L’alpage de la Grande Sure
At the beginning of the Alps was the Jusson mountain pasture… located below the Grande Sure (1 m), it is one of the very first mountain pastures in the massif, visible from afar when coming from Lyon!
The route is typical of the massif: vast forests, steep paths, and rocky escarpments requiring a certain amount of vigilance. Arriving at the meadow will be a wonderful reward for enjoying the serenity of the place.
The safe route described in this guide, via the Grapillons Pass, offers an alternative to the Pas de la Miséricorde Pass, access to which is prohibited by municipal decree. Indeed, a geotechnical study carried out in 2010 revealed significant unstable rock masses presenting a very high risk of collapse. A recent rockfall in September 2025 served as a stark reminder of the danger of this passage.
We love the mythical forest of the Grande Chartreuse! A mysterious atmosphere, rich biodiversity, with rare species like the Lady's Slipper Orchid or the Chartreux Vulnerary, and its abundant alpine fauna, not to mention the Bois de Chartreuse AOC, the first AOC for wood in France, which promotes an entire local wood construction sector!