The Pays Voironnais extends over the foothills of the Chartreuse massif and has 8 municipalities that are part of the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park. A space with more pronounced relief for walks and hikes offering breathtaking views!
The Chartreuse Regional Nature Park
Located between the cities of Grenoble, Chambéry and Voiron, straddling the Isère and Savoy, the park covers 72 municipalities, including 8 located on the territory of the Pays Voironnais. The Chartreuse opens up to the future while preserving its natural spaces. Territory of plains, hills and medium mountains, the Chartreuse massif offers a multitude of outdoor activities. Caving, mountain biking, trail running, paragliding, hiking ...
But the Chartreuse is not only a natural park, it is also a famous liqueur, green or yellow, long made by the Carthusian fathers in the heart of the town of Voiron. A story that is still being written, centuries after its beginning…. So above all let yourself be carried away by your curiosity, here it will not be a bad flaw!
The essentials to visit
You will have understood it, with us the Chartreuse is as well associated with the mountains, as with the liqueur, or even with the Chartreux monks... Immerse yourself in history: from the liqueur to the Caves de la Chartreuse, to Voiron in the former manufacturing site that has become a museum space; of the monastic life of the Carthusian fathers at the Museum of the Grande Chartreuse in Saint Pierre de Chartreuse; of the history of the Carthusians and their involvement in local life at the Grange Dîmière in Le Pin.
Ideas for walks and hikes
Before hiking in the heart of the massif, take advantage of the foothills of Chartreuse for mountain hikes with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys! Although the relief is beginning to be more pronounced, the belvedere of Chalais is accessible to all. Check out the detailed itineraries, don't forget good practices to hike safely and don't hesitate to ask your questions to our stay advisors (by phone, chat or contact form) 😉
To broaden the ideas for walks and hikes, on foot, by bike or even on horseback, go to all our routes.
Other leisure ideas
Because it's not just history and hiking in the Chartreuse! We stay in the open air to let off steam at the Laser Park, climb Crossey, discover local products... broaden our horizons! And for even more activities go to our pagerecreational and sporting activities.
And if you are told "chalais biscuits"?
Many of you may not be familiar with the famous Chalais biscuits and their yellow metal box…. But for many children in the country this recognizable box among 1000 will certainly bring back childhood memories….
If you plan to go to the belvedere of Chalais, you cannot miss the magnificent monastery of the sisters so if by chance it is open go there!
Emmanuelle (Digital Animator of the Tourist Office and native of Charavines) gives you a piece of advice for your snack time: Chalais biscuits bring up the wonderful memory of snacks at my grandmother's, when the table was finally free of the famous Scrabble and we used to take our places around a nice cup of bergamot tea with a little cloud of milk and half a sugar to soak the cookies in...
The Saint-Dominique biscuit factory in Chalais
The biscuits are made by the Sisters at the Biscuiterie Saint-Dominique in Chalais, in the town of Voreppe, you can even buy them in their shop!
Saint-Dominique biscuit factory
Closed now
Biscuit factory Saint Dominique
4581 Chalais Road
38340
Voreppe
04 76 50
04 76 50
Calculate my routeThe Chartreuse Massif
Is a mountainous massif of the Pre-Alps constituting a natural region, in the department of Isère and Savoie. It peaks at 2 meters above sea level in Chamechaude. Other peaks, such as the Dent de Crolles, the Grand Som (pronounced "its"), the Mont Granier and the Grande Sure contribute to the fame of the massif.
During its history, the massif has been influenced by the presence of the Carthusian order (since the 11th century), and Saint-Bruno who founded the Grande Chartreuse monastery. Over time, they will contribute to shaping the landscape by developing a livestock economy, the beginnings of industry and traffic routes. Then in the 20th century, the opening of the massif through roads brought it economic growth.
In 1995, the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park was created, which will notably boost tourism and promote cultural heritage, while preserving the environment thanks to the management of the territory and the Hauts de Chartreuse national nature reserve, which preserves biodiversity.
Whether in winter or summer, the Chartreuse massif is a place of wonder and contemplation ideal for practicing numerous sports and leisure activities. For example Saint Pierre de Chartreuse or the Col de Porte for skiing in winter, the Nordic area of Entremonts, the Arcabas church and Museum in Saint Hugues en Chartreuse, without forgetting free flying, caving, hiking, by bike or on skis….
Where is the Chartreuse Massif?
Chartreuse is a massif located in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, in the south-east of France, mainly in the department of Isère and also that of Savoie. It is located approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Lyon and rises between Grenoble to the south, Chambéry to the north, Voiron to the west and Saint-Laurent-du-Pont to the northwest. It extends over an area of approximately 400 km2 with a length of 42 kilometers, making it the smallest massif in the Northern Pre-Alps.
What to do in the Chartreuse Massif?
A wide choice of activities and leisure activities, for everyone! The hike benefits from a marked and secure network to walk from the valleys to the summits, independently or accompanied. It is also a place renowned for its free flight sites, climbing and even caving. In winter, the Chartreuse massif offers spaces for alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski touring, freestyle skiing, snowshoeing, and even sledding.
What to visit in the Chartreuse Massif?
The massif is rich in sites, places and know-how to discover. Moreover, there is a whole network of artisans, farmers and cultural sites who invite you to their meetings with the 'Nuggets in Chartreuse, heritage and know-how'.
How to visit the Grande Chartreuse?
The Grande Chartreuse Monastery, founded in 1804 by Saint Bruno, is a place of prayer where monks live retired in solitude and silence. To learn about their history and their way of life, go to La Correrie, the Grande Chartreuse Museum, in Saint Pierre de Chartreuse.
Where to spend a few days in Chartreuse?
There is no shortage of accommodation in Chartreuse, between gîtes, guest rooms, hotels, campsites and unusual accommodation, you have the choice. Consult the list of accommodation Chartreuse & Pays Voironnais, on the western part of the massif. Or search among all accommodation in the massif.