High fir trees, the scent of undergrowth, characteristic peaks - you've arrived in the Chartreuse, a mysterious and bewitching mountain range. To be precise, you’ve arrived at Col de Porte. At the heart of the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park, the unique and unspoilt Col de Porte lies at an altitude of 1,326m
It is surrounded by the famous Chartreuse peaks: Chamechaude, the highest peak in the Chartreuse, La Pinéa with its spectacular 360° views and Charmant Som. Charmant Som is perhaps best known for its accessible mountain pastures and the Auberge du Charmant Som, famous for its fondues and blueberry tart.
At Col de Porte, you can also enjoy a lunch or dinner in one of the two restaurants: Les 3 Sommets and le Cartusia .
We recommend that you make this a nature stop during your visit, to take in the environment and the many sporting activities on offer. Col de Porte is easily accessible from Grenoble by public transport for an eco-friendly holiday.
Extra tip
Make the most of this peaceful environment during the low season or during the week.
The Col de Porte live via webcam
The Chartreuse mountains at your own pace
Hiking is the ideal way to discover the mountains
From Col de Porte, different hiking levels await you. You can discover the mountain on easy trails from which you can admire the Chartreuse scenery, such as Le Sentier des Géants. It's a 1.6 km loop to admire the richness of the area: the Chartreuse resinous trees, renowned for their great expanse and classified as PDO Bois de Chartreuse, the pastures where alpine cows graze, and the flora and fauna of this specific ecosystem. More technical peaks, without being high mountain, await you for an ascent with a greater difference in altitude, such as the climb to Chamechaude at 2,082m high. Majestic scenery is guaranteed at the finish!
Shared space, preserved space
- I stay on the trails, I only touch with my eyes
- I take my rubbish with me
- I pay attention to fences and grazing animals
- I don't make a fire
- I keep my dog on a leash
Trail to the summits of the Pinéa and the Ecoutoux
Three trail routes are available at the Col de Porte for running and nature lovers. From easy to difficult and without technical difficulty, these mountain routes are a great way to discover the paths of Chartreuse.
A night at the Col de Porte
Stay at the Col de Porte in one of the accommodations set in the middle of nature. The résidence des 3 Sommets and its cosy apartments in the middle of nature, the gîte and chalet of the Domaine de Rozan or at the Cartusia hotel with a breathtaking view of Chamechaude. Both offer on-site catering.
Sport and feeling in the middle of nature
The Col de Porte is a preserved site with few buildings, abundant nature and an environment conducive to sports activities. At the heart of this site are professionals who offer many activities during the snow-free months: mountain biking on easy rides, trials or steep descents, aquatic hiking by going up a river to discover the many facets of its banks, with a donkey, climbing, initiation to bivouac, roller skiing...
... and biathlon in summer
In the middle of the summer season, try your hand at biathlon guided by an instructor and discover this discipline combining effort and precision on a roller ski slope.
For cyclists, the Col de Porte is classified as hors categorie. It is prized by amateurs and professionals alike. He regularly sees the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de France.
