The ''Bella Donna'' is one of the four massifs surrounding Grenoble. Contrary to its neighbours who swallow rainwater in their limestone entrails, Belledonne exposes it on its granitic reliefs through torrents, waterfalls and altitude lakes. The water trickles down and, in some corners of the mountain, small glaciers and snow still hide and supply it for most of the summer. In this area, an important fauna has developed (ibex, chamois, birds of prey...) which find all what they need as well as numerous human activities (pastoral, hydroelectric and touristic). In spite of its austere faces which dominate Grenoble, it is a lively massif which is well worth a short 4-day excursion from hut to hut.
You will like
The fauna and flora very present at these altitudes
The rocky terrain which reveals glaciers, lakes and waterfalls
Travel documents : description and IGN maps (1 per group)
Organisation and booking fees, tourist taxes;
The price does not include:
Personal expenses (drinks, etc.), touristic visits;
Pic-nics
Transfers to the departure and from the end of the trek ;
Cancellation insurance;
Your return journey from home to the point of departure/end point.
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
The itinerary day by day
Day 1
Departure from the Chamrousse ski resort, possible transfer by public bus from Grenoble train station (about 1,5 hours). Each day, one or more alternative routes are proposed to extend the steps.
ROBERT AND BERNARD LAKES
Departure from the hamlet of Recoin in Chamrousse and climb towards the Col de la Balme. We leave the ski resort on the right to enter the massif via the Robert Lakes. The itinerary goes along glacial lakes, until the refuge of La Pra, between the summits of Grand Colon and Doménon. Night at the refuge. 4.5 hour walk / Distance: 8km / Elevation: +800m -4000m
Day 2
CROZET LAKE - JEAN COLLET HUT
Crossing along the Crozet lake, suspended above the valley. The day continues on the side of the massif, above the Grésivaudan valley, with the Chartreuse in the distance. 2nd night in a small refuge perched on the western slope, in the setting sun. 4.5 hour walk / Distance: 8km / Elevation: +700m -900m
Day 3
LA MINE DE FER PASS – PAS DE LA COCHE
Climb to the col de la Mine de Fer (2400m), then by a more confidential path, to the brèche de la Roche Fendue, which allows you to switch to the other side of the Belledonne range. A return trip to the summit of the Pointe Centrale Sud du Ferrouillet (2587m) is possible, for a nice 360° panorama: (+/-100m of ascent, cairns markings). The traverse continues on a balcony to the Pas de la Coche, from the pass a short descent leads to the habert d'Aiguebelle. Night at the refuge. 4.5 hour walk / Distance: 9km / Elevation: +800m -1000m
Day 4
BELLE ETOILE PEAK - 7 LAUX LAKES
The day starts by climbing up to the Pas de la Coche, before a beautiful traverse to the Col de la Vache where the gradient changes abruptly. Descent on the myriad of lakes of the 7 Laux, which the path skirts, before leaving the massif by the Montagne du Gleyzin to the Fond de France in Allevard. 6.5 hour walk / Distance: 14km / Elevation: +900m -1560m
End of the hike at Fond de France around 4:00pm.
Transfer to Grenoble with public transport. (Taxi possible in option, contact us).
The programme has been drawn up on the basis of the latest information available at the time of writing; unforeseen circumstances are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter the programme.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Elevation: +/- 800m average per day.
Walking time: 5 to 8 hours per day.
Good, well-marked mountain trails. The terrain is quite rocky in the Belledonne and some of the variants are not signposted.
IGN 1/25000 map-reading skills are essential.
The route in general is well indicated, and the Roadbook provided sufficiently complete to allow you to hike in complete safety. However, it is essential to be able to read an 1:25,000 map and to be sufficiently autonomous in the mountains to be able to tackle the itinerary with confidence, whatever the weather (fog, snow, etc.). Guiding is not included in the self-guided package. snow and névés will be present on the paths until end of june at least. You may walk on long snowy sections that can make the tour a bit more challenging. High mountain boots, gaiters and walking poles are mandatory. Be prepared! You will be crossing areas with no telephone network. For your own safety, you may wish to bring along a radio or the latest generation telephone with satellite connection.
You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week.
Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty
BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Without baggage transport: you have to carry your personal belongings in your rucksack.
ACCOMMODATION
3 nights in a refuge in a dormitory.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are not included. They have to be ordered in advance in the accommodations. The refuges in this sector are usually supplied once a week. Orders must be placed well in advance.
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Departure from Chamrousse, access by public transprot from Grenoble train station.
BY TRAIN
regular TGV or TER trains from Paris/Grenoble/Chambéry.
Check www.oui.sncf to check the schedule.
BY CAR
You can park you car near Gières-Université train station.
In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance EUROP ASSISTANCE that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.
If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.
Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.
CONTACT US
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
1 change of clothes for the evening
A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toilet bag
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches (0.40L to 0.50L)
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Head torch or hand torch
Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 50 to 60 litres for your personal belongings and keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
To help you preparing your backback please consult our post " Equipement conseillé " on our website, "Partir en autonomie, 2 ou 3 jours et plus".
4 Days
Self-guided
Without baggage transportation
Classic (dormitory)
Level *** 
From 275 €
