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The Rhône-Alpes - Arc Est region offers hiking trails, vineyards, museums, and spectacular panoramas.

Montagnes et Vallées - EN

Le Charmant Som, which is very easy-access with just 565 ft of elevation gain, is one of the rare peaks of the Chartreuse Mountains that is not very steep. This charming mountain has a round summit and is carpeted with soft grazing pastures. As you arrive from the Col de Porte along a little paved road (closed in the winter), the belvedere opens majestically onto the Chartreuse. Near the parking area is a small inn serving mountain-style dishes and cheeses. As you hike through the pastures, along a 30-minute walk, you'll get views over the Combe Noire and a glimpse of the Grande Chartreuse Monastery. 

A 30-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Centre Grenoble. 

**@Evpok/Wikimedia Commons**

Le Charmant Som

This great circuit takes you through the heart of the old-fashioned production of Chartreux. No fewer than 1,200 original pieces are on display. Les Caves de la Chartreuse in Voiron were home to the liqueur production process for more than 80 years. But the product dates back to at least the 17th century. The elixir contains 130 medicinal plants.  Still today, Chartreux monks carefully manage all the production steps. Enjoy a tour and a tasting, and optionally learn to prepare cocktails with this unique ingredient.

 For more information, please consult [chartreuse.fr](http://chartreuse.fr). 

A 25-minute drive from the Hotels Mercure in central Grenoble. 

**©Istock by Gettyimages**

Les Caves de la Chartreuse in Voiron

To learn everything there is to know about this surprising azure lake, the MALP, or Musée Archéologique du Lac de Paladru, is an incredible resource. Take a trip through time to the Neolithic.  This lake conceals exceptional vestiges discovered underwater. One of the first human communities of Isère lived along these shores, 2,700 years B.C. A walk around the lake is highly recommended. The path is long, so choose a portion for a half-day of hiking. It’s a magical itinerary featuring several peaks and verdant hills.

 For more information, please consult [malp.fr](http://malp.fr). 

A 35-minute drive from the Hotels Mercure in central Grenoble. 

**@CrlNvl/Wikimedia Commons**

Musée Archéologique du Lac de Paladru

Try this four-hour hike to the south of the Belledonne Mountains.  At Col du Luitel, you can see the traces left behind by glaciers, which make the slopes steep.  However, the hike around Pic de l’Œilly, at the heart of the Le Luitel Natural Reserve, poses no major difficulty. Departure from Maison de la Réserve and Lake Luitel. Follow the yellow markers. They will take you by an overlook of Lake Luitel at 4,200 ft. From there, follow the white-and-red markers of the GR 738. Further along, you’ll be able to admire the Col de la Madeleine. The hike culminates at 4,528 ft. A 30-minute drive from the Hotels Mercure in central Grenoble. 

**©Istock by Gettyimages**

Hiking around Pic de L'Oeilly

Overlooking Grenoble from the Chartreuse, the fort of Le Saint-Eynard offers an incredible view over the Belledonne Mountains and Grésivaudan Valley. Inside are the traces of the troops that were garrisoned here in the 19th century. The fort of Le St Eynard controlled the roads that cross through La Chartreuse, equipped with 25 artillery pieces and a garrison of 477 men. Winters were harsh, and summers were often scorching. Enjoy hiking trails all around this spot. 

For more information, please consult [www.fortsteynard.com](http://www.fortsteynard.com). 

A 30-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Centre Grenoble. 

**@Zairon/Wikimedia Commons**

Fort du Saint-Eynard

Char-à-bancs, coaches, buses, articulated buses, trams, trolleybuses... The entire history of public transportation is revealed in this unique museum. The collection features 40 different vehicles, and tells the story of mass transit from the 19th to the early 20th century. Don’t miss the 75-ft-long model train track! An ideal spot for kids offering a tour and the occasional ride in an antique bus or coach. 

For more information, please consult [standard216.com](http://standard216.com). 

A 20-minute drive from the Hotels Mercure in central Grenoble. 

**@Patafisik/Wikimedia Commons**

Montagnes et Vallées - EN

Fort du Saint-Eynard

Le Charmant Som

Les Caves de la Chartreuse in Voiron

Musée Archéologique du Lac de Paladru

Hiking around Pic de L'Oeilly

Histo-Bus Dauphinois