The Belledonne massif is also called the Belledonne chain. Its name could have its origin in bella donna (beautiful lady) in Italian. And this is not without reason: its snow-capped peaks watch over the cities of Chambéry and Grenoble, in a grandiose setting. The highest point, the grand peak of Belledonne, is at an altitude of 2977 m.
Hikes for everyone in the Belledonne massif
The massif is 70 km long and it is possible to cross it entirely by following the GR® 738 for the “ Great crossing of Belledonne "It lasts 11 days, but you can only take this route partially. Of course, this hike is rather reserved for seasoned walkers.
If you are a beginner, there are other trails to discover with the family, such as the one that follows the shores of Lake Verney. This is a very easy walk, lasting just over an hour to cover 4,4 km and with no elevation gain. You can take the opportunity to visit the impressive EDF Hydrelec museum, national hydroelectricity museum, and learn more about the hydronuclear dams and other hydraulic installations in the massif.
You understood it, the hiking routes in the Belledonne massif are numerous and varied enough for everyone to find a trail suited to their level! Walking remains one of the preferred ways to discover the Belledonne range. Indeed, it is a real natural barrier that is not crossed by any road pass. You will be able to admire multiple mountain lakes during your hikes: Lac du Crozet, Sept Laux, Belledonne Lake… The latter is accessible in 3 hours via the Cabane du Chazeau, which protects transhumant shepherds during the summer. It is possible to fish in some lakes, but swimming is mostly prohibited, in order to preserve the mountain ecosystem.
Discover the fauna and flora of the Belledonne massif
The Belledonne massif is home to the fauna and flora characteristic of the Alps: chamois, marmots, etc. Ibex can now be seen, after being reintroduced in 1983 following their disappearance in the area. If you want to put all the chances on your side to come across one, set your sights on the hike of the Vache passIt is a difficult level, with a height difference of 1253 m, and crosses areas of persistent snowfields (accumulations of snow which persist below the eternal snow line): remember to equip yourself well!
The ski resorts of the Belledonne massif
Tourism is mainly oriented towards the hiking routes in the Belledonne massif, but there are also 4 winter sports resorts.
Some now welcome roller-skating, street-sledding and buttboarding downhillers in the summer months. The range has the particularity of having passes whose altitude almost always exceeds 2000 m and its snow-capped peaks have served as a backdrop for several films, such as Les Rivières pourpres, whose plot takes place in the high mountains. Painters have also abundantly immortalized the Belledonne massif, notably those of the École dauphinoise, specializing in mountain landscapes.
