Everything you need to plan your trip to Saint-Hilaire

Non-flying days in this part of the Alps are rarely wasted. In fact, the Chartreuse massif has some of the best walking in the northern Alps — limestone karst, old-growth forest, and a quiet that’s hard to find this close to a city.

Hiking

The obvious objective is the Dent de Crolles (2,062m) — visible from the landing field and one of the finest summits in the Chartreuse. However, there are trails at every level across the massif, from easy plateau walks to serious ridge routes. Moreover, for pilots, the Dent de Crolles doubles as one of the best hike-and-fly launches in the region when conditions allow. See our site guide for details.

Grande Chartreuse Monastery

Further into the Chartreuse, the Grande Chartreuse monastery is worth the drive. Founded in 1084, it remains home to around thirty Carthusian monks. The monastery itself is closed to the public. However, the Musée de la Grande Chartreuse at La Correrie — two kilometres away — tells the full story of the order and the famous 130-ingredient liqueur recipe they’ve been guarding for centuries. It’s one of the most interesting stops in the massif.

Oréade Balnéo — Outdoor Spa

For a recovery day, Oréade Balnéo in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse is a wood-fired outdoor spa with nordic baths, two saunas, and a yurt. It’s open year-round and around 40 minutes from the plateau. Furthermore, it’s worth booking in advance at weekends — it fills up quickly.

Bouldering — Au Perchoir

If the wind keeps you grounded and you want to move, Au Perchoir in Crolles is a bouldering gym with 1,400m² of walls, a restaurant, and a terrace. It’s 15 minutes down the valley. As a result, it’s become a solid option for pilots who need to do something physical on a rest day.

Cycling

The Grésivaudan valley runs flat along the valley floor with good dedicated cycling paths. Bike rental is available locally. In other words, it’s an easy half-day that gets you out of the plateau and into the valley without any effort.