The 9 most beautiful hikes to do on the Belledonne Chain

Are you attracted to the wild and preserved landscapes? Come and discover your new playground away from the crowd: the discreet and mysterious Belledonne massif.

De Grenoble to Chambéry , the Belledonne chain is more than 60 kilometers of snowy summits and a wild land suitable for hiking. A thermal destination, the massif is also assimilated to the well-being of the body and the spirit.

This high place intended for calm and contemplation, however, represents a barrier to human activity. It is indeed one of the only mountains not yet crossed by a road pass.

You will have understood it, only hikers and curists come to adventure on the massif in search of grandiose views in a privacy that is rarely found on the trails.

With natural treasures hidden all over the massif, we devour you 9 exceptional routes to discover the different facets of the Belledonne Chain.

1. Lake Crozet

Are you looking for a family hike with the most spectacular views? This trail will allow you to reach the Crozet altitude lake perched on the cliffside in a mineral landscape. The turquoise blue of the water directly overlooks the valley of the Grésivaudan.

From above, it is a magnificent view of the Chartreuse and the Pra Pass that awaits you. And if the hike is made on foot during the summer season, the place is suitable for hiking and snowshoeing in winter. Accessible to all, young and old will not miss such a beautiful show.

2. The Refuge Combe Madame et Cascade du Pissou

In the heart of the Massif de Belledonne, the trail will make you discover the Combe Madame refuge. Nestled at 1,784 metres above sea level, this solitary home, home to the largest adventurers in the mountain, is surrounded by summits. It must be said that the panorama alone is worth a visit!

By continuing the ascent, you can also see beautiful lakes as well as the famous Pissou waterfall: attention to the eyes is splendid! Easy and accessible to all, this superb walk is made on a totally shaded path, the ideal to escape the summer heat and quietly realize the ascent.

Count between 3 and 5 hours for this hike that represents a must for nature lovers!

3. Lake Crop

Let us now discover a great classic of Belledonne: the hike of Lake Crop. By taking you to a beautiful lake, this return trip will give you a magnificent view of the Chartreuse and the Ferrouillet. The arrival on the lake is amazing and the climb will give you access to various views of cascades.

To ease your ascension, much of the trail is done in the shade, which remains very appreciable during the summer months! From the Pont de Betta, this hike is a pleasant discovery to enjoy the beauty of the Belledonne chain.

4. La Boucle du Grand Chat

In the grandiose panoramas of the Belledonne Chain, the Grand Chat loop is not to be missed. This hike will offer you a superb 360° on the Chartreuse, Belledonne and the Bauges and Mont-Blanc .

The trail starts with a small forest road and then you progress on beautiful peaks. From here you can see an impressive, almost unreal landscape on the surrounding mountains. And impossible to lose you with this perfectly marked track, even if the hike may be slightly physical, it remains accessible to all.

5. La Boucle des Plagnes

Direction the alpages of Belledonne in order to access the Boucle des Plagnes. The trail will lead you in a first time to the Claran pass and its superb orientation table before reaching a ridge path lined with pastures.

From there, you can see a magnificent view of the region of the Bauges and the Chartreuse to Mont Blanc and Mont-Aiguille. Very well marked and easy to access, it is the ideal hike to discover the Belledonne Chain by the ridges.

6. Lake Belledonne

Visit Lac de Belledonne to discover a superb hike accompanied by a beautiful view of the entire massif. At the start of Coteyssard, the circuit makes you reach the lake on a wild and preserved path.

The finish is grandiose with a superb panorama of La Croix de Belledonne, the Seven Laux but also the massif of Grandes Rousses and the Rissiou. If the lake is known to be “small”, its size contrasts with the vastness of the surrounding walls.

And to add even more magic: take this trail in the spring to observe the lake around its surrounding clouds.

7. Crêt du Poulet

Between forests and meadows, find beautiful views in the heart of the Massif de Belledonne. The course will lead you to the middle of the mountain pastures in order to observe it under a new day and to appreciate its different facets.

The trail will allow you to discover the Crêt du Poulet before returning by the ridges with a 360° panorama on the Massif de la Grande Chartreuse on one side and La Vanoise the other.

Ideal for the whole family, it is a pleasant walk accessible to children and without difficulty. It is also possible to refresh yourself directly to the refuge that you cross the path. We like this hike to discover the beautiful Alps of the Belledonne Chain.

8. Le Circuit du Refuge de l’Oule and Chalet du Bout

If you want to make a day of discovery in the Belledonne massif, this superb loop will give you access to sublime landscapes on the region. The hike starts with a fairly sustained climb that will then offer a superb view of the Chartreuse and the Bauges.

The climb will have to continue a little before finally reaching the Oule refuge, an excellent step for alpine hikes. It is also the occasion of a gourmet and refreshing stop before leaving on the mountain. The landscape is then transformed, more mineral and less green: the high mountain is close.

Then on arrival, discover a magnificent show on the Bréda valley and Gleyzin. A wooded path will then be necessary to reach the Chalet du Bout and the end of the course. This beautiful loop will offer you a wide variety of landscapes allowing you to enjoy the most beautiful trails of Belledonne.

9. Lac Achard and La Croix de Chamrousse

Let's increase the level for this last hike. More sporty, it will make you cross the woods before reaching Lake Achard that is conducive to calm and contemplation. From this point of view, you will then reach pass in collar and more grandiose panoramas among each other.

Between Col de l’Infernet, Col de la Botte or Col des Trois Fontaines, you walk the 2,000 meters above sea level and cross the high mountain landscapes. After this journey you will finally reach the Robert Lakes and then the Chamrousse Cross.

If some passages like the breach seem technical enough, they are actually not fundamentally difficult. But above all, this exceptional panorama of high mountain is worth it!