0 m500 m1,000 m1,500 m2,000 m2,500 m3,000 m0 km20 km40 km60 km80 km100 km120 km1234567891011High point 2,536 m
Elevation profile: from 280 m to 2,529 m over 128.9 km.
The GR738 at a glance
The GR738, or Haute Traversée de Belledonne, runs from north to south along the Belledonne range, between the Maurienne and the Grésivaudan. It starts from Aiguebelle, in Savoie, and ends in Vizille, in Isère, at the foot of the château. Local stakeholders present it as the “shepherds’ path”: it links the alpine pastures, refuges and high-altitude lakes of a range that overlooks Grenoble but is little crossed by roads.
The route mostly stays high. It alternates between ridges, rocky passes, boulder fields, such as those of the Col de la Vache and the Brèche de Roche Fendue, and pasture valleys where the flocks spend the summer watched over by shepherds and livestock guardian dogs. In particular, it crosses the Sept Laux area and its lakes, then Chamrousse, before the long final descent to Vizille.
Often described as one of the most demanding GRs in the French Alps, the GR738 involves big climbs and descents every day on stony terrain, with accommodation spaced far apart. It is for experienced hikers, at ease on steep paths and able to be self-sufficient. The traverse can also be done in sections, thanks to public transport access at Aiguebelle, around Allevard, at Chamrousse and at Vizille.
Highlights
A complete, wild traverse of the Belledonne range, far from the roads.
A pastoral route that introduces you to life in the alpine pastures and among shepherds in summer.
Many high-altitude lakes, including those of the Sept Laux area.
Wide views over the neighboring massifs from the ridges and passes.
Small, friendly refuges and alpine gîtes, supplemented by bivouac areas and sites.
Gateways served by train or coach, handy for doing the traverse in sections.
Practical information
Start
Aiguebelle
Aiguebelle (municipality of Val-d’Arc) has a station served by TER trains on the Maurienne line, from Chambéry. The Haute Traversée de Belledonne website offers Aiguebelle–Vizille schedule sheets, to be checked with SNCF.
Finish
Vizille
Vizille is linked to Grenoble by several regular coach lines. To leave a car in Vizille for more than three days, you need to apply to the municipal police for extended parking.
When to go
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
The Isère tourism agency gives the route as walkable from mid-June to mid-September, weather permitting. Early in the season, ask the refuges about snow on the high sections; at the end of the summer, some springs may have dried up.
Difficulty
Very hard
Very demanding: big height gains and losses every day, rocky terrain and boulder fields (Col de la Vache, Brèche de Roche Fendue), accommodation spaced far apart and few options for retreating to the valley.
Accommodation
8 refuges, 2 gîtes, 26 unstaffed huts, and 2 B&Bs
Refuges and alpine gîtes line the route (Habert d’Aiguebelle, la Pierre du Carre, l’Oule, la Martinette, les Sept Laux, Jean Collet, la Pra…), supplemented by a few unstaffed refuges and bivouac sites. Capacity is limited: book every night in advance and check the dates when they are staffed.
Rules to know
Bivouacking is tolerated over most of the range, but not everywhere: avoid private property, the vicinity of flocks and their guardian dogs, sensitive natural areas and helicopter landing zones, and ask the wardens and shepherds for advice. Fires are forbidden in southern Belledonne, from the Grand Colon to the Arselle, and from June 15 to September 15 within 200 m of woods and forests; stoves are still allowed. Dogs are tolerated but strongly discouraged because of the guardian dogs: they must be kept on a leash, and only taken to refuges that accept them.
Water and supplies
Most refuges have a water point, but the flow from springs varies and some dry up at the end of the dry season: keep a reserve and purification tablets for stream water. Shops are rare along the route; Chamrousse, towards the end, is one of the few places where you can easily stock up.
The GR738 on the map
The 11 stages
TrekGR stage plan: each stage ends where you can sleep. Actual walking time excluding breaks (DIN 33466 standard).
No current alerts for this GR (checked on November 12, 2026). All live updates →
Our advice
Book all your nights before setting off, as refuges and alpine gîtes have few places.
Before setting off, check on the official websites that no section is temporarily closed by municipal order.
Bring poles, a headlamp and a reserve of water for the long rocky sections.
When approaching a flock, give it a wide berth and stay calm around the guardian dogs.
If the full traverse seems too long, choose the northern, central or southern part, each accessible by public transport.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the GR738 start and finish?
It starts from Aiguebelle, in Savoie (municipality of Val-d’Arc), and ends in Vizille, in Isère, at the Place du Château. It is usually walked from north to south.
Is the GR738 difficult?
Yes. It is a very strenuous mountain route, with big daily height gains and losses, boulder fields and accommodation spaced far apart. It requires solid experience of mountain hiking.
Can you bivouac on the GR738?
Yes, bivouacking is tolerated over most of the range, as long as you avoid flocks, private property and sensitive areas. The Haute Traversée de Belledonne website sets out good practice and the rules on fires.
Can you walk the GR738 with a dog?
Dogs are tolerated but strongly discouraged, as many flocks are guarded by livestock guardian dogs. If you bring yours, keep it on a leash and check with each refuge that it is accepted.
How do you get to the GR738 by public transport?
Aiguebelle has a station on the Maurienne line, and Vizille is linked to Grenoble by coach. Coaches also serve Allevard, Prapoutel-les 7 Laux and Chamrousse, some only in summer: see the Eco-mobility page.
When is the best time for the GR738?
High summer, from July to early September, when the refuges are staffed. The route is said to be walkable from mid-June to mid-September, depending on the weather.
Route: OpenStreetMap contributors. Elevation: IGN’s RGE ALTI®, one point every 50 m. Text checked on November 10, 2026.
