Discover Saint-Pierre d'Allevard through its trails and industrial history: A circular route runs around the Bassin du Flumet, while other trails take you through forest ecosystems, mining relics and views of the Belledonne Massif. The routes vary considerably in length and difficulty. You can plan your stay according to whether you are looking for a short loop, a trail with historical traces or a longer hike.

Choose hiking trails by distance and time

The Sentier découverte arboretum is a circular route about 1.125 kilometres long. Allow 40 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes to walk it. It is accessible to a wide range of visitors and has been developed and secured; check the route and timing information locally before setting out. Along the way, the trail passes through different forest ecosystems and reveals remnants of a major metallurgical site in the historic municipality of Saint-Pierre d'Allevard. A remnant of an inclined ore transport track can also be seen there. Ore was transported along it from the mines to the furnaces.

Another loop goes around the Bassin du Flumet: The 3.5-kilometre route can be walked or run. Swimming and water sports are prohibited there. Check local notices before your visit. The La Chapelle Saint Christophe route is a much longer and difficult hike: The circular trail is 8.4 kilometres long and takes about three hours. It starts at the church of Saint-Pierre d'Allevard and passes through the local heritage and landscapes of the Belledonne Massif. Plan this hike only in favourable weather.

The trail reaches the hamlet of La Chapelle Saint-Christophe, where there is a remarkable view of the Bassin du Flumet. Visibility depends on the weather. The different routes give you practical guidance for planning your day: The Sentier découverte arboretum offers a short distance and a focus on forest and industrial history, while La Chapelle Saint Christophe involves a longer walking time, greater difficulty and a viewpoint.

Bassin du Flumet: Circular route and birdlife

The Bassin du Flumet is classified as a Type 1 continental ZNIEFF and is a favoured site for wintering waterbirds. Species observed there include the red-crested pochard and the common pochard; sand martins and siskins are also found along the banks. If birdwatching is one of your interests, winter is particularly relevant for this. The circular route offers a different perspective on the basin, but remains clearly separate from swimming and water sports: Both are prohibited there.

Mining and metallurgy history along the trail

The Chemin de Vaugraine also offers a glimpse into the history of iron ore mining. Classified as a PDIPR trail, it runs through the forest at an altitude of about 1,300 metres and along scenic balconies in mid-mountain terrain. Relics from the 17th to 19th centuries include roasting furnaces, gallery entrances and workers' settlements. The trail brings the exploitation of iron ore mines to life; conditions along the route may vary.

Another testimony to the past is the Four à griller des anciennes forges d'Allevard. Built around 1905, the furnace is one of the few surviving examples of its type in France and the last remaining trace of thirty years of industrial activity in Saint-Pierre d'Allevard. Together with the inclined ore transport track on the Sentier découverte arboretum, it provides a vivid glimpse into different stages of ore processing at the time—from transporting the ore to the furnaces.

A historic landmark

The church of Saint-Pierre d'Allevard adds another historical highlight to these trails. Its foundations are very old, while the nave was rebuilt in the 19th century. Those who choose the La Chapelle Saint Christophe route start the loop at this church and from there travel through local heritage and the landscape of the Belledonne Massif to the hamlet of the same name. This offers a choice of different focuses when planning your day: forest and metallurgical traces on the Sentier découverte arboretum, mining relics on the Chemin de Vaugraine, or a longer hike with views of the Bassin du Flumet. When choosing, consider the walking time and difficulty as well as the weather and visit conditions mentioned above.

Discover more destinations: Allemond, La Chapelle-Du-Bard, Morestel, Sassenage, Vaulnaveys-le-Haut, Rives, Saint-Clair-Du-Rhône, Saint-Hilaire.

For the overview of the wider region: Isere.