7 walks and hikes Favourites

Green level – very easy / 2h30

Let yourself be carried away by reverie and follow in the footsteps of a solitary walker

Follow in the footsteps of a not-so-lonely walker… Jean-Jacques Rousseau himself! This bucolic walk will take you from park to viewpoint, along paths with names worthy of a novel (Le Rendez-vous, Rosemond, Parc de l’Étincelle). This walk is the perfect way to discover some unusual places, before arriving step by step at Madame de Warens’ home: Les Charmettes, a little green cocoon where the philosopher loved to recharge his batteries.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau stayed here between 1736 and 1742. In his Confessions, he wrote: “Here began the short happiness of my life”… and it’s easy to see why.

The little extra: On the way back, take the chemin de la Fontaine Saint Martin. Unbeatable views over the rooftops of the old town guaranteed.

Blue level – moderate / 3h30

Want to get a bit of height and take in the sights? This trail takes you through vineyards, chestnut trees and boxwood (make a wish while you’re at it!) to the famous stone cross at La Coche.

This time, your journey begins against a backdrop of undergrowth, vines and chestnut trees. A delight for budding adventurers who want to admire the view of the town below and the surrounding mountains. Then the imposing stone cross of La Coche rises up before you.

The “coche”, in Savoyard dialect, refers to a passageway. It links the villages of Barberaz, Saint-Baldoph and Montagnole… with a breathtaking view of Belledonne, Galoppaz and Mont Saint Michel (no, not the one in Normandy!).

Red level – difficult / 4h

If you’re a lover of alpine flowers and beautiful scenery, you’re more than welcome on this route, which takes you straight to the Col d’Orgeval (1740 m).

It separates the valleys of Bellevaux and Saint-Ruph and is a crossing point on the route to the summit of Arcalod.

In the heart of the Bauges, this hike requires legs, hiking poles and breath, but above all a capacity for wonder: the setting is simply exceptional.

Starting out from the village of Ecole (Nant Fourchu car park) and heading up to the Orgeval chalets at an altitude of 1,603 metres, you will find yourself in the heart of the National Game and Wildlife Reserve. Here, surrounded by alpine flowers (gentian, bois joli, pansy, orchis…), you may come across chamois and mouflons. Once you reach the Col, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Saint-Ruph valley, as far as La Tournette, Mont Charvin, Mont de la Coche and the peaks of Chaurionde and La Sambuy.

Red level – difficult / 5h

Have you always wanted to see pyramids? Now you can climb one: La Galoppaz, to the south of the Bauges, is instantly recognisable with its little pyramid-shaped summit!

At the top of this 9km loop, which is both challenging and suitable for the more experienced climber, you’ll be greeted not by pharaohs but by cows, giving you the chance to admire an extraordinary view over the Chambéry valley.

From the place known as “le Fournet”, start your journey by descending to the stream before climbing up to the Pointe de la Galoppaz.