Base camp · Fond de France, 1070 m
Hiking, trail running and skiing in Belledonne, from the gîte door
Set off on foot for the lakes, huts and summits. Come back to recharge: a wood-fired sauna, a yoga class, a concert under the lime trees.
No need for the car
Hikes from the gîte
Four outings that leave la Martinette on foot and come back to it. Times are a guide, for a regular walker, breaks not included. Ask us about trail conditions and the weather before you set off.
The short loop
The Pissou waterfall
A short loop by the waterfall and the hamlet of Fond de France, for families or on the evening you arrive.
- 3.5 km
- 1 h 30
- + 170 m
- GPX track
Half a day
The Combe Madame hut
There and back among the summits of Belledonne, up to the hut at 1,784 m.
- 9 km
- 4 h
- + 680 m
- GPX track
A full day
The Sept-Laux lakes and hut
A loop by the Pissou waterfall up to the lakes plateau and the hut, at 2,135 m.
- 13.8 km
- 6 h 30
- + 1,075 m
- GPX track
A full day
Le Grand Rocher, 1,926 m
A long forest loop up to the viewpoint over Belledonne, returning by Pont Barrau.
- 19 km
- 7 h 30
- + 970 m
- GPX track
White dot: the start, at the gîte. GPX tracks load into your hiking app.
Trail running
On the Échappée Belle course
Every year in late August, the Échappée Belle crosses the whole Belledonne massif, and the Skyrace du Rocher Blanc starts and finishes in Fond de France. All year round, trail runners come here to scout the course, link the passes or run part of the GR738.
To recover: a hot shower, a proper meal, the sauna, and a bed a stone’s throw from the trails.
| L’Intégrale, Vizille → Aiguebelle | 150 km · + 11,200 m |
| La Traversée Nord, Allevard → Aiguebelle | 96 km · + 7,200 m |
| Skyrace du Rocher Blanc, start and finish in Fond de France | 21 km · + 2,000 m |
Winter
Skiing, skins and snowshoes
Les Sept-Laux ski resort, on the Le Pleynet side, is about ten minutes away by car. During school holidays, a shuttle goes up to the resort. From the gîte, you can set off ski touring towards the Combe Madame valley and Le Rocher Blanc, or snowshoeing in the forest.
- Alpine skiing at Le Pleynet, ≈ 10 min
- Shuttle during the holidays
- Ski touring
- Snowshoeing
- Sled dogs
A ski room awaits you at the gîte.
At the gîte
Recharge before setting off again
The sauna, yoga and concerts are open to everyone, not only to those staying here.
Sauna
A wood-fired sauna
It takes an hour to heat: book so you don’t have to wait. €15 per person for up to four, then €60 a session for five or six.
- €15 per person · €60 for 5 or 6
- By reservation
Yoga
Yoga with Lucie
A class every Tuesday. Courses several times a year, announced two to three months ahead. And sessions on request from three people, even if you aren’t staying at the gîte.
- €15 a class
- On Tuesdays
Concerts
Under the lime trees
In summer, musicians play on the terrace, with a hat passed round. The programme is announced on our social media.
- Pay what you like
- In summer
20 and 21 March 2027
Lamart Festival
Two days of varied activities at the gîte, for families, at the end of winter. The programme is coming soon.
Nearby
And more
For guided outings, we work with Cœur de Belledonne, who organise mountain trips all year round. Ask us and we’ll put you in touch.
- Climbing
The Biassus rock, 20 minutes away - Mountain biking
A ride towards the Crêt du Poulet - Fishing
At Fond de France lake, 10 minutes away - Paragliding
Fly at Allevard, at the foot of Belledonne, 20 minutes from the gîte - Sled dogs
Le Clos de la Vallée Blanche, in the Haut-Bréda: 25 dogs, all year round - Treetop adventure
7 Laux Aventure at Le Pleynet: four courses, from beginner to experienced - Forges et Moulins
The Pinsot museum: water-powered demonstrations, the life of farmer-workers - Massage and sophrology
Fabienne Hélip, at Le Pleynet and by Fond de France lake, by appointment - Alpine skiing
Les Sept-Laux resort, Le Pleynet side, 10 minutes away
On the GR738?
Overnight stop, supplies and picnics for the Belledonne traverse.
Staying at the gîte
Rooms and dormitories, with half board.