Aire de Plateau-des-Petites-Roches
Adresse
Équipements et services
Description
Tourisme
Plateau-des-Petites-Roches (Isère, France)
The Plateau-des-Petites-Roches overlooks the Grésivaudan valley, east of Grenoble. Perched between the Chartreuse and Belledonne massifs, it features limestone cliffs and viewpoints open to the mountains. The landscape alternates beech forests and alpine meadows, with villages clinging to the edge of the plateau. It is a popular place for hiking, free flying and nature getaways close to the Grenoble metropolitan area.
Heritage and history
The plateau retains traces of use related to long-term care in the early 20th century: several old buildings bear witness to this period of high-altitude sanitaria. Rural paths and hamlets preserve a simple vernacular architecture in local stone. Local history is also that of a grazing and transhumance area between the plain and the mountain pastures.
Nature and landscapes
The cliffs offer clear panoramas of the Belledonne range, the Grésivaudan valley and, in clear weather, the ridges of the Chartreuse. Beech and fir forests alternate with high-altitude grasslands. A discreet mountain fauna and flora adapted to calcareous soils can be observed.
Outdoor activities
The plateau is accessible on foot or via winding roads from the valley, and offers numerous hiking and mountain-biking routes. The site is known for paragliding: the take-offs provide access to flights facing the massifs. Hikers appreciate the balcony trails and viewpoints over the valley.
Not to be missed
- Saint‑Hilaire‑du‑Touvet: village providing access to the plateau and a starting point for walks.
- Viewpoints on Belledonne: panoramas of the range and the Grésivaudan valley.
- Plateau trails: hiking loops suitable for all levels.
- Paragliding take-offs: free-flight experience above the valley.
- Forests and pastures: peaceful walks and observation of mountain flora.
