Saint-Baldoph: Trails, Wine-Growing and History

Saint-Baldoph lies at the northern end of the Chartreuse Massif, at the foot of the northern slopes of Mont Granier. Hiking trails, wine-growing and historic architectural features each offer a different focus. When planning your stay, you can explore the landscape, the routes and the history of the village.

Hiking on a variety of routes

The Petite boucle des Sources is a 1.2 km circular trail through old villages and past basins. It also offers lovely views of the Bauges and Mont Granier. The Petite boucle de Ronjou is a 1.4 km route with 150 m of elevation gain. It climbs to the old village of Ronjou and connects to the Sentier des Huguenots. Limestone cascades, views of Belledonne and sections through the forest characterize this route. The Petite boucle des Sources is the shorter circular trail; the elevation gain and connection to the Sentier des Huguenots are among the distinguishing features of the Ronjou route.

Another trail runs from the Sentier de la Croix de la Coche to Bec du Corbeau, at an altitude of 755 m. From there, the view extends to Montagnole, the Chambéry basin and Lac du Bourget. Conditions on the Petite boucle des Sources and the Petite boucle de Ronjou may change. Check them before setting out.

Exercise at Frainet

At the Frainet site, there is an outdoor fitness and cross-training area for individual or group exercise. The facilities may change over time; if particular training options are important to you, check their current status before your visit.

The Grand Tour at Frainet is a 600 m circular trail with markers every 50 m. It is intended for jogging, walking and strolls, alone or with family. Route details may change; check them before planning your circuit. At Frainet, the fitness area and the marked circular trail therefore differ in both their form and the activities described.

Wine-growing and visits

Saint-Baldoph is one of five municipalities in the Parc naturel régional de Chartreuse where wine-growing has shaped the landscape for several centuries. The municipality is also in the grape-growing area of Vin de Savoie Apremont. These two connections show wine-growing both as a long-standing influence on the landscape and as part of the wine’s growing area.

Domaine Bernard et Christophe Richel offers a free tour of the wine cellar and estate. If you are planning a visit, check in advance whether it is currently possible.

Historic features

The church building reveals two periods: the church portal is the only surviving remnant of the 13th-century building and has been preserved in the 17th-century façade. The Maison-forte de Charvet, also known as Montcharvaix, is first mentioned in the 15th century.

Another dated aspect of local history concerns the very old stone Croix de la Coche. At the initiative of the parish priest Anthelme Martin, the cross was moved to Mount La Coche in 1872. Together with the portal and the fortified house, these details complement the trails and wine-growing landscape with architectural and historical perspectives on Saint-Baldoph.

Discover more destinations: Gerbaix, Arbin, Valmeinier, Les Chapelles, Demi-Quartier, Sainte-Hélène-Du-Lac, Belmont-Tramonet, Montalbert

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.