In Les Échelles, the Voie Royale follows an 8.6 km round-trip route with approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes of walking time and 213 metres of elevation gain, leading from Rivièr'Alp to the historic grotto site of Saint Christophe. The route includes six historic stations and can be completed on foot or by bicycle.
Trails and nature
In the vicinity of Les Échelles, the Voie Sarde can be explored on foot and free of charge as a 1.5-hour round trip. In the vicinity of Les Échelles, Saint-Christophe-la-Grotte offers guided tours of the grottos and the Voie Sarde.
Rivièr'Alp is a nature and leisure area in a nature park covering more than 7 hectares.
Culture and history
The village of Les Échelles was built on the site of a former Roman settlement. The former Commanderie des Échelles has been listed as a historic monument (Monument historique) since 1930. The present-day building was completed in 1632 under the major influence of Commander Dandelot de Groslée, a representative of the Order of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem.
The “Sur les pas de Béatrice de Savoie” route leads from the Commanderie to the panoramic viewpoint at the Chapelle de la Madeleine.
Water and discoveries
“Le secret des hydromachines” is a treasure hunt featuring six challenges in which visitors discover mechanisms activated by water. The themed trail focuses on water as a driving force; along the route, dams, valves and channels accompany visitors.
The Maison du Guiers can be visited daily and free of charge. It houses a free scenographic exhibition area dedicated to the Guiers, as well as the 3D centre of the Chartreuse Regional Nature Park.
Renting a holiday apartment in Les Échelles can be part of your own holiday planning.
Other destinations for planning your own trip: Méribel-Village, Flumet, Saint-Nicolas-La-Chapelle, Orelle, Demi-Quartier, Fontcouverte-La-Toussuire, Saint-Pancrace, Pralognan-La-Vanoise.
