Hike to La Bastille, Mont Jalla & Mont Rachais in Grenoble

Last summer, I went on a hike in the Chartreuse mountains next to Grenoble: I visited La Bastille, Mont Jalla and Mont Rachais. I used these directions as reference.

Here is a map of the actual path I walked (download KML):

I arrived in Grenoble by train from Annecy in the morning and made my way to Jardin des Dauphins, not very far from the train station. Using the stairs, I then climbed to La Bastille, a fortress built in the 19th century to protect Grenoble and the border with Savoie. There was a great view from there. I then continued towards the summit of Mont Jalla and the Mémorial national des troupes de montagne (National Memorial for Chasseurs Alpins soldiers). My goal for the day was to reach the summit of Mont Rachais. There was a good view from there, especially on Mont Saint-Eynard and the Isère Valley. I ate lunch then went down to La Bastille using pretty much the same path. Finally, I took the cable car bubbles to Grenoble to get back to the city.

Above, La Bastille, Mont Jalla and Mont Rachais seen from Cours Jean-Jaurès in the city.

Above, Isère river, with a view on La Bastille and Mont Jalla.

Above, in Jardin des Dauphins.

Above, on the way to La Bastille.

Above, Cours Jean-Jaurès.

Above, the round cable car bubbles.

Above, cable car station at La Bastille.

Above, Isère and Le Néron.

Above, Old Town.

Above, Mont Rachais.

Above, viewing platform at La Bastille.

Above, in the Grotte de Mandrin, an artificial cave built as part of the Bastille fortification.

Above, on the way to Mont Jalla.

Above, Mémorial National des Troupes de Montagnes at Mont Jalla.

Above, La Bastille.

Above, Mont Saint-Eynard.

Above, Mont Rachais.

Above, lizard.

Above, view from the summit of Mont Rachais.

Above, Chamechaude.

Above, on the way down.

Above, Isère river.

Above, La Tronche cemetery.

Above, back at La Bastille.

Above, Schuss, the first Olympic mascot, designed for the 1968 Grenoble winter Olympics.

Above, aboard the bubble, on the way to the city.

Above, at the cable car station in Grenoble.