Chartreuse, Combe de Savoie
A Regional Park and a surprising wine route
Forests, plateaux covered by alpine meadows, modest summits and deep valleys that hold the secret of the Cathusian monks and their great monastry... On the other side, vineyards on the hills facing the white mountains
The lush pastures that form the heart of the Chartreuse Mountains and Regional Park provide a striking contrast to the seemingly impenetrable bastion of white limestone that surrounds the massif. Access to these high meadows is barred by dense forests, steep cliffs and deep gorges - spectacular scenery that also hides the Grande Chartreuse Monastery, home to this ancient order of monks.
The Combe de Savoie is between the cities of Chambéry, the historic capital of the State of Savoie and Albertville, the Olympic City. The area is caracterised by little villages, castles and the vineyards.
Historical tour of Le Chateau
District: Saint Pierre d'Entremont
Region: Chartreuse
Road access and parking: Saint Pierre d'Entremont tourist office.
From Chambéry, follow the D1006 to the town of Cognin. Continue in the direction of the Tunnel des Echelles, then road signs will give you the direction to St Pierre d'Entremont. Park at the tourist office car park.
Total time, not including rest stops: 2hrs30min
Start height: 649m
Highest point: 948m
Height difference: 300m
Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): round trip
Best season: from spring to autumn
Description:
From the Tourist Office head towards the Col du Granier. Go past the Post Office and, opposite the church, turn left to cross the River Cozon. Turn left to follow the road that runs alongside the Cozon, and then the Guiers Vif, to the end of the tarmac. Leave the road before it starts to go uphill and follow the track on your left (yellow/red way-marked: GRP Tour de Chartreuse) that descends towards the hydroelectric power station. When level with the power station, cross the footbridge over the Guiers Vif and go past the disused forge. The path goes across the Pas du Frou road and goes up to the hamlet of Le Chateau. In the hamlet, before you get to the road, turn left onto the ramp that goes up to the chateau entrance. Go back to the hamlet of Le Chateau and follow the road towards St Pierre de Chartreuse for 800m. After some houses on a bend, turn left onto a wide track that goes back to St Pierre.
Round trip of the Pont des Dames
District: Saint Jean de la Porte
Region: Combe de Savoie
Road access and parking: Saint Jean de la Porte. car park of the Town Hall.
Saint Jean de la Porte is located between Chambéry and Albertville after Montmélian on the RD201.
Total time, not including rest stops: 3hrs30min
Start height: 298m
Highest point: 639m
Height difference: 341m
Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): round trip
Best season: all year long
Description:
From opposite the town hall (Mairie), take the road that goes to the top of the village. At the first junction, fo straight on until you get to the last houses. When you are level with the cross, turn right and cross the Combefolle stream. Continue along the road and then along dirt tracks between the vines, until you get to the hamlet of Les Grangettes. The path follows an old mule track, flanked by dry-stone walls, towards the forest. At the edge of the forest, contour around the hillside to reach the "Pont des Dames". Cross the bridge and continue the clilmb to the hamlet of Combefolle: the high point of the hike. The view of the Combe de Savoie and the Belledonne Massif are superb. Follow the itinerary back to the start point.
