Mini-Tour of Chartreuse at Your Own Pace
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationChartreuse Mountains / Isère
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions41.55 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Escape for a while with a Mini-Tour of Chartreuse on a self-guided hike!
A verdant haven for recharging your batteries
Leave your stress behind and immerse yourself in the heart of the Chartreuse, a land of legends where green is an infinite variety, from pastel to emerald, as Stendhal so aptly described. After crossing the majestic Granier pass, you enter the heart of the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park.
This Pre-Alpine massif is a true patchwork of landscapes. Let yourself be amazed by its deep forests, rushing streams, imposing cliffs, charming villages, and perched alpine pastures. The Entremonts Valley, once divided between Savoy and France, holds unique discoveries, including the Grande Chartreuse monastery. A unique atmosphere, a true invitation to serenity.
A comfortable hike in the heart of heritage
Rich in historical, artisanal, and cultural heritage, the Chartreuse region is ideal for hikers seeking authenticity and comfort. This getaway offers a stress-free experience, with gentle elevation changes and varied stages in a pristine environment.
Enjoy your hike to the fullest: your luggage will be transported to your accommodation. You'll only need to carry a small daypack with your belongings and picnic lunch. Stay in carefully selected accommodations to rest after each day of hiking.
Ready to immerse yourself in this symphony of letting go?
The highlights
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Discovering the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park.
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A visit to the Correrie, museum of the Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse.
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A mobile application with GPS tracks to guide you throughout the journey.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Hiking :
Average elevation gain: 640 m Maximum elevation gain: 830 m
Average length: 13 km Maximum length: 17 km
Average time: 5 hours Maximum: 5 hours 45 minutes
Level 2: Attention and correct map reading.
You must be able to follow a route using a map, a hiking guidebook prepared by us, and clues found in the field. You will only use marked trails.
This route is undertaken without a guide and at your own risk. We provide all the necessary information and logistics for a successful hike. You must be able to be self-reliant, assessing your own abilities and responding to unexpected situations (fatigue, weather, presence of animals, changing terrain, etc.).
It is up to you to inquire with the Tourist Offices about the weather forecast (bulletins displayed) or to call the weather answering service on 08 99 71 02 + department number: Example 08 99 71 02 73 for Savoie.
You will be provided with a mobile application to install on your smartphone, containing route tracks in addition to the paper tracks and maps. Remember to bring an extra battery for your smartphone.
We decline all responsibility in case of error on your part regarding orientation (error or change of route) or time management (departure too late in the morning, picnic break too long…).
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 644 m
- Average daily descent: 807 m
- Maximum altitude: 1481 m
Management
Program
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Welcome
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet in Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont at your first accommodation in the late afternoon, where you will be welcomed by your host. They will give you the complete information pack including a description of the route, copies of the IGN maps with the itinerary highlighted, and a voucher for a visit to the Correrie Museum.
Before your arrival, you will receive a free app to download to your smartphone with GPS tracks to help you.
Setup, dinner.
Day 1 -
The Saint-Même circus
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Maximum altitude 900 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This first day of hiking, a “warm-up” hike, is dedicated to discovering the cirque of Saint-Même.
The Guiers Vif springs forth from inside the mountain, right in the middle of the cirque. This river divides Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont into two villages, one in Isère, the other in Savoie.
Indeed, this is the old border that separated France from Savoy more than 150 years ago. Our spectacular route follows the river and allows you to discover the splendid waterfalls.
Night in the same accommodation.
12 km, + 500m / - 500m, 4 hours of walking
Day 2 -
The Ruchère pass and the Grande Chartreuse monastery
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 12km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 860 m
- Maximum altitude 1407 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer to La Ruchère (1,130 m) by minibus. A short climb leads to the Col de la Ruchère (1,407 m), gateway to the silent zone of the Grande Chartreuse monastery.
You then descend to the chapels of Notre-Dame-de-Casalibus and Saint-Bruno, built on the site of the first monastery. The route follows the western slope of the Grand Som and overlooks the monastery (which is not open to the public).
You then arrive at the Correrie Museum, which recounts the history and austere life of the Carthusian monks, who have been present in this place for over nine centuries. After the visit (except on Thursdays outside of July and August), you reach the Guiers Mort valley and arrive at your overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in the heart of the village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse.
13 km, +600m / -860m, 5 hours of walking
Day 3 -
Return to Saint-Pierre-de-d'Entremont and Dispersion
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h45
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 830 m
- Negative elevation 1060 m
- Maximum altitude 1481 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This idyllic stage first takes you to the village of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse and then back to the Entremonts valley. After a climb through the forest, a superb balcony route above the Guiers Mort valley leads to the Col de la Saulce (1,481 m).
Then simply begin the gentle descent to reach the hamlets of the Entremonts valley. You finish your tour at your accommodation in Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont, where you will find your luggage.
The stay ended in the afternoon.
16 km, +830m / -1060m, 5h45 of walking
Day 4
Note
The times were calculated based on 300m of elevation gain per hour uphill, 500m downhill, and 4 km/h on flat terrain, in order to compare the hikes. They only include actual walking time: meals, breaks, and moments of contemplation must be added.
We may need to modify your itinerary if the planned accommodations are unavailable. Alternative accommodations will be of a similar standard and will have minimal impact on your route. These changes are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort.
A transfer will be arranged by us on day 3 at 9:00 AM sharp. Please be punctual. All other journeys are on foot.
Luggage transported by us:
We require only one piece of luggage per person, with a maximum dimensions of 60 cm and a maximum weight of 10 kg. We accept no responsibility for damage to fragile items, such as laptops.
Out of respect for the people transporting your luggage, please bear in mind that access to accommodations may be difficult (stairs, distance to travel) and that space in vehicles is limited.
To keep your luggage weight to 8-10 kg, pack only the essentials: there's no need to bring too many books or a complete change of clothes for each day, as clothes can dry overnight. Pack light shoes for the evenings and a toiletry bag with small containers or samples. Avoid anything unnecessary!
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in comfortable guest rooms or in a 2-star mountain hotel.
The contact details for the accommodations will be provided with your hiking pack.
In order to respect the rest time of the hosts, the rooms are accessible from 4 p.m.
Dogs are not allowed.
The stay is offered on a full board basis, including dinner, overnight stay, breakfast and picnic lunch.
Access
Welcome :
On Day 01 in the late afternoon, from 5pm in St Pierre d'Entremont, you will receive the name of the accommodation directly upon your booking confirmation.
If you arrive late: For any arrival after 6:30 pm, please notify your accommodation provider.
Dispersion:
Day 04 in the late afternoon in St Pierre d'Entremont.
Go to the starting point
Arrival by train:
Chambéry TGV station, then Bus line S04 (Chambéry > Saint Pierre d'Entremont).
Arrival by car:
St Pierre d'Entremont, 38. Directions: www.viamichelin.fr
You can park your vehicle without worry near your accommodation or in the village school car park.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization costs.
- Food and accommodation on a half-board basis.
- Lunchtime picnics (3 days).
- The provision of a complete hiking package including paper maps and a mobile application.
- The transfer to La Ruchère.
- Entrance to the museum of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery.
- Luggage transport at each stage.
- Tourist taxes.
The price does not include
- Wine during meals.
- Drinks and personal expenses.
- Personal equipment.
- The journeys to and from the reception location.
- The different types of insurance
- Anything not mentioned under "Price includes".
Options
- Single room : CHF128.07 / person
- Additional night with half-board, in a double room : CHF90.57 / person
- Additional night with half-board, in a single room : CHF136.31 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During the hike, you must have the following documents in your possession:
- Valid identity card or passport.
- Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased the insurance we offer) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number).
- Health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Travel file
- Application with GPS tracking
- We recommend that you equip yourself with an additional battery for GPS navigation, which consumes a lot of battery power.
Equipment to bring
Equipment :
- 1 backpack of 35/40 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt.
- A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack.
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side protection.
- a water bottle (1.5 liters minimum).
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife.
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract in.
- Sunscreen + lip balm.
- Camera, binoculars (optional).
- A pair of poles is recommended.
For the evening at the accommodation:
- 1 swimsuit (optional).
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers.
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes.
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
- 1 quick-drying bath towel.
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional).
- 1 headlamp or flashlight.
Personal pharmacy:
- A tick remover.
- Your usual medications.
- Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
- Double skin (like Compeed or SOS blisters).
- 1 pair of tweezers.
Clothing to bring
The principles:
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 Gore-Tex type jacket.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a 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 (merino wool underwear is comfortable and doesn't develop unpleasant odors), silk, and synthetic fibers that 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 undershirt in breathable material or a shirt.
- 1 fleece jacket.
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket with hood.
- 1 rain cape or a sleeping bag liner
- 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers.
- 1 pair of shorts or bermudas.
- 1 pair of high-top hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand.
