Alpes Isère

Scenic viewpoints

For breathtaking views of mountains, plateaus and valleys, look no further than this selection of the best scenic viewpoints in Isère. Well known to locals and envied by our neighbours, these spots promise impressive views over the entire department of Isère and beyond!

Pic Blanc, Alpe d'Huez (3,330 m altitude)

 

High on the Grandes Rousses massif, the Pic Blanc offers an exceptional panorama over one-fifth of the whole of France: Mont Blanc, the Grandes Jorasses, the Matterhorn, the Gran Paradiso, the Vanoise glaciers, the summits of Maurienne, La Meije, the Barre des Écrins and the Mont-de-Lans glacier... a sea of mountains as far as the eye can see.

Even the sun shines 300 days a year.

During the winter, its two legendary pistes (the Sarenne and the Tunnel) make it a skier's paradise, and the cable car that runs to its summit has played a large part in its fame.

www.oisans.com

 

Ecrins Lookout, Les 2 Alpes (3,400 m altitude)

This panoramic footbridge is mounted on the summit of the Soreiller glacier.

Seven metres long, it overlooks the Selle valley at an altitude of 1,500 m, and provides a breathtaking view of the finest surrounding peaks.

In winter, you can ski to this viewpoint from the top of the Puy Salié ski lift, or walk to it all year round from the funicular.

www.les2alpes.com

 

Chamrousse (2,250 m altitude)

 

This is THE historic resort and home of the 1968 Grenoble Winter Olympics, made famous thanks notably to French alpine ski racer and three-time gold medallist Jean-Claude Killy.

Lying at the edge of the Belledonne massif, Chamrousse has one of the most stunning views of the Vercors, the Chartreuse, the Trièves and the iconic Mont Aiguille, as well as the Isère valley. The highest point, Croix de Chamrousse, lies at an altitude of 2,250 m.

www.chamrousse.com

 

Vertige des Cimes, Lans-en-Vercors (1,715 m altitude)

The 2.1-metre long steel walkway projects from the cliff with a sheer drop of 300 m. The sensation of “stepping into the void" is incredible.

From here, a remarkable 360° view unfolds towards the Chartreuse to Mont Blanc, taking in the city of Grenoble below, and across to the Belledonne, Oisans and Taillefer massifs.

In winter, access the walkway on skis from the top of the Combe des Virets ski lift. In summer, hike the 295 m up from the Montagnes de Lans car park at La Sierre. Follow the GR91 on your left, direction "le Moucherotte" and follow the signs "Vertige des Cimes". The round trip is approximately 6.2 km (3.85 mi) and will take about 2.5 hours.

And at the top, for a unique selfie, activate the WiFi on your smartphone, laptop or tablet, choose the SpotPhoto network and a countdown begins before a photo is taken of you on the footbridge.

www.lansenvercors.com

 

Fort St Eynard, Le Sappey-en-Chartreuse (1,358 m altitude)

Perched on top of a limestone cliff that dominates the wide Grésivaudan glacial valley, Fort St Eynard was constructed between 1872 and 1880 to protect Grenoble in the event of an enemy advance through the Chartreuse mountains.

The fort is built into the cliff at 1,358 metres above sea level and offers a magnificent panoramic view of Grenoble, the Vercors and Belledonne mountains, the meandering river Isère, and Mont Blanc. Looming in the distance is Mont Aiguille, which you can admire from the terrace over a drink or with a meal. Tip: come in the evening, the view is incredible!

Saint-Eynard is accessible on foot (hike from Grenoble or Le Sappey en-Chartreuse), by bike or by car via a little road that leads directly to the fort. A trail running along the cliffs allows you to visit the various buildings that make up the fort. 

www.fortsteynard.com

 

Charmant Som, Chartreuse (1,867 m altitude)

From the exceptional lookout point of the Charmant Som, you can see the Grande Chartreuse Monastery and the Correrie (a group of buildings that house lay brothers) below it, and admire the 360-degree view of the Chartreuse, Vercors, Belledonne, Jura, and Mont Blanc mountain ranges.

One of three peaks that tower over St Pierre de Chartreuse, Charmant Som is the more easily accessible peak in the Chartreuse, and one of the few summits in the Chartreuse mountains that has a rounded mountain top with alpine meadows.

From the Col de Porte, take the little tarmac road that leads to the car park at the Auberge du Charmant Som, a mountain inn serving typical Alpine food. Cross the meadows, which takes about 30 minutes on foot, before climbing 200 m to reach the summit of Charmant Som at 1,867m. 

www.chartreuse-tourisme.com