Les Déserts walks

A circuit from Féclaz to the Nivolet Cross overlooking Chambéry.

Peri-urban circuit to quickly escape the city. Views of Chartreuse and Bauges.

A loop above lake Bourget for a late afternoon walk.
A walk amid historical sites and beautiful viewpoints.

A beautiful hike to be done with or without snowshoes.

The Mont Grêle lookout point and Archelle’s summit.
Mont Grêle is a peak that is visible from the valley of Chambéry and the Aiguebelette region.
It is easily spotted thanks to or because of the pylons that are installed at the top. Up close, these towers have still look great, but they do not alone justify the purpose of the tour, which is interesting because it offers views over Lake Aiguebelette and Chartreuse.

A lovely with snowshoes, with a beautiful view of the Alpine peaks at its height. Note that this hike can be done in all seasons.

An atypical route through bushes and over the lake.

Petit Som and Grand Som from Gîte à Rucher de la Ruchère.

The "Passage de l'Aulp du Seuil" ("Aulp du Seuil" passing): this hike is one of the most beautiful hikes of the Chartreuse massif.

A stone's throw from town and you're high in the mountains. But pay attention to the risks.

An out and return walk to Lac du Mont Charvin. Passing through woodland, then pasture before entering the higher and more rocky terrain. Great views Mont Blanc from the ridge above the lake.

Nice looped hiking trail mostly in the undergrowth where you can see pretty views like Val du Fier's canyon, the river Rhône downstream Seyssel or the lovely ruined Saint André's chapel overlooking Albanais' plains.

Short family-friendly walk with a magnificent view, manageable on foot or on snowshoes.

This circular walk will take you through the steep-sided wooded valley beneath the Aiguille de Manigod. It then brings you up into pastures before making the steep ascent to Sur le Freu and the more gentle ascent to the top of Orsiere via la Riondaz. The descent takes you back through pastures before heading back down through the forest to the start. Great views towards Manigod and the mountains behind Annecy, Mont Charvin.

A summit and vistas in a site dominated by pastures.

A very pleasant hike, described here snowshoe users, but also good for walks on sunny days.

In the heart of the Chartreuse mountains, the Col de Porte is a former family ski resort whose ski lifts are now closed. The paths are more or less well marked allowing you to enjoy the trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes. The proposed circuit climbs through forest, coming out on a crest and offers superb views over the entire Chartreuse mountain range.

A very beautiful hike on snowshoes which takes you through completely wild areas covered in pure white snow.

Snowshoe circuit on the vast Glières Plateau.
Besides the historical aspect, the Glières Plateau is interesting to visit because the mountains that surround it are strong points of reference.

A great pointy summit with a cross on top and good views followed by a descent of Borderan Combe. This could easily be done in reverse and/or without the use of the cable cars.

Short, easy route to discover the beautiful village of La Clusaz from different perspectives.
Follow the signs for the “Tour du Village".

Mount Rachais, from the hamlet of Frette, situated on its far northern side.

A short and easy walk around the informative trail about the formation of marshland and the different fauna and flora found there, followed by a visit to the monument erected to the resistance fighters who were based at the Plateau des Glieres in the latter part of WWII. The way back follows part of the historic trail and passes the place where equipment drops were housed and the site of the infirmary.

A short hike to enjoy this geological feature: a flaming fountain.

Easy access to Mont Rachais. View over Chartreuse, Belledonne, Grenoble and the Vercors.

A great walk for the family. You can choose between going to the lake and back or going right up to the top. The latter is easier than it looks and is actually less steep than the ascent to the lake.You will be rewarded with magnificent views.

A steep walk to a natural rock arch, the Trou de la Mouche (Fly Hole). The section up to the Trou is steep and loose in places, the initial descent is also steep but soon eases off. This route, although shown on IGN maps, is not marked with paint flashes. Signposts at the start of the route make this clear so make sure you have a map and compass.

The walk is best done in the direction described, and best done a clear, dry day.

A circular walk starting and finishing at the ski resort of Chinaillon; between Le Grand-Bornand and the Col de la Colombiere. A varied and interesting walk with great scenery, wildlife and options to take in Roc des Tours.

Easy walk on this “tooth” overlooking the Isère valley and offering an interesting view over the east foothills of Chartreuse.

A lovely walk through great scenery which changes at different points of the walks. Good views and very quiet.

Note this is not marked with the usual yellow signposts so you will need to refer to your IGN map. There are some hand-painted signs and arrows to help guide you. This walk also passes through the upland pasture with grazing sheep and the livestock is protected by dogs. Make sure you have read the information and know-how to pass flocks in a safe manner. A photo re info is attached,

A short uphill walk from the Col de la Colombiere to the lake and back. Nice scenery but can be popular.