Your first accommodation is in Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont (38), where you are expected in the late afternoon. On arrival, your host will give you your travel information pack.
AccommodationOvernight in Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont
The Chartreuse massif unfolds majestically, its proud, isolated peaks towering over dense, unspoilt forests. Among these giants, Charmant Som, Chamechaude, the Lances de Malissard and the Dent de Crolles rise like benevolent silhouettes, watching over the neighbouring villages, where history has left a deep imprint on the architecture and atmosphere.
After crossing the Col du Granier, with the mountain of the same name as your backdrop, you enter the heart of Chartreuse Regional Natural Park. The distinctive terrain of this massif in the Alpine foothills reveals a mosaic of landscapes: deep forests, crystal-clear streams, sheer cliffs, villages nestled on valley floors, and alpine pastures perched at impressive heights. Every trail leads to a new discovery: the magic of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, the splendour of the alpine pastures of Charmant Som, or the Entremonts Valley, which once marked the division between Savoy and France.
But beyond the panoramas typical of the Northern Alps, it is the atmosphere that makes an impression. In Chartreuse, everything seems designed to welcome travellers with simplicity and authenticity. With its historical, craft and cultural heritage, this massif enchants walkers eager to explore, in surroundings where comfort and nature come together harmoniously. From elegant hotels to welcoming guesthouses, every stage of your adventure is designed to offer both rest and a chance to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
Itinerary
Elevation profile
Hover or touch the profile to read the elevation. Keyboard: left and right arrows, Home and End. Escape clears the cursor.
Hover or touch the profile to read the elevation. Keyboard: left and right arrows, Home and End. Escape clears the cursor.
Hover or touch the profile to read the elevation. Keyboard: left and right arrows, Home and End. Escape clears the cursor.
Hover or touch the profile to read the elevation. Keyboard: left and right arrows, Home and End. Escape clears the cursor.
Hover or touch the profile to read the elevation. Keyboard: left and right arrows, Home and End. Escape clears the cursor.
Hover or touch the profile to read the elevation. Keyboard: left and right arrows, Home and End. Escape clears the cursor.
Hover or touch the profile to read the elevation. Keyboard: left and right arrows, Home and End. Escape clears the cursor.
Hover or touch the profile to read the elevation. Keyboard: left and right arrows, Home and End. Escape clears the cursor.
Hover or touch the profile to read the elevation. Keyboard: left and right arrows, Home and End. Escape clears the cursor.
Program
Your first day of walking offers a gentle warm-up as you explore the Cirque de Saint-Même. At the heart of this natural amphitheatre, the Guiers Vif springs from within the mountain. This river divides Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont into two villages, one in Isère and the other in Savoy. It marks the former border that separated France from Savoy more than 150 years ago.
Two routes are available.
1 / From the village of Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont, you set off towards the waterfalls. A circular route takes you up to the upper waterfalls to enjoy these unique surroundings. You return to the village along a path following the opposite bank of the stream. In Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont, visit the Regional Natural Park visitor centre, where you will find a relief map of the massif and a craft exhibition showcasing local creations. Entry is free, making this a stop not to be missed.
2 / Starting from the waterfalls in the Cirque de Saint-Même, set off on a hike through the villages of the valley, passing through the hamlet of Les Teppaz. There, you may meet Peterpan, the massif’s last woodturner, in his workshop filled with treasures made from locally gathered wood. The descent along the mule track takes you to the village of Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont, where you can visit the park visitor centre. Before returning to your accommodation in the Cirque de Saint-Même, take a detour to the bakery in Saint-Même-d’En-Haut to sample the local bread.
AccommodationOvernight in Saint Pierre d’Entremont
Distance12 km
InfoWalking time : 4h
D+Ascent : 500 m
D-Descent : 500 m
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Chartreuse massif and discover the history of the Carthusian monks, who have lived in this region for more than 900 years. The day begins at 9am, when you meet outside your accommodation or in the village school car park. The team arranges a minibus transfer to the village of La Ruchère. You have a choice of three routes to explore this iconic area.
1/ From La Ruchère, cross the pass of the same name before descending via the Habert de Billon, a former summer grazing site used by the monks. You will then reach the hills above the Grande Chartreuse Monastery and La Correrie, home to the museum dedicated to Carthusian history. After your visit, continue to Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse along the GR de Pays walking route to return to your accommodation.
2/ From La Ruchère, head towards the Col de Leschaux and climb to the summit of Petit Som. Once at the top, enjoy an impressive panorama with views down over the Grande Chartreuse Monastery. Descend along the chapel circuit, which marks the site where the monks first settled in 1084. Finish with a visit to the museum at La Correrie before continuing to Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse.
3/ Starting from La Ruchère, this route begins with the Col de la Ruchère, which marks the entrance to the Carthusians' zone of silence. Continue through the Grande Forêt de Chartreuse, where you will discover the chapels of Notre-Dame de Casalibus before arriving at the Grande Chartreuse Monastery. After visiting the museum, make your way back at a leisurely pace to Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. This is the easiest of the three routes, ideal for a gentle walk.
Overnight in St Pierre de Chartreuse
AccommodationOvernight in St Pierre de Chartreuse
Option A15h+600m-750m
Option B24h30+800m-950m
Option C34h30+550m-750m
Your hike first takes you through the charming village of St Pierre de Chartreuse, followed by a visit to St Hugues Church. This artistic space, dedicated to contemporary sacred art, is truly unique, as it was entirely designed and created by a single artist.
The route then leads you through the vast forest, passing the chalets of L’Emeindras at the foot of Chamechaude. You will finally reach the Col de Porte, where your host will give you a warm welcome.
Please note that the museum of contemporary sacred art is closed on Tuesdays.
AccommodationOvernight at Col de Porte (or Sappey en Chartreuse, depending on availability)
Distance13 km
InfoWalking time: 5h00
D+Ascent: 650 m
D-Descent: 100 m
Explore the southern slopes of the Chartreuse massif with several walking options, including an ascent of its highest point: Pointe de Chamechaude.
1/ Set off directly from your accommodation to climb the massif’s highest summit. This demanding but accessible route rewards you with a 360° view of the Grandes Alpes, the Vercors, Mont Blanc and even the Jura. Part of the walk follows an out-and-back route, but the spectacular views from the summit make the effort worthwhile.
11km, approximately 5h of walking, +800, - 800m
2/ The Montfromage ridges. Starting from your accommodation, head into the Grande Chartreuse forest, renowned for its remarkable trees and its “Forêt d’exception” (Exceptional Forest) designation. Along the way, you will reach the ridge and enjoy superb views of the surrounding valleys. Continuing along the route, you will arrive at the Orgeval oratory before descending gently towards the Col de Porte, alternating between forest paths and old roads.
AccommodationOvernight at Col de Porte (or Sappey en Chartreuse, depending on availability)
Option A15h+800m-800m
Option B24h+600m-600m
Return to Saint Pierre de Chartreuse from the Col de Porte along a remote path, crossing the rock slabs of Charmant Som before reaching the village.
AccommodationOvernight in Saint Pierre de Chartreuse
Distance16 km
InfoWalking time: 6 h
D+Ascent: 650 m
D-Descent: 1090 m
This final stage takes you back to your starting point via the lovely Col du Cucheron.
You will then descend gently towards the village of Saint Pierre d’Entremont. Your luggage will be available in the village, either at the Tourist Office or at your first accommodation.
The trip ends in the late afternoon, at around 17:00.
Distance14 km
InfoWalking time: 5h00
D+Ascent: 600 m
D-Descent: 800 m
We may sometimes need to change the itinerary shown, either for logistical reasons (accommodation being fully booked, changes in terrain conditions, rockfalls, damaged paths, etc.) or because of the weather. These changes are always made in your best interests, for your safety and greater comfort!
Dates, prices and booking
Participants
Price per person
Book No 2027 departure is currently bookable. Prices and availability for this season have not been confirmed. Please contact Grand Angle for current availability and a confirmed quote before arranging travel.
Price includes
- accommodation in a room for two
- full board (half board + picnic lunch)
- the travel pack
- the transfer on Day 3
- tourist taxes
Price excludes
- drinks
- transfers not included in the itinerary
- site visits and expenses not included in the itinerary
- insurance
- booking fees
- anything not listed under “Prices include”
Your travel advisors
Emilie Barrand
Travel Advisor
Write
Estelle Torterotot
Travel Advisor
Write
Technical and practical information
For experienced walkers, 5 to 6 hours of actual walking per day, with no technical difficulties.
Ascent: +500 to +800m per day.
Between 13 and 17km per day
You must be able to follow a route using a map, written route notes and the terrain around you. All routes are waymarked.
No luggage to carry: you only carry a small backpack with your picnic lunch and everything you need for the day. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your accommodation each evening. 1 bag per person, weighing 10 kg.
We arrange a transfer on Day 3 at exactly 9. All other journeys are made on foot.
From 2 people.
7 days, 6 nights, 6 days of walking.
From early May to late October. High season: July / August.
Departures every day of the week.
A self-guided tour without a guide; you will receive a comprehensive travel pack, including written route notes with maps and a GPS navigation app.
Your travel pack will be waiting for you at your first accommodation. We send you your arrival instructions and accommodation list before departure.
1 travel pack per booking.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable hotels and guesthouses, in rooms for 2 people with en-suite showers and toilets. Single rooms are available subject to availability and a supplement.
Days 1 and 2: In Saint Pierre d’Entremont, in a hotel** or a comfortable lodge.
Day 3: In Saint Pierre de Chartreuse, in a hotel**.
Days 4 and 5: At Col de Porte, in a comfortable hotel or lodge.
Day 6: In Saint Pierre de Chartreuse, in a hotel**.
Check-in at your accommodation is between 17:00 and 19:00
Hotel classification
In France, more and more hotels and guesthouses are choosing not to have an official rating, including establishments that were still rated just one or two years ago. This does not mean their quality has declined—far from it. Many guesthouses offer charming rooms. If, for example, we indicate a comfort level of “3* or equivalent”, this means that the establishment does not necessarily have an official rating, but offers comfort comparable to that of a 3* hotel.
Meals
Dinner and breakfast are prepared by our hosts. The meals served are balanced and varied. The food is plentiful and traditional, and suited to the walkers' itinerary.
Picnic lunches are included in the package.
Please let us know about any food allergies or special dietary requirements when booking; we will do our best to adapt your meals.
Start
On Day 1 in the afternoon in Saint Pierre d’Entremont.
Finish
On Day 7 in the afternoon after your walk, in Saint Pierre d’Entremont at around 17:00.
By air
Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport
Regular services to Chambéry: Altibus
Train from Lyon Saint Exupéry station to Chambéry: approximately 2 hours, with a change in Grenoble.
You can check timetables and fares at https://www.sncf-connect.com/
By train
Chambéry TGV station.
Then take a bus from Chambéry bus station to St Pierre d’Entremont (approximately 1 hour).
Check the provisional timetable at https://www.cars-region-savoie.fr/ for route S04.
For a taxi transfer, contact Taxis TARDY on 06.60.36.05.59
By car
You can plan your route on Via Michelin
Parking your car
You can park your vehicle without any difficulty in one of the village car parks, except the Tourist Office car park (market on Saturdays).
A number of our trips offer opportunities to swim, either during a day’s walk or at the end of the day. It would be a shame to miss out. However, we stress that you alone must decide whether it is appropriate to swim; any swimming is therefore undertaken under your own responsibility and at your own risk.
Member of Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable (ATR)
Since 2012, Grand Angle has been a member of ATR, the leading association for more responsible tourism. We design our trips—on foot, by bike and on snow—to invite everyone to discover the world differently: with curiosity, respect and kindness.
As members of the board of directors since 2018, we actively help the sector develop more meaningful practices. In practical terms, we work to ensure:
- Transparency in our practices and pricing
- Respect for our partners and local communities
- Protection of the environment on every trip
We also share the values of the Traveller’s Ethical Charter, which encourages everyone to take simple steps to protect the places they visit and foster rewarding encounters.
Travelife Partner
Since 2025, Grand Angle has held Travelife Partner status, an international label that certifies our responsible practices in environmental protection, ethics and sustainable management, both within our company and in our work with partners and the organisation of our trips.
This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification scheme, recognises our practical actions to support responsible tourism. We are actively working towards the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy
In this section, you will find links to products from our partner Alpinstore, a French online retailer specialising in outdoor equipment, based in Annecy.
To carry your belongings
- A comfortable 30 to 50 L backpack with a hip belt to carry your personal belongings and picnic lunch during the day
- A bag for luggage transfers: a backpack, a travel bag in good condition or a suitcase that is not too bulky. One bag per person, weighing no more than 15 kg
Read our magazine article on how to pack your hiking backpack.
For hiking
- Hiking boots with ankle support, a good treaded sole, a supportive heel counter and good waterproofing
- Comfortable hiking socks (at least 3 pairs)
- A fleece
- Comfortable walking trousers (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Comfortable technical shorts for
- Technical T-shirts or base layers (quick-drying fabric) for
- A long-sleeved shirt
- Walking poles (telescopic), very important for making walking easier. Discover all the benefits of hiking poles in our dedicated article or how to choose your hiking poles
Note: synthetic technical clothing performs very well. New merino wool clothing is also available; it performs very well, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of resisting sweat odours! As a general rule, avoid cotton, which makes you cold when wet.
For your picnic lunch
- Your eating kit: a plastic bowl, container or plate, and cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)
- 1 or 2 water bottles (a total capacity of at least 1,5 L) – essential –; an insulated bottle for winter
For protection from sun and rain
- Sunscreen (high protection)
- Sunglasses
- A hat, cap or bucket hat
- A rain poncho or a waterproof jacket, such as a softshell or Gore-Tex jacket, and optionally waterproof trousers
After your walk
- A pair of running-style trainers for the evening
- A change of clothes and underwear
- Toiletry bag and a small towel
- Swimwear and a towel for the wellness facilities
- A small first-aid kit: personal medication, surgical masks, hand sanitiser, plasters, sterile dressings and a bandage, gauze, disinfectant, arnica pellets and aspirin, etc. (Please note: this list is not exhaustive and should be adapted to your own medical needs.)
Find these tips in our article #“What to take on a hike”.
Country: France
Capital: Paris
Documents
Travellers, including minors, must carry a national identity card or passport (EU nationals).
Health
Bring your Carte Vitale health insurance card and enough of your usual medication for the duration of your stay.
St Pierre d’Entremont Tourist Office: Maison Intercommunale, 73670 ST PIERRE D’ENTREMONT, Tel: 0479658190.
Le Sappey en Chartreuse Tourist Office: Le Bourg, 38700 LE SAPPEY EN CHARTREUSE, Tel: 0476888405.
Dialling code for calling France from abroad: +33.
No time difference: GMT +1.
GALLIMARD guide to Chartreuse
The Guide to Chartreuse, Jean Billet, Éditions de la Manufacture.
La Grande Chartreuse by a Carthusian monk, edition 14, printed by SADAG in Bellegarde (01).
“Wandering through Savoie”, Volume 2, Jean-Marie JEUDY, Éditions Glénat
“Chartreuse in Small Steps”, Bruno Carcassonne, Éditions Le Génie des Glaciers
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 5, “Chartreuse: Powerful Nature”, p. 26
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 12, “1903: The Carthusian Monks Are Expelled”.
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 40, “The Parks of the Alps”, p. 62
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 64, “Chartreuse: A Mountain Vatican”, p. 42.
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 67, “Le Granier: Like a Disaster Film”, p. 22.
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 70, “The Monastery of La Grande Chartreuse”, p. 68.
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 82, “Chartreuse Natural Park: A Taste of the Alps”, p. 84.
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 83, “Chambéry: The Understated Ducal City”, p. 72.
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 107, Chartreuse special issue.
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 134, “Alpine Monasteries: People and Places”, p. 28.
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 152, “Chartreuse: The Vertical Elixir”, p. 58.
ALPES MAGAZINE No. 157, “Chartreuse: Mountains in Their Natural State”, p. 16.
Film: “Into Great Silence” by Philip GRÖNING.
Video: “Chartreuse: A Land of Charm and Mystery”, Jean-Claude GARNIER
- Map at a scale of 1 / 50000, published by Didier Richard: “Chartreuse-Belledonne-Maurienne”
- IGN Top25 map 3334 OT Southern Chartreuse Massif
- Top253333 OT map Northern Chartreuse Massif
Reviews
4,5 · 2 reviews
Vincent 11/6/26
— A really beautiful route with different options that let you tailor it to your fitness level or the weather. It’s a shame that the transfer on Day 3 is so early when you choose Option B or C—we waited over an hour, freezing and with no shelter, for La Correrie to open so we could tour it!
—
— Reply from the team
Pascale 12/27/25
— Overall, we're satisfied. One downside: the app
Hello, Pascale. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re delighted that you enjoyed your experience. Regarding the app, please feel free to share more details about your experience and any suggestions you may have—this will help us better identify areas for improvement. We look forward to accompanying you on your next adventures!
— Reply from Lorène (GrandAngle.Travel)
—
— Reply from the team
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