Latest news

Where is St.Ismier?

Places of interest

Schools & Colleges

Clubs and Organisations

Photo Gallery

Membership & Downloads

Home

Contact us

>>>

<<<

 

paraglider
Paraglider in St Hilaire du Touvet

 

Le Plateau des Roches  

 
La Dent de Crolles

 

 

Things to do and see around St Ismier
Behind St Ismier is the Massif de la Chartreuse which offers lots of leisure activities including, amongst the most exciting, skiing (Nordic and alpine, and all the various winter sports in between), paragliding and hand gliding, rock climbing and via ferrata. More sedate alternative include rambling and visiting sites of interest which abound in the area. There is also ample opportunity for photography, bird watching and general sight-seeing. Visitors can enjoy true French gastronomic treats at the many hotels and restaurants in the area, and, for those who prefer a more urban life-style, Grenoble is only a very short distance away. Here, museums, art galleries and theatres can be found, and a visit must be made to the Citadel above the city, where the magnificent mountain scenery can be fully appreciated.



 

Massif de la Belledonne

St Hilaire du Touvet
Situated a few minutes’ drive from St Ismier, on the “Plateau des Roches”, the village of St Hilaire du Touvet is the capital of “Vol Libre” where paragliders and hand-gliders compete each year in the world famous “Coupe Icare” competition. This is held every September, when people come from all over the world to take part. They disguise their paragliders as 2CVs, dragons, etc., and try and make them fly! The village is ideally situated for the practice of both sports.
St Hilaire is also famous for its funicular/cable-car built in 1924 which was originally used for transporting construction materials and workers building new treatment centres. Hang-gliders, paragliders and tourists all now use the cable-car which takes 20 minutes for the 800m/1.5km ascent and holds the Europe record for inclination (83%). The journey offers marvelous views on the Massif de la Belledonne and the vallée du Grésivaudan.