Meet the Marmots - Family Walk
Before your visit
Attention aspiring photographers and nature lovers: it's best to stay quiet — marmots are still wild animals and can be skittish. Also, please refrain from feeding them.
Watch out for downhill mountain bikers all along your walk!
Set off on an easy and charming walk to meet the marmots in a stunning mountain setting, accessible on foot or by chairlift! This trail will allow you to discover the mountain pastures and enjoy the view over the valley.
Duration: Approximately 1h30 to 2h15
Route details
Detailed Itinerary (Moderate Trail)
1. Start from the parking area
Park at the Cochettes parking lot. Take the uphill path that crosses the slope, just below the ski tow. When you reach a hairpin turn, follow it. Continue along the same path. You will pass under the ski tow again.
2. Climb to the marmots
Take the path going up to the right, toward the upper part of the resort. You'll reach a spot at the same elevation as the top of the chairlift. Take time to explore the area, you might spot some marmots! Return the same way to rejoin the main trail.
3. Toward Le Molard
Continue along the path you rejoin after coming back from the marmot viewpoint (the same trail you briefly left). The path leads you just below the summit of Le Molard.
4. Two options:
- Option A – Return to the resort:
Take the downhill path toward the resort center. You’ll soon see the first houses. The trail comes out to the right of the ski rental shop "La Case à skis". Then turn left along the road until you reach the lake. Continue along the road to the left, keeping the lake on your right. You’ll quickly arrive back at the parking area.
- Option B – Extend the walk:
Continue straight ahead on the trail.
5. Toward the Ferme des Plateaux
The path takes you under the chairlift and crosses a mountain biking trail. (Watch out for downhill bikers if the trail is open.) Keep following the trail as it enters the forest and descends toward the Ferme des Plateaux.
6. Return to the resort
Follow the path that connects to the road, then head toward the lake. Keep the lake on your right to complete the loop.
Alternative Route (with Chairlift Option)
You can take the chairlift either on the way up or down. It takes you directly to the top of the hike, perfect for enjoying the marmots' company with less effort.
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Pets welcome,
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Coach access,
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Motorhomes allowed
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Car park,
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Public WC
Opening
From 01/04 to 30/09.
Opening depending on the snow cover.
Marmots are easier to observe during spring and summer.
More details
Tips
- Find out in advance if there are any herds and livestock guardian dogs in the area.
- Bring sturdy footwear and water.
- Check the opening conditions of the mountain bike trails and the La Blache chairlift.
- And don’t forget your binoculars!
Discover more
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Bivouac caravan area of Alpe du Grand Serre
Place: Alpe Du Grand Serre
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Alpe du Grand Serre Tourist Office
Place: Alpe Du Grand Serre
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Webcam Alpe du Grand Serre - La Blache 1367m
Place: Alpe Du Grand Serre
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Webcam Alpe du Grand Serre - les Cochettes -
Place: Alpe Du Grand Serre
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Webcam Alpe Grand Serre - La Flambée - Les Bergeries 1748m -
Place: Alpe Du Grand Serre
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Playground on the lake of La Morte
Place: La Morte
Go there
Latitude : 45.027015
Longitude : 5.846492
Height : 1360
991 Rte du Désert
Le Désert
38350 Alpe Du Grand Serre
Go there
From Grenoble: accessible by bus during the school period and in winter (from Grenoble to La Mure: take line T90 or T91; then take line T93 from La Mure to reach Alpe du Grand Serre, stop "Le Pont").
Also accessible by car or motorhome (motorhome area nearby: “Aire de bivouac camping-car de l'Alpe du Grand Serre”).
From La Mure:
Accessible by bus during the school period and in winter (line T93, get off at the "Le Pont" stop).
Also accessible by car or motorhome (motorhome area nearby: “Aire de bivouac camping-car de l'Alpe du Grand Serre”).
Once you arrive at the Alpe du Grand Serre resort, continue towards the lake. At the lake, take the road that goes off to the right (from Grenoble). Then follow this road until you see a small parking lot on your left, located in front of a ski lift.
You're ready to start your walk!
Information updated on 17/07/2026
by Matheysine Tourisme
