Breathtaking Views, Hikes, and Staying Active While Studying Abroad
Running, hiking, and staying active have long been a large part of my identity, and my study abroad program in Grenoble has allowed this love to flourish. Grenoble is known as the capital of the Alps, and it did not take long to understand why. On my first bus ride into the city, it was quite hard to miss the majestic mountain peaks towering over and surrounding the city.
Summitting le Croix de Belledonne (2926m) on a beautiful sunny day. It was an amazing experience and I met some great people along the way.
Sitting on a rock for a minute to admire these beautiful blue alpine lakes. This was in the Belledonne range on my way down from le Croix de Belledonne.
In just the first two weeks of arriving, I have explored numerous hikes in Grenoble and will be sharing at least the views with you. I run track in college, which is also a facet of my identity and social life. However, running in a circle on a flat track just is not the same as running/hiking in the mountains. I’m still striving to ascertain exactly why the idea of hiking from point A to B across mountains and back remains so enticing to me. Either way, there is something about embarking on this journey, even if alone, that allows me to not only be active and experience nature but also leave the experience with a new perspective.
Our group on the Bastille viewing platform during orientation. Unfortunately, it started to rain, but the views are still worth getting wet. We took the telepherique (cable car) up.
Another trip up the Bastille for sunset. It is about a 45-minute hike from our apartment, and you travel through the old fort for portions of the hike.
Especially when viewing a towering mountain peak from below, and after physical exhaustion, gaining the reward of a beautiful, breathtaking view at the top. So much so that I have recently been planning some of my weekend trips to go running and hiking in different mountain ranges across Europe and here in Grenoble.
Once at the Bastille, you can continue your hike higher into the mountains to Mount Rachais. Along the way, you will see the ruins at Mount Jalla (700m) and then this stunning view of the city.
Summitting Chamechaude (2082m), the highest peak in the Chartreuse mountain range. The challenge of this hike was well worth the epic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and towns. I ran here from Grenoble; however, it is easily accessible by taking a bus from Grenoble to Col de Porte.
In the United States, I live in an area with no large mountains, where it’s relatively flat. Grenoble has accelerated my love for hiking and trail running as it is surrounded by three mountain ranges, not to mention being very close to the French Alps: the Chartreuse to the north, the Vercors to the west, and the Belledonne to the east. I have done hikes in all three of these ranges; however, I have yet to summit any of the peaks in the Vercors. I also made a goal for myself of summitting the tallest peaks in these three ranges, and I only have one left.
A group of cows resting in a grassy field in front of Chamechaude. Chamechaude and many of the peaks in the Chartreuse have this distinct, steep, rocky appearance.
Walking out of my apartment door and being able to run up a mountain is such an amazing feeling. After experiencing this, I definitely want to live somewhere after college where I can continue this experience. I believe this experience grounds me and reminds me of how truly small I am in this large world, but still, how much of an impact I can have.
The view at sunset from halfway up Le Neron, a steep peak in the Chartreuse, very close to the city. Unfortunately, it is a very steep and technical hike, so I would not recommend it without proper gear and experience.
Grenoble’s two rivers, the Drac and Isere, run through the city and offer flat running and biking paths along them. Many people use these paths for runs or commutes, and they offer stunning views of the rivers and surrounding mountains.
I have also met numerous people, some of whom I am now blessed to call friends, out on these trails. Everyone on these trails embarks on their own unique journey, but we are united in our appreciation for sport and nature. Meeting unique people from all different backgrounds and exciting stories to tell has inspired me to write a book about my experience abroad and the people I will meet along the way.
I am extremely excited to continue enjoying everything Grenoble has to offer, especially its hikes and breathtaking views!
This Post was written by Alec Miner, a CEA CAPA Content Creator from Lafayette College, who studied abroad in Grenoble, France.
