Hiking in Grenoble: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Grenoble is widely considered to be the capital of the French Alps. France’s sixteenth largest city is surrounded by mountains, making it an incredible hiking destination. The Chartreuse mountains are situated to the north, while the Vercors are located to the south and west. The Belledonne range sits to the east.

Very few human settlements are located in these mountains, which means the nature and views are largely unspoiled wherever you end up going.

Among the most popular spots around Grenoble is Oeuilly mountain, which is ideally suited for children and boasts panoramic views of Grenoble and all of its surrounding mountains.

Vercors Regional Natural Park and the Belladonna range are also very popular, but better suited to those looking for a challenge along with some solitude in nature as well as great views. A bit farther afield, the Oissans offer spectacular scenery and unparalleled good views of La Meije.

Stunning scenery

There is plenty of natural beauty all around Grenoble to enjoy. From isolated evergreen trees at the summit of Vercors to alpine lakes and rugged rocky valleys on Oeuilly, there’s a lot to see as you hike. The views out over France’s green valleys and blue-hued mountains from the top of these peaks are also simply stunning.

Something for everyone

From easy half-day hikes up local peaks to three-day treks through more remote ranges, there is a little bit of everything for all types of hikers to take advantage of. Enjoy a fun and scenic day out on a family-friendly hike. Or escape the modern world in the French backcountry for awhile, immersing yourself in the area’s natural beauty.

Excellent exercise

It’s not hard to indulge yourself in excellent wine and delicious foods when you head to the southern France. Breaking up your wine tasting and restaurant samplings with some hikes is a great way to burn through some of those calories while having an equally enjoyable holiday experience.

During the hiking season, Grenoble enjoys average daily temperatures ranging from 18 ºC to 28 ºC. These temperatures dip a bit, the higher up you are in elevation. In terms of rain, the summer and autumn are the wettest months of the year, with August being the wettest month.

The easiest way to get to Grenoble is generally flying into the international airport in Lyon (LYS). From here, you can rent a car, take a bus or train to Grenoble, which is about 110 kilometers southeast.

French

+33

Euro

May to September