The great tour of the Chartreuse mountains on a self-guided hike

Depending on your accommodation, you'll enjoy a beautiful day of hiking around the famous waterfalls of the Cirque de Saint Même. It's a unique and unspoiled spot in the Chartreuse mountains. The waterfalls mark the natural border between Savoy and the former province of Dauphiné, which was annexed to France in 1860 and is now part of the Isère department.

Route 1: From the village of St Pierre d'Entremont: A beautiful hike towards the famous waterfalls, with a loop to reach the upper cascades and get up close to this unique, popular spot with its exceptional scenery. The descent is via the other side of the stream, which leads back to St Pierre d'Entremont. The village is home to the natural park visitor center, which features a relief map of the massif and an exhibition of crafts by local artisans from the Chartreuse region. A free visit not to be missed.

Route 2: From the waterfalls of the Cirque de Saint Même, this is a nature adventure with a hike that takes you through the villages of the valley and passes by the hamlet of Teppaz, home to Peterpan, the last woodturner in the Chartreuse mountains. If he's open, you can go inside and meet him in his workshop filled with local treasures unearthed from the forest, as well as his creations made from wood harvested here in the Chartreuse. A descent along the old mule track leads you to the village of Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont. Visit the park visitor center and then head back up to your accommodation in the Cirque de Saint Même. While you're there, don't hesitate to stop by the bakery in Saint-Même-d'en-Haut to sample the local bread.

Note: The village of Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont is bisected by the border between Savoie and Isère. It has a mountain atmosphere. You can discover local artisans, as well as a renowned charcuterie, a cheese affineur, and a celebrated local pastry shop. An opportunity to continue your exploration with a tasting.

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

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

A transfer to the village of La Ruchère will take place on day 03 in the morning at 9 a.m. in front of your accommodation to reach the start of your hike.

All other journeys are made on foot.

For this day, three routes allow you to discover the Great Chartreuse Forest and the world of the Carthusians, who have been settled here in the massif for over 900 years.

After a short transfer by minibus to the village of La Ruchère, organised by the team, you have a meeting at 9am in front of your Accommodation or in the parking lot of the village school.

Route 1: From La Ruchère, after passing the pass of the same name, you descend via the habert de Billon, the summer pasture of the monks, on the heights of the Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse, and the Correrie where you can visit the museum of the Grande Chartreuse, then return to your accommodation in Saint Pierre de Chartreuse via the GR de pays.

Route 2: From La Ruchère, you reach the summit of Petit Som via the Col de Leschaux. This is a beautiful climb in the heart of the mountains, offering exceptional panoramic views and a bird's-eye view of the famous monastery. The descent back to the Grande Chartreuse Monastery follows the Chapels Trail, the original site of the monks' settlement in 1084. Visit the museum in the Correrie buildings, then continue to Saint Pierre de Chartreuse where you will return to your accommodation.

Route 3: From La Ruchère, the route leads you to the Col de la Ruchère, gateway to the Carthusian monastery's silent zone, then into the heart of the Great Chartreuse Forest towards the chapels of Notre Dame de Casalibus and the Grande Chartreuse Monastery. Visit the Grande Chartreuse Museum and return to Saint Pierre de Chartreuse. This route is the easiest of the three.

For all three routes, you'll arrive in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, where you can visit the museum. Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse is the largest village in the Chartreuse Mountains. A few narrow streets invite you to stroll and discover the charm of a mountain village. The Chartreuse Natural Park is building its new visitor center using local materials, particularly the renowned "Chartreuse wood," a protected designation of origin (AOC) plant material for several years now. It also houses the headquarters and factory outlet of our partner, RAID LIGHT, a manufacturer of equipment. Finally, if time allows, a relaxing stop at the Oréade spa center can provide a moment of tranquility (Oréade phone number: +33 4 76 50 34 48).

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

Route 1: 13 km, +600m / -750m, 5 hours of walking

Route 2: 14 km, +800m / -950m, 5h30 walking time

Route 3: 12 km, +550m / -750m, 4h30 walking time

Your hike will take you through the large village of St. Pierre de Chartreuse and then to the church of St. Hugues. This unique collection of contemporary sacred art is entirely decorated and furnished by the same artist. The route leads you through the vast forest past the chalets of L'Emeindras at the foot of the Chamechaude summit. You will then reach the Col de Porte pass where you will be welcomed at a mountain inn.

Please note that the Museum of Contemporary Sacred Art is closed on Tuesdays.

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

13 km, + 650m / - 100m, 5 hours of walking

Your day allows you to discover the southern part of the massif and to fly to the ascent of the summit of the massif, the Pointe de Chamechaude.

Today there are also several hiking options:

Route 1: The ascent of Chamechaude: This is a beautiful and challenging hike to the summit of the massif, starting from your accommodation. Part of the hike will be an out-and-back, but the summit offers exceptional 360° views of the entire Alps, the Vercors, Mont Blanc, and even the Jura Mountains...

Route 2: Hike on the Montfromage ridges: Starting from your accommodation, immerse yourself in the Grande Chartreuse forest, a designated exceptional forest with remarkable trees. You quickly reach the ridge and continue your route between the two valleys, enjoying panoramic views that reveal the landscapes of the massif. At the Orgeval oratory, you descend gently towards the Col de Porte pass, following a path and an old access road to the charming SOM mountain.

Access to the summit of Charmant Som can be achieved on this day by continuing on route 2, from the Orgeval oratory towards the parking lot and completing the ascent loop (+250 m / -250 m length 4 km, time: 2 hours)

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

Route 1 : 11 km, +800m / -800m, 5 hours of walking

Route 2: 12 km, +600m / -600m, 4 hours of walking

From the Col de Porte the return to Saint Pierre de Chartreuse is via a wild path, the slabs of the Charmant Som up to the village of St Pierre de Chartreuse.

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

16 km, +650m / -1090m, 6 hours of walking

For this final stage, you take a path that leads you to the pretty Col du Cucheron. Then, you descend gently towards the village of St Pierre d'Entremont.

Your luggage will be available at the Tourist Office or your first accommodation. The trip is scheduled to end in the afternoon. If you wish to extend your stay in the mountains, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can suggest suitable accommodation.

Distances - Elevation Gain - Walking Time - Technical Skills

14 km, + 600m / - 800m, 5 hours of walking