The most beautiful secret spots in the Belledonne massif

Elegant and imposing, the Belledonne massif stretches out in a long mountain range to the east of Grenoble, between Isère and Savoie. Its sharp ridges, sparkling glacial lakes and deep forests make it a territory of raw beauty, still preserved from the tourist frenzy. Belledonne is a true sanctuary for mountain lovers, where you can walk for hours without meeting a living soul, lulled by the song of the waterfalls and the murmur of the wind.

Rich in exceptional biodiversity, the massif is home to fauna and flora typical of the Alps, evolving in an environment that has remained authentic. But Belledonne is also a living mountain, where pastoral traditions continue, particularly through the mountain pastures and the production of tasty cheeses. In winter, its snowy slopes attract skiing and Nordic hiking enthusiasts, while in summer, its steep trails reveal breathtaking panoramas.

For dreamers and adventurers alike, Belledonne offers a unique immersion in a grandiose nature, between soothing solitude and alpine splendor. A discreet gem to discover for those in search of authenticity and rejuvenation.

The Belledonne massif, an imposing presence at the entrance to the Alps

Imagine you are in Grenoble one evening. Look around you. At the turn of a street, a snow-capped peak appears, then another, then a whole mountain range…

This mountain range, all white until the first days of summer, blocks your view, also from the outskirts of Chambéry, by exposing the north face of the mountains that compose it. Majestic, it can be admired from the banks of the Bourget Lake .

Whether you are in Grenoble or Chambéry, the Belledonne massif is before your eyes. These mountains, which in winter are all white and resplendent in the sun, and which in summer still bear the marks of the previous winter by snowfields that cling to the least exposed cracks, call mountain lovers in all seasons to climb their slopes and discover one of the last wild mountain spaces in the French Alps. Skiing and hiking in the Belledonne massif is obvious!

The Belledonne massif is very popular with locals who come there during the day to ski or hike (sometimes on a one or two day trek) but a little less so with tourists who prefer to go further inland. Oisansor the Savoyard valleys of the Tarentaiseor MauritianFor the latter, these foothills are often only a high barrier announcing the magnificent massifs that they will discover further in the heart of the Alps.

And yet, they would have every interest in making the Belledonne massif the final destination of their stay for skiing or hiking.

Skiing in the Belledonne massif for all levels!

Even though there are no major ski areas nestled in its valleys or on its plateaus, skiing in the Belledonne massif is possible in the resorts of Chamrousse, the Sept Laux area and the Collet d'Allevard. In these resorts located at high altitudes, above 1600 meters, allow you to indulge in the joys of seasonal sports and skiing in winter. The highlight: the landscapes! Very often in winter, the slopes are bathed in sunshine and overlook the Grésivaudan valley hidden under a sea of clouds. At sunset, it becomes magical. You simply have the impression of flying above the clouds. The Sept Laux ski resort is the one that allows you to ski on the largest number of slopes. You can ski in the Belledonne massif on both sides and follow the course of the sun in the distance, beyond the Chartreuseand Vercors.

For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, the high-altitude trails of Chamrousse take you to landscapes of the Far North.

Hiking in the Belledonne massif: a paradise

For hiking and cycling enthusiasts, the balconies of Belledonne line up many sunny villages facing the Chartreuse massif. Higher up, the mountain becomes harsher, rockier, more authentic, and it awaits seasoned hikers who dream of spending a night bivouacking on the edge of one of the seven lakes at over 2000 m altitude, which gave their name to the Sept Laux ski area. The trails often start from the high valleys aroundAllevard, an important thermal center in the region and go up towards Oisans. But you can also find good hiking trails in the Belledonne massif starting from Chamrousse and the villages making up the Sept Laux resort.

Around Allevard

The renowned thermal spa of Allevard is not its only asset. The hikes from Allevard and its surroundings are simply breathtaking: the upper Breda valley is home to a pretty little lake just before the climb to Pleynet, one of the resorts in the Sept Laux area. From Pinsot and Gleyzin, in a side valley you can go up to the Oule refuge at the foot of the highest peaks in the northern part of the massif. Finally, from Les Plagnes, at the top of the Collet d'Allevard resort, you can go hiking to conquer several peaks of the Belledonne massif, with Mont Blanc on one side, the Cluse de Chambéry, the Chartreuse and the Vercors on the other. Simply magical.

During the four seasons, all mountain activities are possible such as skiing and hiking in the Belledonne massif.

Close to the towns, well covered in snow in winter, this massif allows you to walk and experience a mountain rich in clear landscapes.

The people of Grenoble and Chambéry know it well… They have kept the secret. It’s up to you to discover it!

There’s more to the Belledonne massif than just skiing and hiking

Discover panorama on the Bauges, the Chartreuse and the Chambéry gorge from the Collet d'Allevard.
Discover panorama of Grenoble and its mountains from Chamrousse, especially at night when the town shines at the bottom of the valley.
le White Coal Museum in Villard Bonnot, to understand the importance of hydroelectricity.
Le iron work at the Pinsot forges, near Allevard, where you can follow the Iron Trail in thirteen stages.
The walnut oil mills and flour in Pinsot, near Allevard.
A wellness session (or several) at thermal spa in Allevard les Bains or in Uriage les Bains
Chaining the passes of the Balconies of Belledonne by bike for lovers of the little queen.
A day at Grenoble or to Chambéry, for a cultural break.

The best webcams in the Belledonne massif to prepare your skiing and hiking trip.

(click on the name of the village)

The Seven Laux : Very beautiful view from the top of the ski area on the Grésivaudan between Chambéry and Grenoble, the Belledonne range and the Chartreuse.
Chamrousse: view of the station
Chamrousse: the Arselle plateau.
Chamrousse: the view of Grenoble, the Vercors and the Chartreuse
Massif of Belledonne: the Belledonne massif seen from the Chartreuse, opposite. We can see the slopes of the Sept Laux resort.