The lodge is perfectly situated right in the heart of the quaint village of Le Sappey en Chartreuse, just a short 10-minute stroll from the village centre. Come winter, Le Sappey transforms into a small downhill ski resort, with three ski lifts, a cross-country skiing area with one green track (Les Sagnes), two blue tracks (Les Combes and Le Saint Eynard) and one red track (Sire Mouton with the ascent of the Emeindras).
There are several walks starting from Le Sappey, both in summer and winter (snowshoe walks).
What to do...
... in Summer?
Eimendras 
The Eimendras loop
The Eimendras loop
A beautiful and long walk through the typical landscapes of the Chartreuse, alternating between forest walks and breathtaking views from the three large meadows that punctuate the route.
Chamechaude
Chamechaude
The highest peak in the Chartreuse (2082m), with a breathtaking view from the summit. You can start from Le Sappey (1082m ascent) or from the Col de Porte (691m ascent).
There are many walks to choose from, including around Chamechaude through the gardens or up the Arnaud Pass (⚠ requires alpine experience).
Roche Rousse balcony
Roche Rousse balcony
A lovely loop starting from the village of Le Sappey, below the cliffs of Chamechaude.
Charmant Som
Charmant Som
The lovely Summit is 1867m up, just a stone's throw from Le Sappey en Chartreuse. You can park at the Bergerie, where you can treat yourself to some delicious cheese, a refreshing drink and a gorgeous blueberry tart...
This is a lovely easy walk with a 173m ascent, and it should take around 1h30.
Pinéa
Pinéa
L'Écoutoux
L'Écoutoux
Recognisable from Grenoble by its pyramidal shape, L'Écoutoux (literally 'the point from which you can hear everything') is a pretty peak that's easy to reach.
Panoramic view over most of the Chartreuse and the Grenoble valley.
St-Eynard Fort
St-Eynard Fort
Walk from Le Sappey along a steep path. You can also get there by car (or bike... it's a steep climb).
Overlooking the Grésivaudan valley, this foothill of the Chartreuse offers breathtaking views of Belledonne and even Mont Blanc.
You can do a loop and return to Le Sappey along the ridge (with stunning views).
Grande Chartreuse Monastery
Grande Chartreuse Monastery
At an altitude of 850 metres, with 35 cells for the monks, 4 hectares of roofs, 8 bell towers... and before you, almost a millennium of contemplation and profound silence. This monastery is still active, with about thirty monks.
Top tip: climb to the cross (just after the monastery) for a view of the monastery and watch the sunset to the sound of the bells.
The monastery is closed to visitors, but you can visit the Grande Chartreuse museum (in the car park). There are several walks starting from the museum car park.
Here's one (the Ruchère Pass loop):
Grand Som
Grand Som
One of the highest peaks in the Chartreuse (2026m). There are several routes to reach it. Here's one from the Grande Chartreuse museum car park:
1200m ascent, 7h
Cirque de Saint-Même
The Cirque de Saint-Même is a place of rare beauty, perfect in summer when it's hot. The three waterfalls and the cliffs that overlook the walkers bring coolness and tranquillity.
Head's up, parking is chargeable.
The waterfall walk: 200m ascent, 1h30.
Indian Forest Chartreuse
An adventure park located on the Sappey ski slopes. 15 courses (for all ages) with 100% safe lifelines. 1 km of zip lines. Very popular park, booking recommended: https://www.if38.com/
Battlefield for fans of infrared shooting games.
Nature escape game: Robin de la Chartreuse, for 2 to 6 people.
Trampo Chartreuse: 100 m2 of outdoor trampolines.
Play area
Play area
A large play area with free access. Located after the primary school, behind the village hall.
Basketball, handball, football... Games for the little ones, table tennis, skate park.
Tennis
2 tennis courts available for hire. Information available at the Café de la Place or the village shop.
Horse riding
Horse riding
Riding courses by the week with full board, half board, full day or half day.
Horse or pony rides of 1h, 2h or more.
Climbing
Climbing
At the entrance to the village is a fully equipped climbing area: Ecoutoux.
On limestone rock, it has 8 routes from 4a to 5c+.
1 km before Le Sappey (coming from Grenoble), the road goes between two houses (the hamlet of Scierie). Continue for 200m and park on the right opposite the bus stop and the information board about the site.
A little further into the Chartreuse, there are several other climbing sites:
Mountain biking
For those who are initiated, a group of practitioners has come together to create 5 trails in the area around Le Sappey.
Kids zone behind the school around the football pitch. Fun mountain bike trails with wooden modules for children to work on their technique.
• A green trail for the little ones
• A long blue trail accessible to most
• A more challenging red trail
Trail running
The Chartreuse massif has been a pioneer in trail running for over 30 years, hosting the Grand Duc trail and the first trail station in Europe, in the heart of St Pierre de Chartreuse.
Today, the trail running offer is still substantial.
Here is a list of the welcome centres for trail running in the Chartreuse region.
Oréade
Oréade
Open all year round, between an open-air spa and a restaurant with creative cuisine, Oréade offers you a moment of escape and a five-senses adventure in the heart of the Chartreuse massif.
Booking is highly recommended.
... in Winter?
Downhill skiing
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing
A large area with twenty or so routes, starting from the village and leading to the heart of the Chartreuse massif.
If there is enough snow, the 25km Chartreuse crossing takes you to the Saint Hugues area via the Col de l'Emeindras, with the option of returning to the Col de Porte.
Snowshoeing or ski touring
Snowshoeing or ski touring
Several snowshoe trails around Le Sappey.
Several options for ski touring, very popular: Chamechaude, the ridges of Mont Fromage...
Where to eat?
Le Café de la Place
Facing the church, open every day for lunch and dinner except Wednesday.
Specialities: local, traditional, homemade.
Phone: +33 4 76 88 81 04
Le Fort du St-Eynard
In June/July/August: open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
Specialities: gratin dauphinois, with or without cep mushrooms and chocolate cake, all homemade.
Les Skieurs
Open for lunch: Saturday and Sunday, evenings from Wednesday to Saturday.
Specialities: traditional French cuisine, seasonal and homemade. Homemade dessert trolley.
Phone: +33 4 76 88 82 76
La Pizza du Sappey: chez Pep'
Open Wednesday to Sunday evenings for take-away and terrace open from late June to September.
Specialities: Pizzas to take away or enjoy on the terrace in the summer.
Phone: +33 6 45 08 07 16
Our favourite is the 'Raviole Noix'
Grocery shopping
Les Paniers Sappeyards Grocery Store
Located in the centre of the village, this grocery store focuses on short cuts and organic products. You can also find hot meals of the day and other catering products.The grocery store also sells bread from the bakery of Saint Pierre de Chartreuse and, at the weekend, bakery and pastries.
Opening hours: 8:30am-12:30pm and 3:30pm-7:30pm, closed on Mondays.
I recommend the blueberry tart!
- Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 12:30pm and from 4pm to 7pm
- Saturday from 8:30am to 12:30pm and from 4pm to 7pm
- Sunday from 8:30am to 12:30pm
Village square markets
- Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm- Friday from 4pm to 7pm
Nearest supermarket & pharmacy
Carrefour Meylan, 1 bvd des Alpes, Meylan
Pharmacie Grand pré, 4 Av du Vercors à Meylan
