A major city surrounded by mountains, and close to several protected areas, Grenoble is a paradise for walkers. That's why we've put together a selection of the best walks around Grenoble.
1. Bruyant waterfall, Bec de l'Aigle and Furon gorges
- Distance: 7.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 385 m
- Duration: 2 h 40
- Itinerary
This walk in the heart of the Vercors Natural Park is truly one of the most beautiful hikes around Grenoble. It follows the course of the water until you reach the beautiful Bruyant waterfalls and the Furon gorges. You'll then climb up to the Bec de l'Aigle promontory, offering a superb view of the region. This is a medium-level trail, uphill on the first half, then downhill on the return leg of the loop, all the way back to the starting point. The starting point is 25 km from Grenoble, a 30-minute drive.
2. Le Charmant Som
- Distance: 2.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 182 m
- Walking time: 1 h
- Itinerary
One of the most beautiful hikes in the Grenoble area, this trail offers the advantage of easy access to a summit. This medium-level loop trail climbs to Charmant Som, culminating at 1,867. From up there, you'll enjoy views not only of the Grande Chartreuse, but also of Mont Blanc and other Alpine peaks. This trail is both panoramic and accessible to all, to the point of being child-friendly, making it a must-see in Isère. The starting point is 25 km from Grenoble, a 45-minute drive.
3. Lac du Crozet from Les 4 chemins
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 723 m
- Duration: 4 h 15
- Itinerary
This trail may be short, but it's particularly steep, making it a difficult hike. But it's well worth the effort, as it leads to the mythical Lac du Crozet, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps, and with its magnificent views, a must-see in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Another advantage: along its route, the trail passes through a variety of landscapes, between forests, plains and rocky outcrops. The starting point is 25 km from Grenoble, a 40-minute drive.
4. GR®50, tour of the Écrins National Park
- Distance: 371 km
- Altitude difference: 19,000 m
- Duration: 20 to 25 days
- Itinerary
This isn't just another digestive stroll, it's one of the most beautiful hikes around Grenoble, and one that has to be earned! The tour of the Ecrins National Park is a GR, a long-distance hike that requires several days' walking, provided you want to do it in its entirety. It is also possible to hike only part of it. In any case, this is truly one of France's great hikes, thanks to its breathtaking Alpine scenery. The route starts and finishes in Bourg-d'Oisans, 50 km from Grenoble.
5. Grande Chartreuse monastery
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Elevation gain: 282 m
- Time: 1 hr 50 min
- Itinerary
This hike takes you to the legendary Grande Chartreuse monastery, home to monks for a thousand years. The monastery is not open to visitors, to preserve the peace and quiet of the monks, but it does offer fine views of the massif's peaks. You can also visit the Grande Chartreuse museum, which is the starting point for this hike, 30 km from Grenoble. Although the trail is short, it does include a certain difference in altitude, so this is a medium-level hike. Nearby, you can also visit Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse.
6. The waterfalls of the Saint-Même cirque
- Distance: 2.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 220 m
- Duration : 1 h 15
- Itinerary
Once again, don't be fooled by the short distance covered, as this hike includes a significant difference in altitude, making it a medium-level trail. The start is 40 km from Grenoble, i.e. a 1-hour drive. You'll then walk to the beautiful waterfalls of the cirque de Saint-Même, in the heart of the Chartreuse regional nature park. This is a protected area, so you're encouraged to take steps to protect the environment.
7. The Dent de Crolles
- Distance: 6.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 670 m
- Time: 3 hrs
- Itinerary
The Chartreuse Regional Nature Park is definitely an ideal hiking destination, as it once again offers one of the most beautiful hikes to be done around Grenoble, albeit this time on a difficult trail. The loop is steep and technical, but the views are well worth the effort. You'll climb to the summit of the Dent de Crolles, at an altitude of 2,062 m. The start is 25 km from Grenoble, a 40-minute drive.
8. The three lakes
- Distance: 10.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 500 m
- Time: 4 hrs
- Itinerary
This is one of the most beautiful hikes you can do around Grenoble, as it leads to several Alpine lakes: Lac Achard, Lac Robert and Lac des Vallons. This moderately-difficult trail starts in Chamrousse, a famous ski resort some 30 km from Grenoble. Some rocky sections require good footwear, and walking poles if necessary. Please also note that although dogs are allowed, this outing is not suitable for them, due to the difficult passages.
9. The circuit from Mount Jalla to Mount Rachais
- Distance: 9.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 640 m
- Time: 4 hrs
- Itinerary
This trail is reserved for the most experienced hikers, due to its steep gradient. To reward them, it offers spectacular views, particularly of Grenoble, the capital of the Alps. In fact, the trailhead is only a 15-minute drive from the center of Grenoble, making it the closest hike to the city on this top list. However, it doesn't shy away from cutting you off from the city, offering beautiful mountain scenery mixed with woodland walks. Most of the trail is shaded, making it ideal for hot summer days.
10. Tour of Mont Aiguille
- Distance: 17.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 1,130 m
- Time: 7 hrs
- Itinerary
The Tour du Mont Aiguille is a hike as mythical as it is difficult, as it extends over a long distance and includes a significant vertical drop, divided into three main climbs. However, you can choose to complete the tour in two days, sleeping in tents(bivouacs are permitted from sunset to sunrise). Whether you choose to hike for one or two days, be sure to bring plenty of food and water to last the length of this substantial route. The trail starts at Richardière, some 50 km from Grenoble.
11. Tour of the Bois des Vouillants
- Distance: 5 km
- Height difference: 180 m
- Duration : 1 h 30
- Itinerary
This easy hike is nonetheless one of the most beautiful walks around Grenoble, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the Vercors Regional Nature Park. Most of the route takes place in the woods, making it an ideal warm-weather outing. What's more, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful views over the city of Grenoble. The start of the trail is only 7 km from the center of Grenoble, at the entrance to the regional nature park. It's a breath of fresh air that will take your mind off the city. Another plus: this easy walk is child-friendly, and dogs are allowed.
Find out more about the most popular things to do in Grenoble:
