Isère in the southeastern French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has long been at the forefront of sustainable tourism and, thanks to its extensive public transport network, there are myriad ways to access the region’s spectacular landscape without setting foot inside a car.
Some of the region’s best car-free hikes include the route along the cliffs of the Petites Roches plateau in the Chartreuse mountains, past lookouts and hang-gliding launch sites. At just under 7km long, it’s an enjoyable half-day hike – or longer if you pack a good picnic, and maybe a small bottle of the famous Chartreuse liqueur.
For something a little more challenging, climb the iron pathway in the Belledonne mountains where iron ore has been mined since the Middle Ages. The 10km-long walk ascends 770 metres where you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the northern Belledonne peaks.
There are longer car-free hikes too, such as the two-day trail between the cliffs of the Vercors and the picturesque countryside of Trièves. Overnight at the Esparron refuge or bivouac under the stars. See more car-free hiking itineraries here.
A unique mountain hideaway
Could this be the most unusual place to stay in the mountains? This eco-friendly futuristic pod (above) was designed by Swiss architect Pascal Häusermann and the French-Swiss architect Claude Costy, known as the “Queen of Bubbles”.
Constructed in 1966, the Le Balcon de Belledonne was originally used as a wellness and leisure space until it was transformed into a unique holiday home.
The structure, the only one built by Hausermann-Costy in the Isère department, sits at 1,200 metres with stunning views of the Belledonne mountains and the northern Alps. Stays open from April 28 and rates go towards the preservation and restoration of this futuristic pod.
Grenoble, the region’s capital, is the perfect place to start your Isère journey. Easily accessible from the UK by plane or train – Grenoble is only three hours by train from Paris – and spending a couple of days exploring the city’s history and sampling its hospitality is warmly recommended.
Restaurants worth checking out…
Meaning “fire” in the local dialect, Lo Fieu sits within a characterful converted barn in Saint-Alban-de-Roche. Headed by chef Romain Hubert, the focus is on traditional cuisine of the region, much of it cooked over a wood fire.
Located in Trièves at the foot of the Vercors Mountain Range, L’Auberge de Mens, is a cheery local restaurant with a menu that changes according to the season and according to what local producers have available.
Combining great food and fine wine, the Fleur de Vignes sits on the Vercors plateau. A wine cellar and delicatessen sit alongside the restaurant that serves delicious lunch specials and a regularly changing evening menu that features local specialities, everything from grilled ‘Boudin Noir’ to poached eggs from the local farm cooked with panko breadcrumbs and kimchi.
New on the Grenoble dining scene is Lulu, a cosy and convivial bistro in the heart of the city. The three-course set lunch menu (a steal at €25) changes weekly and the a la carte menu changes every month. A small but carefully selected wine menu accompanies the seasonal dishes and their sunny terrace is the perfect place to watch life in the city go by.
For more information about the region and what it has to offer – www.alpes-isere.com
