The Sommet du Grand Som is an iconic hike in the Chartreuse massif, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Alps and the surrounding valleys.

Nearby Visit Ideas:

Musée de la Grande Chartreuse (7 km from the start): audio-guided tours.
Petits Jardiniers (9 km from the start): cultivation of medicinal plants.
Fleurs de Lyne (3 km from the start): soap-making.
Musée d'Art Sacré Contemporain (7 km from the start): St. Hugues Church.
For all information and more visit ideas, check chartreuse-tourisme.com/rsf.

Information / Safety:

It is important to adopt some rules and follow guidelines to fully enjoy your walks and hikes safely! Before you set out, follow our recommendations and advice at chartreuse-tourisme.com/conseils-rando-trail (or request them at tourist offices).
Please note: a mountain guide is a specialist in mountain wildlife and flora, off-trail hikes away from the crowds, local history, alpine and rural traditions, etc., ensuring safety! Make use of their services! A detailed list can be found at chartreuse-tourisme.com/accomp (or at tourist offices).
You hike at your own risk. Chartreuse Tourism and the tourist offices cannot be held responsible for the proposed routes.

Useful Numbers:

Weather (must be checked before your departure): 3250 or www.meteo.fr
Mountain rescue: 112
Marking : Departure signs are installed in the villages at parking areas or public reception points. To follow your route, posts are placed at intersections and are identifiable by a plaque indicating the name and altitude. Between two posts, painted markings will guide you along the path to follow or not. You may also be guided by small directional signs. A map titled "Promenades et randonnées en Chartreuse" is recommended.

Admission fee : Free of charge.

Opening : From 01/05 to 31/10. Subject to favorable weather.

Step by step description : Attention, this route is very difficult and includes a dizzying passage. It should be avoided in rainy weather and on wet ground (which makes it dangerous), as well as with young children. (1) Starting from the Col du Cucheron and from the yellow hiking sign, follow the trail marked with a yellow line towards Col des Aures. The path begins between the houses, then turns left to enter the forest, becoming a winding trail until reaching the pass (4 km). (2) At Col des Aures, continue along the delicate and steep section called Racapé (a handrail is present). If in doubt about the weather, do not hesitate to turn back before this passage. Upon exiting this section, and from the alpine pastures, the summit to be climbed is on the left. During the summer, the pasture may be occupied by flocks of sheep. It is essential to respect the tranquility of the flock and to go around it if possible. Herd protection dogs may approach: they are doing their job. It is the hikers' responsibility to avoid any aggressive gestures and to be patient before continuing on their way. (3) For the return, follow the path in the reverse direction.

Area : Cœur de Chartreuse