Loop
à Charavines

Le tour du lac de Paladru

Discover the many facets of Lake Paladru, through this complete tour which winds between villages, wooded hills and open meadows.
Although the route takes place mainly above the lake, the dives towards its banks with turquoise waters will be all the more enjoyable. This hike, along paths and small roads, does not present any major difficulty apart from the number of kilometers to be covered.

Choose your starting point, the tour of the lake can be done from 4 villages: Charavines, Bilieu, Le Pin or Paladru.

This large “Blue Lake,” exceptional for the beauty of its surroundings and its crystal-clear waters, was carved by the powerful Rhône glacier during the Ice Age. Located at an altitude of 500 meters, nestled among wooded and agricultural hills, it is the fifth largest natural lake in France. Its shores were home to one of the first human communities in the Isère region, dating back to 2700 BC (the Neolithic village of Les Baigneurs). Several sites are classified as “protected natural areas.”
Favorites / Essentials

Discover 5000 years of submerged history at the Archaeological Museum of Lake Paladru: fascinating underwater excavations and perfectly preserved treasures await you!

Sustainable tourism

Mother Nature thanks you for taking your rubbish home with you, she doesn't digest it well!
Respect crops and private property by staying on marked trails.

Expert's word

Adeline, travel advisor: Fancy a hike around Lake Paladru? Discover its many facets at the pace of the highest points (max 700m altitude) and verdant hills you'll cross (of course, it's more "bare" in winter)... Sometimes a magnificent panorama, sometimes a glimpse you'll have to seize, the lake is ever-present! So, it's true, you won't be strolling along the lake's edge, but it's thanks to this elevation and distance that you'll be able to best admire this gem of a "Blue Lake"! This walk along paths and small roads presents no major difficulties apart from the number of kilometers to cover. Whether you're an experienced hiker or simply comfortable with walking, don't hesitate any longer, come and spend a day exploring this beautiful route.

Step-by-step guide

Circuit stages with the names of the signposts to follow
Starting from Charavines:
– Tourist Office, Charavines
– Pagetière
– The Ferns
– The Gallows
– The Pine
– The Allen
– The Brandoux
– The Mountain
– The Calatrin
– Bas Paladru
– Paladru
– The Marsh Path
– Le Verney
– Bilieu
– Petit Essard
– Grand Bois
– Revatiere
– Louisas
– The Valves
– Tourist Office, Charavines

Alert

2 road crossings: at the Fougères post and shortly after the Marais path

Highlights along the route

FAQ

Are there toilets along the route?

Yes, there are public toilets along the route.

Public toiletsParkingFree parkingPedestrian sportsHiking route
DifficultyQuite DifficultDuration05:30pmElevation490 D +Distance18,5 kmMax Altitude721 m
To download
Pebbles, Earth, Hard coating (tar, cement, floor)
Yellow paint markup and directional posts at the main intersections (if there is no markup, stay on the main road).

Was this content useful to you?