The 5 Most Amazing Peaks around Saint-Martin-D'Uriage

The region offers a variety of impressive peaks and passes. Among the most popular are Mount Rachais, known as Grenoble's local mountain, and the challenging Four Lords Pass, which is a favorite for cyclists and hikers. For higher altitudes, the Croix de Belledonne Summit offers grand views.

For breathtaking vistas, the Izon Cross (Croix de l'Izon) provides incredible views of the Vercors massif, the Grenoble metropolitan area, and the wider Alps. Mount Rachais also offers rewarding views over the city of Grenoble, especially during early morning or evening walks.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the ascent to the Croix de Belledonne Summit, reaching almost 3000 meters, involves long routes that allow you to discover several high-altitude lakes and experience the grandeur of the Alps. The Four Lords Pass also presents a demanding ascent, particularly for cyclists, with sections reaching a 10% average gradient.

The Belledonne mountain range, which dominates the area, is rich in natural beauty. You can discover impressive waterfalls like the Cascade de l'Oursière, and numerous stunning high-altitude lakes such as Lac Merlat, Claret, Longet, Bernard, Léama, and the three Robert Lakes at the foot of the La Croix de Chamrousse Summit.

The best time to visit largely depends on your activity. For hiking and cycling, late spring through early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most favorable weather conditions. During winter, some routes may be challenging due to snow and ice, though specific areas like Chamrousse are popular for winter sports.

While many routes offer varying difficulties, some areas provide more accessible options. For instance, even a short climb to the Izon Cross can reward you with beautiful landscapes without requiring extensive effort. Mount Rachais is also considered a local mountain, suitable for walks with rewarding views.

Beyond peak bagging, the region is excellent for various outdoor sports. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the challenging "La Pérérée – Col des Quatre Seigneurs loop from Revel," or more moderate options like the "Route de Venon loop from Saint-Martin-d'Uriage." There are also extensive running trails, including sections of the "Ut4M 20 Belledonne," and diverse MTB trails like the "Recoin Enduro Loop from Saint-Martin-d'Uriage." You can explore these activities further on the respective guide pages for Road Cycling, Running, and MTB Trails.

Visitors frequently highlight the stunning panoramic views, especially from spots like the Izon Cross and Mount Rachais. The sense of escape and connection with nature, even close to the city, is also highly appreciated. The challenging ascents and the discovery of high-altitude lakes and waterfalls within the Belledonne range are also major draws.

Absolutely. The Belledonne massif offers extensive hiking opportunities, including the GR®738, a long-distance trail covering 130 km with a significant elevation gain of 10,000 meters. This range is ideal for those seeking longer, more challenging hikes amidst wild and magnificent landscapes, featuring impressive waterfalls and high-altitude lakes.

Near some popular high-altitude points, you might find facilities. For example, the La Croix de Chamrousse Summit is a significant point in the Belledonne range where several cable cars and chairlifts converge, suggesting some amenities might be available due to its connection to the Chamrousse resort.

When approaching the Four Lords Pass from Gières, expect a climb of 8.5 km with an elevation gain of approximately 550 meters, averaging 7.3% gradient with sections up to 10%. The road can be quite rough in winter, so check conditions before you go. It's a great route to connect to other areas like Herbeys or the Belledonne balconies.