Climbing around Grenoble without a car: areas accessible by public transport
Grenoble, nestled between mountain ranges, offers numerous climbing opportunities accessible without a car. Whether by bus, tram, or regional train, the mountains are within easy reach of the city.
Eco-friendly, practical, or simply because you want to change your daily routine: discover our climbing areas that you can reach from Grenoble without a steering wheel.
Some tips for organizing your outing
- Use the app M resolution (formerly TAG) for your bus, tram and TER journeys.
- Consider a bike or scooter for the last few kilometers between the station and departure.
- Check the timetables: some mountain lines run less frequently on weekends (Cars Région, M reso, Transaltitude).
- Take the topo or a GPS app (CampToCamp, OpenStreetMap) to make your approaches safer.
Areas accessible from Grenoble
1. The Bastille / via ferrata de Grenoble
🚋 Tram A, B, E + walking 🕒 Access: 10–30 min depending on the stopIn the heart of the city, the Bastille via ferrata is a perfect introduction to assisted climbing, with rope bridges, aerial passages, and panoramic views of Grenoble and Belledonne.
2. Le Rachais (on foot from the Bastille)
🚶 Walk from Bastille 🕒 30–45 min ascentLittle frequented, this path leads to pretty slabs and small blocks, directly from the climb of the Bastille.
3. Col de Porte / Chartreuse (Chamechaude, Moucherotte)
🚍 Bus 62 (M network or Regional Cars) 🕒 About 1 hour from the centerThese classics of the Chartreuse are accessible by transport: the bus drops you off at the bottom of the valley, then allow around 45 minutes to 1 hour of climbing to reach the natural climbing slabs.
4. Saint-Nizier / Moucherotte
🚍 Bus T64/T65 🕒 Environ 1hA summit with a view of Grenoble and Mont Blanc when the sky is clear – ideal for climbing and contemplating.
5. Vercors nord (Villard‐de‐Lans, Autrans)
🚍 Bus T64/T65, then shuttles 🕒 1h to 1h30In both summer and winter, these valleys are served by buses to Villard or Méaudre, where there are easily accessible slabs and cliffs.
6. Ecrins (selected spots)
🚍 Bus 3040-6000 (in summer) 🚆 TER to Bourg-d'Oisans + bus 🕒 1h30–2hFor an alpine adventure, take the summer bus 3040 or TER + shuttle and access areas of light mountaineering and wild bouldering – remember to plan your return journeys carefully.
Changing our view of climbing
Climbing without a car isn't just about slowing down: it's about experiencing your outing differently. The journey becomes an integral part of the experience, from the gentle climb, the first flight on the via ferrata, and a peaceful return with a view of the valley.
Whether on a panoramic wall or a hidden boulder at the Bastille, climbing becomes a journey.
