Everything you need to plan your trip to Saint-Hilaire
Your Saint-Hilaire travel guide — everything in one place. Whether you’re coming for a tandem flight, a week of XC coaching, or the Coupe Icare festival, this guide covers where to sleep, where to eat, and how to get here from Grenoble, Chambéry, Annecy or further afield. Saint-Hilaire is easy to reach and well-equipped for visiting pilots — here’s what you need to know.
Getting to Saint-Hilaire — Travel Guide
By Car
From Grenoble — 40 minutes via the A41 and D30. The most common approach for most visitors — and the most straightforward.
From Chambéry — 45 minutes via the A41. A pleasant drive through the valley with the Chartreuse massif coming into view as you get close.
From Annecy (Doussard) — 1h20 via the A43. A scenic approach through the Grésivaudan valley — the plateau appears above you long before you reach it.
Bus or Train
The closest train hub is Grenoble. From there, two options depending on the season:
Year-round — Take the B line tram from Grenoble centre, then the 85 bus up to Saint-Hilaire on the plateau.
When the shuttle runs — Take the C11 direct from Grenoble station to Lumbin landing field (Lumbin, Longs près), then jump on the 305 shuttle up to the launch. The easiest option if the timing works.
From further away
From Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport — 1h30 by car. There's also an airport shuttle running directly to and from Grenoble train station — useful if you're not hiring a car.
From Geneva Airport — 1h45 via the A41. A straightforward drive with no city traffic once you're clear of the airport.
Based in Grenoble? See our guide for visitors from Grenoble →
Saint-Hilaire Travel Guide: Where to Stay
SOLO & COUPLES
Ô Déco
Apartment 30m from the Prevol school and the launch — as close as it gets. Full kitchen, parking, and basic provisions included.
Distance: On-site
Capacity: Up to 3 people
Price: From €45/night (solo weekday) — €60/night (weekend July–August)
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Contact: Cédric Gosselin — 06 10 45 12 87 / cedricprevol@gmail.com
Chambres Cumulus & Cirrus
Two rooms in a shared apartment at Saint-Bernard-du-Touvet. Terrace, garden, and exceptional views over Belledonne. You share the living space with the other room's occupant.
Distance: 4 km
Price: From €40/night (single) — €60/night (double)
Minimum stay: 4 nights, weekdays only
Contact: Manou — 06 22 95 28 51 / manou38660@hotmail.fr
Book: Airbnb Cirrus — Airbnb Cumulus
Studio Vue d'Icare
35m² ground-floor studio with independent entrance, private parking, and stunning views over Belledonne and the Chartreuse. Located at Saint-Bernard-du-Touvet. Partial wheelchair access.
Distance: 3.7 km
Capacity: Up to 4 people
Price: From €50/night (+€5 per extra person)
Contact: Sylvie / Laurent — 06 17 97 10 74 / studio@vue-icare.com
Website: vue-icare.com
GROUPS
Le Fenil / La Bergerie / La Chape
Three gîtes 100 metres from Prevol — the closest group option on the plateau. No car needed. Flexible hours, free cancellation up to 24h before, Wi-Fi, partial wheelchair access.
Distance: 100 m
Capacity: 2 to 6 people
Price: From €60/night (2 people) — €160/night (6 people)
Contact: Yves Chatain — 04 76 08 33 16 / yveschatain@wanadoo.fr
Website: gitechatain.fr
L'Air Libre
Comfortable gîte for groups of 5 or more, 1.5km from Prevol. Flexible hours, Wi-Fi.
Distance: 1.5 km
Capacity: From 5 people
Price: From €450/week
Label: Gîte 3 épis
Contact: Florence — 06 68 76 75 52 / florence_bolcato@msn.com
Les Chalets Nurit
The best option for larger groups. Collective accommodation 1km from Prevol. Wi-Fi, wheelchair access, 1-night stays possible.
Distance: 1 km
Capacity: 4 to 8 people
Price: From €120/weekend — €760/week
Label: 4 étoiles, 3 épis
Contact: 04 76 08 32 74 / marisenurit@yahoo.fr
Website: chaletsainthilaire.fr
FAMILIES
Les Buissons Fleuris — Chalet Glycine
Modern 4-star chalet 5 minutes on foot from Prevol. Spa and jacuzzi on site — ideal for families where not everyone is flying every day.
Distance: 500 m
Price: From €290/weekend — €800/week
Label: 4 étoiles, 3 épis
Contact: Sandra — 04 76 08 61 57 / lesbuissonsfleuris@orange.fr
Website: lesbuissonsfleuris.com
Le Djudjura / Cervin / Everest
Located at the Col du Coq with activities nearby — rope courses, fun nets, summer sledging. Ideal for families with kids who want more than just flying. Pets welcome.
Distance: 6.6 km
Price: From €135/weekend — €320+/week
Label: Gîte 2 épis
Contact: Bénédicte — 07 88 17 50 51 / gites-communaux@petites-roches.org
Website: gites-communaux-petites-roches.fr
CAMPING
Camping des Petites Roches
The best value option on the plateau. Tents, caravans, motorhomes, bungalows, and Ponza tents available. Snack bar open until 11pm. Wi-Fi and wheelchair access.
Distance: 1 km
Open: 1 April – 30 September
Price: From €8/night (pitch) — €69/night (bungalow)
Contact: 07 68 96 52 73 / campingdespetitesroches@onlycamp.fr
Website: onlycamp.fr
Camping de la Martinière
A proper campsite in the heart of the Chartreuse massif at Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse. With swimming pool — a good base if you want to explore the wider area.
Distance: 22 km
Open: 1 May – 11 September
Contact: 04 76 88 60 36 / camping-de-martiniere@orange.fr
Website: campingdemartiniere.com
WHERE TO EAT
La Grange aux Loups
The go-to dinner spot on the plateau. Warm atmosphere, solid French food, and a convivial crowd that usually includes a fair number of pilots unwinding after a day in the air.
Vibe: Cosy, local, unpretentious
Open: Thursday to Sunday
Address: 11 chemin des Pistes, Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet
Phone: 04 76 98 42 38
Sous la Dent
The best pizzas on the plateau, full stop. Great outdoor terrace with a direct view of the Dent de Crolles. A short drive from the launch but well worth it.
Vibe: Relaxed pizzeria, stunning views
Open: Wed–Fri evenings / Sat–Sun lunch & evening
Address: Le Bourg, Saint-Pancrasse
Phone: 04 76 98 70 31
Déco Ouest — Snack de Montagne
Right next to the Prevol school — perfect for a quick lunch between flights. Known for fast service and surprisingly good food. Try the sweet potato fries and the Bánh mì.
Vibe: Casual mountain snack, great terrace
Open: Check locally — hours vary by season
Address: 1 chemin du Funiculaire, Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet
Phone: 04 76 08 31 57
Restaurant du Funiculaire
Perched at the top of the funicular with a panoramic terrace — the best view of any restaurant on the plateau, and a front-row seat to watch paragliders come in to land.
Vibe: Classic French, spectacular terrace
Open: Currently Sundays only — worth checking ahead
Address: 12 chemin du Funiculaire, Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet
Phone: 06 58 41 82 61
Ready to book your tandem flight?
You’ve got everything you need. The only thing left is to pick your flight and get in the air.