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GEOLOGIC HIKE
IN CHAMROUSSE
The oldest rocks in Chamrousse tell a story spanning 500 million years. Since then, climate and tectonic activity have shaped a unique landscape that humans have inhabited for thousands of years. A hike through time.
Level : AVERAGE (cliquez pour lire la description des niveaux de difficulté)
Recommended duration : FULL DAY
Recommended season : END of JUNE to SEPTEMBER
Public : HIKERS - CURIOUS ABOUT NATURE
Hike Description
During a large loop around the Croix de Chamrousse, we will take the time to explore viewpoints and outcrops to understand the geological history of the area and the influence that the terrain and soil have had on human activities.
We will examine the ground closely, comparing the different types of rock: sedimentary and igneous. We will also look further afield to try to understand the origins of the mountain ranges surrounding Grenoble: Belledonne, Chartreuse, Vercors, Écrins, and others.
The human history of each region is always linked to the qualities of the soil, the climate, and the terrain. Throughout the day, we will have the opportunity to discuss how humans have managed to make the most of this environment, which has sometimes been harsh upon them.
Throughout the hike, place names and toponymy will shed light on past uses and the worldview of our ancestors, sometimes quite poetic: the secret valley, the mountain in the sky...
Far from being an outing for specialists, this geological hike is designed to make this fascinating science accessible and tangible. It will help you navigate the technical terms and ask the questions that will allow you to interpret the landscape.