In the footsteps of Saint Bruno

After Corenc, drive up to the Fort of Saint-Eynard for breathtaking views over Grenoble and the Alps. Then continue towards Col de Porte via Le Sappey, a bucolic village overlooked by Chamechaude (2082m).

You are now entering the valley of St Pierre de Chartreuse. Stop off at Saint-Hugues to visit its church, which is also a museum of contemporary sacred art (filled with works by the painter Arcabas).

Continue on to St Pierre de Chartreuse, the main town of the Chartreuse, and then to the Grande Chartreuse Monastery (D520b), founded by Saint Bruno.

The Carthusian monks have constructed buildings, farms and oratories all over the area, which have made a significant mark on the landscape.

A museum is entirely devoted to life at the monastery.

Now head towards St Pierre d'Entremont, a typical village which, along with its twin village on the other side of the river Guiers, traditionally marked the border between France and the kingdom of Savoy.

A visit to the cirque de St. Même just a few kilometres away on the D45e is a highlight of the tour. You will be impressed by this magnificent natural cirque with its cascading waterfalls, the sources of the Guiers Vif river.

Further on, drive down the Guiers Vif Gorge along a breathtaking road carved out of the cliff.

Then take the RN6 to Les Echelles and Entre-Deux-Guiers, where walking sticks and pilgrims' staffs are still made: a legacy of the craft of wood-turning which once flourished here.

Return to Grenoble via Voiron, main gateway to the Chartreuse, where you can visit Saint Bruno's church, a fine example of neo-gothic architecture completed in 1872 based on drawings by Viollet-le-Duc.

Worth seeing :

The Charmant Som, for panoramic views of the Chartreuse

Chamechaude, the highest point of the massif (2082 m.)

The Grand Som, reached from St Pierre de Chartreuse or the Monastery

Worth tasting :

Chartreuse liqueur

Tomme de chartreuse cheese