Montagnole by the Chartreuse Massif: Landscapes and Activities

Montagnole combines its setting by the Chartreuse Massif with a specifically described hiking stage, as well as cultural and leisure attractions. When choosing your destination, it is therefore helpful to clarify the focus of your trip: Would you like Stage 5 of the Traversée de Chartreuse to feature in your plans, are you interested in a historical connection to the area, or would you like to include traditional horseback riding?

Chartreuse landscapes and elevation

Montagnole lies in the Chartreuse Massif and extends from the foot of Pointe de la Gorgeat at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,485 metres. The difference between these stated elevations is 1,085 metres, giving a sense of the municipality’s topographic range. In the Savoie département, Montagnole is part of the Parc naturel régional de Chartreuse under the statutes amended on 2 February 2026. Its membership may change under future statutes. The park designation places the municipality in an institutional context; Pointe de la Gorgeat and the elevation range describe its specific landscape setting.

Stage 5 of the Traversée de Chartreuse

Stage 5 of the Traversée de Chartreuse passes through Montagnole, close to the Ruisseau des Pontets and its small waterfalls. The descent toward Montagnole offers open views of Lac du Bourget and the Cluse de Chambéry. At the stream and waterfalls, the focus is on a nearby landscape detail, while the descent opens up views of the lake and the Cluse. The stage is accessible outside the snowy period and in favourable weather conditions. For planning purposes, access and visibility should be considered separately: the snowy period and weather affect the trail, while weather conditions may also limit the views. Check the conditions before setting out.

Church and Le Montagn’Art

One historical landmark is the Église Saint-André, built in 1851. Its specific year of construction provides a clear historical connection, adding a cultural dimension to the area’s landscape and hiking attractions. Le Montagn’Art serves hot and cold drinks, including products from organic farming and/or the region, as well as homemade sweets. As the offerings may change, check in advance if particular drinks or sweets are important to your plans.

Traditional horseback riding

At Ecurie de Montagnole, the focus is on traditional horseback riding under the guidance of state-certified instructors. The five-hectare site is located at the foot of Mont Granier. This activity differs clearly from the hiking stage: one is a guided horseback-riding offering, while the other is a walking route with access dependent on the season and weather. If you would like to include the riding activity in your trip, confirm the current programme before booking.

Discover more destinations: Montalbert, Saint-Paul, Le Pré, Villarodin-Bourget, Saint-Colomban-Des-Villards, Le Bettaix, Gilly-sur-Isère, Sainte-Hélène-Sur-Isère

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.