Hiking and spa evenings in the Chartreuse park

For our first group picnic, in addition to our own preparations, we would appreciate it if each participant brought a specialty from their region of origin, so we can begin the hike with some fruitful cultural exchanges. After admiring Le Grand Logis and the St. Hugues Chapel (former outbuildings of the monastery), we arrive at La Porte de l'Enclos . This narrow defile was the true gateway to the Chartreuse Desert. We then reach the Correrie of the Monastery of La Grande A visit to the Chartreuse monastery is included in your stay. This museum retraces the history and austere life of the Carthusian monks, who have been present in this place for over nine centuries (the monastery itself, located higher up, is not open to the public). After climbing through the forest, the route follows the western slope of the Grand Som and overlooks the monastery, offering beautiful views. We thus arrive above the Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse . Let's explore the Chartreuse monastery and discover the imposing complex of buildings with their distinctive architecture. Then all that remains is to head back, passing through the Gates of the Desert once again and returning to the village via the Grange de Bernière .

Wellness session at the end of the day: Welcome to the Balneo center from 4:30pm.

(The spa program is subject to change depending on the availability of the service provider).

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

12 km, +490m / -490m, 3h30 walking time

This day is dedicated to discovering some of the many hamlets of St. Pierre de Chartreuse. Indeed, this commune is quite large, encompassing more than fifty hamlets. We begin by descending and crossing the Guiers Mort valley before climbing the slope leading to Mollard Bellet , ideally situated on its ridge. You will learn to recognize the typical Chartreuse architecture of the houses and barns. Passing through the hamlets of Gontière and Marchandière , we reach the Church of St. Hugues (880 m) for a visit. This collection of contemporary sacred art is unique, as a single artist, Arcabas, entirely decorated and furnished the church, from the paintings and stained-glass windows to the sculptures, candelabras, and altar. We then gain altitude through the forest to reach Pierre Mesure (1080 m). We complete the hike via the small plateau of Martinière and La Diat before returning to St. Pierre de Chartreuse.

Wellness session at the end of the day: Welcome to the Balneo center from 4:30pm.

(The spa program is subject to change depending on the availability of the service provider).

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

12 km, + 560m / - 560m, 4 hours of walking

We begin our hike at the Chalets du Charmant Som (1670 m) to discover the many facets of this iconic Chartreuse peak. After a short climb across the alpine pasture, you enter a verdant valley. The real ascent begins at the Pré Batard pasture. From Chamechine, the scenery becomes breathtaking with its spectacular cliffs, a view over the Guiers plain, and the valley of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery. You might even spot some chamois in this wild area. The climb culminates at the summit of Charmant Som (1867 m), offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Chartreuse peaks and surrounding massifs such as the Vercors, the Oisans, the Bauges, and Mont Blanc on the horizon. The return journey takes you among the peaceful Tarine cows grazing on the alpine pasture.

At the end of the day, enjoy a wellness session at the Balneo center from 4:30 pm. The Balneo program may be modified depending on the provider's availability.

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

7 km, + 550m / - 550m, 4 hours of walking

We cross the Col du Cucheron, separating the St. Pierre de Chartreuse valley from the Entremonts valley, and reach the Cirque de St. Même (860 m). The Entremonts valley is unique in that it straddles two departments: Isère and Savoie. This dates back to the time when the valley was divided between the Kingdom of France and the Duchy of Savoy: the Guiers Vif river, which rises in the heart of the Cirque de St. Même, marked the border. From one bank to the other, we will follow the various waterfalls upstream to the impressive Grotte du Guiers Vif (Guiers Vif Cave ). The river originates from a resurgence after a long underground journey. During this day, you can visit the Entremonts Valley Tourist Office, which houses the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park information center , as well as a very interesting craft exhibition showcasing the region's traditional skills. Before returning, we will make a detour to the ruins of the Château du Gouvernement , former residence of the Counts of Montbel and magnificent viewpoint over the Vallée des Entremonts.

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

9 km, + 400m / - 400m, 3h30 walk

For this final day, we'll explore a magnificent Sensitive Natural Area bordering the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve. It's a seasonal protection zone for the black grouse (a small wood grouse). Upon arriving at the Col du Coq (1434 m), we're immediately immersed in the atmosphere, dominated by the impressive south face of the Dent de Crolles. This won't be our objective for the day. We'll take an easy path under the forest canopy to discover the Pravouta alpine pasture and sheepfold (1605 m). We'll walk around the pasture to reach the twin peaks of Roc d'Arguille (1176 m) and Pravouta (1760 m). These offer magnificent viewpoints overlooking the Dent de Crolles. Our return will be via the Col des Ayes (1538 m) back to our starting point. End of stay in St Pierre de Chartreuse at 4pm or 5:30pm (transfer on reservation at registration ) at Chambéry train station.

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

10 km, + 400m / - 400m, 3h30 walk