This weekend, do you feel like getting away without leaving the region? Perfect timing; the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is full of magnificent trails to explore. On the program: majestic peaks, 360° panoramas, and authentic nature;
Whether you are more into long walks and sporting challenges, or simple strolls to admire the landscape, here are our five mountain hiking ideas that will truly amaze you. All are located within a maximum of 3 hours from La Trillonnière.
1. The Signal du Mont Conest in Isère, for a panoramic view of the Alps
Nestled between Grenoble and La Mure, this easy hike is a little-known gem. From the summit of the Signal du Mont Conest, at an altitude of 1,690 m, you will enjoy a magnificent panorama: Vercors, Belledonne, Taillefer and, on clear days, Mont Blanc in the background.
- Distance: 8.5 km loop
- Elevation gain: +450 m
- Duration: about 3 h
- Level: Easy to moderate
- Starting point: Hamlet of Majeuil, commune of La Motte-Saint-Martin
Our advice: set off early in the morning to admire the low light on the snow-covered massifs. Remember to bring your picnic or request a takeaway basket when making your reservation.
2. The Dent du Chat in Savoie: A balcony over Lake Bourget
This emblematic hike of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region offers a spectacular view of Lake Bourget, Aix-les-Bains, and the northern Alps. From the Dent du Chat (1,390 m), the landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. The trail climbs quickly, but believe us: the reward at the summit is worth the effort!
- Distance: 6.5 km round trip
- Elevation gain: +630 m
- Duration: 3 h to 3 h 30
- Level: Sportive
- Starting point: Parking at Col du Chat, La Chapelle-du-Mont-du-Chat
Not to be missed: the photo from the cross at the summit, with the blue of the lake below.
3. Mont Mézenc for a hike between Haute-Loire and Ardèche
Mont Mézenc, which rises to 1,753 m, marks the border between Haute-Loire and Ardèche. It offers a very accessible mountain hike with 360° views over the Cévennes, the Rhône Valley, the Alps, and even, on clear days, the Cantal mountains.
- Distance: 6 km round trip
- Elevation gain: +350 m
- Duration: 2 h to 2 h 30
- Level: Easy
- Starting point: Parking at the Croix de Peccata on the D274
Perfect for a first hike in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, with family or as a duo.
4. The Emparis Plateau facing La Meije in Isère
The Emparis Plateau, straddling the Oisans and the Grandes Rousses massif, has the most beautiful viewpoint over the Écrins in the region. Accessible from Besse-en-Oisans, it offers an exceptional view of the glaciers of La Meije and the Romanche Valley.
- Distance: 10 to 12 km depending on the route
- Elevation gain: +500 to 600 m
- Duration: 4 to 5 h
- Level: Moderate
- Starting point: Parking near the Favre chalet, Besse-en-Oisans
High mountain atmosphere guaranteed, without technical difficulty. Perfect for lovers of wide-open landscapes and nature photography.
5. Mont Clocher in Savoie: for a view of Mont Blanc, without the crowds!
Located in the Beaufortain, Mont Clocher is an easily accessible and little-frequented summit that offers a spectacular view of the Mont Blanc massif. From the summit, you can also admire the Girotte dam and the surrounding Alpine valleys.
- Distance: 7 km round trip
- Elevation gain: +500 m
- Duration: about 3 h
- Level: Moderate
- Starting point: Parking in Hauteluce, at the entrance of the village, opposite the cemetery
Ideal for those who want to hike in the mountains and enjoy Alpine beauty without straying too far from the beaten path. We recommend setting off in the off-season to avoid as much as possible the influx of hikers.
How to properly prepare for your mountain hike
So, you have made your choice among the many existing hikes, and you are ready to set off to conquer the summits? Before that, a few simple rules are essential to set out with peace of mind:
- Check the weather: it may seem obvious, but weather conditions change much faster at altitude. Unsuitable equipment can quickly become dangerous.
- Plan water, snacks, and sun protection. Indeed, it is common to drink several liters of water on a one-day hike, so do not skimp on quantity (2 L/person minimum). Likewise, do not skip sun protection; UV radiation increases by about 2% every 100 m of elevation gain!
- Equip yourself properly: take good shoes adapted to hiking, which will support your ankles well. Do not forget either to plan a rain jacket, as well as to download or print the GPX track of your hike, especially if the network is weak.
- Respect nature: do not stray from the marked trails, and take all your waste back with you.
- Anticipate the schedule: we recommend setting off early. This will allow you, on the one hand, to avoid afternoon storms, and on the other hand, not to be caught off guard by sunset if you are hiking in autumn or winter.
For more detailed advice, consult the guide of the French Hiking Federation: https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/
Why go hiking in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (and not elsewhere)?
With its 13 natural parks (including 2 national parks – Vanoise and Écrins – and 11 regional natural parks), its dormant volcanoes, its verdant alpine pastures, and its peaks rising to over 4,800 meters (Mont Blanc at the forefront), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is one of the leading mountain hiking destinations in France. The territory offers an exceptional density of marked trails, with more than 55,000 km of listed hiking paths, including many routes labeled GR® (long-distance hiking trails), GRP® (regional long-distance hiking trails), and PR® (walks and hikes).
In terms of accessibility, the region is crossed by major railway lines and has a well-developed road network, allowing quick access to the mountains from cities such as Lyon, Grenoble, or Clermont-Ferrand. The geographical diversity of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes also makes it possible to practice hiking all year round: summer hikes at altitude, autumn walks in the forests of Livradois-Forez, or winter snowshoeing in the Bauges or the Vercors. And for Lyon residents, traditional hikes in the Monts du Lyonnais.