Belledonne Mountains
Alpine mountain range near Grenoble with rugged peaks
The Belledonne range east of Grenoble offers Alpine ridges, glacial cirques and marked trails; hikers come for day climbs, backcountry skiing and mountain huts with views over the Isère valley.
Belledonne at a Glance#
About Belledonne#
Belledonne is a mountain massif in the French Alps, part of the Dauphiné Alps, rising immediately east of Grenoble in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Its highest point is the Grand Pic de Belledonne at 2,977 metres.
The range is used year-round for outdoor recreation: summer hiking and alpine routes access high ridges and glacial cirques, while western slopes host ski areas and winter facilities serving Grenoble. Trails vary from long multi-day traverses along the crest to shorter valley walks and lake routes.
The massif is a distinct geological block within the French Alps and has long been used for pastoralism, forestry and mountain sports. Over the 19th and 20th centuries recreational infrastructure such as mountain huts and ski resorts expanded to serve visitors from Grenoble and beyond.
Geographically the Belledonne chain runs directly east of the city of Grenoble and spans a series of valleys and ridges in the departments that form the eastern flank of the Grenoble basin.
- Highest peak: Highest point is the Grand Pic de Belledonne at 2,977 metres above sea level.
- Proximity to Grenoble: The massif rises directly to the east of Grenoble and is a prominent backdrop to the city, accessible for day trips from the Grenoble area.
What to See#
- Grand Pic de Belledonne (summit): The highest summit of the range, a rocky peak that reaches 2,977 metres and forms the principal objective for long ridge hikes and alpine ascents.
- Chamrousse and western ski areas: A long-established ski and mountain recreation area located on the western slopes of the massif, serving Grenoble and surrounding communities with winter slopes and summer trails.
How to Get to Belledonne#
Access from Grenoble or small towns along the D1090 / D530 roads; several trailheads are served by local buses in the summer. Driving offers the most flexibility to reach higher trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Belledonne#
- Approach the range from Allevard or Grenoble for popular trailheads; local mountain huts offer short overnights for multi-day traverses.
- Weather can change rapidly - watch forecasts and be prepared for strong winds on exposed ridgelines.
- Summer wildflowers and alpine pastures are best appreciated in June and July before the high-season crowds arrive later in August.
Best Time to Visit Belledonne#
Belledonne is a mountain range best visited in summer for hiking and in winter for snow sports; mid-season conditions can vary.
Weather & Climate near Belledonne#
Belledonne's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1587 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -10° - -4° | -14° | 156 mm | - | - | 6.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -10° - -4° | -14° | 138 mm | - | - | 6.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -9° - -3° | -13° | 132 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -7° - -1° | -10° | 135 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -2° - 4° | -4° | 140 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 8° | 1° | 113 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 5° - 12° | 6° | 85 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 6° - 13° | 7° | 98 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 3° - 9° | 2° | 112 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -1° - 4° | -3° | 145 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -5° - -1° | -9° | 172 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -8° - -3° | -13° | 161 mm | - | - | 6.1 m/s | - | - |