Chartreuse Mountains

The Chartreuse Mountains are a compact limestone massif in the French Prealps, located between Grenoble and Chambéry in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The range is characterized by steep cliffs, karst plateaus and forested valleys.

Outdoor activities dominate visitor interest, with a dense network of hiking trails, climbing routes and small ski areas; Mont Chamechaude is the highest point at 2,082 metres. The area also contains the Grande Chartreuse monastery, the original Carthusian house founded in 1084, which gives its name to the Chartreuse liqueur historically associated with the monks.

Historically the massif has been a mix of monastic presence, pastoral activity and small-scale forestry; its rugged terrain limited large-scale agriculture and urban development. Parts of the massif are protected as regional natural areas to conserve its landscapes and biodiversity.

Geographically the Chartreuse lies to the north of Grenoble and south-west of Chambéry, forming a clear natural barrier between the two valleys of the Isère and the Guiers rivers.

• Highest peak: Highest point of the range is Mont Chamechaude at 2,082 metres.
• Religious heritage: The massif contains the historic Grande Chartreuse monastery, the original seat of the Carthusian order founded in the 11th century.

What to See #

• Mont Chamechaude: The highest summit of the massif, Mont Chamechaude reaches 2,082 metres and is a frequent objective for hikers and climbers from the Grenoble area.
• Grande Chartreuse monastery: The Grande Chartreuse monastery, the headhouse of the Carthusian order, founded in 1084 and located in a secluded valley in the massif.