Spa or wellness package options
- Tourist tax: €0.85 per day
Options
- Additional nights BEFORE the stay - Double room with half-board : CHF90.57 / unit
- Additional nights AFTER your stay - Double room with half-board : CHF90.57 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Hiking poles available for loan
Equipment to bring
- Appropriate shoes
- Mountain clothing for rain or wind
- Sunglasses
- 30L backpack
- Gourd
- Sunscreen
- Swimsuit
- Cutlery
Clothing to bring
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- A long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber)
- A warm fleece fur jacket
- A windproof, waterproof, and breathable jacket
- When walking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient.
- In rainy, snowy or windy weather, simply add the waterproof jacket.
- In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
- Choose quick-drying clothes, so avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
The ideal list: (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 scarf or neck warmer
- Short-sleeved T-shirts made of breathable material are preferable.
- 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket
- 1 rain cape or a sleeping bag liner
- 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers
- 1 pair of shorts or bermudas
- One pair of high-top hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to test new boots and those that haven't been worn for a long time beforehand.
They traveled with us
Julie
- 44 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
august 2025
In a group
Colette
- 60 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
june 2025
In a group
