Holiday rentals in Plateau-des-Petites-Roches

Three iconic places to discover in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet

Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet is home to a wealth of sites that embody the spirit of this plateau suspended between the valley and the sky. From the historic cable car to the breathtaking viewpoints, via one of the world’s capitals of free flight, these places tell a story of daring and discovery. Each offers a different perspective on the region and its landscapes.

1. Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet Cable Car

Since 1924, this legendary cable car has linked the Grésivaudan valley to the Chartreuse plateau, soaring above the landscape. It is one of the oldest cable cars in France still in operation, and the journey offers a timeless experience: a swaying cabin, the singing cable, and beneath your feet the valley growing ever wider with every metre of altitude. Families love this gentle yet spectacular journey, which spares them the effort of the climb whilst retaining the thrill of the ascent. At the summit, the plateau reveals its distant horizons and alpine meadows.

2. Pinet Viewpoint

This unbeatable vantage point overlooks the Grésivaudan panorama and captures the depth of the landscape at a glance: the valley stretches towards Grenoble whilst the ridges of Belledonne and the Vercors encircle the horizon. On a clear day, the view stretches for tens of kilometres, from the snow-capped peaks to the city. Photographers find the light here changing throughout the day. It is a place where stopping for just a few minutes transforms your understanding of the area.

3. Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet free flight site

Every year, the plateau welcomes hundreds of paragliders and hang-gliders who make the most of the thermal updrafts. Since 1974, the Coupe Icare has made this site the world’s largest free flight festival. Watching the colourful silhouettes spread their wings above the meadows creates a natural spectacle that no man-made attraction can replicate. Even if you don’t take part yourself, witnessing this aerial dance is a source of wonder and serenity.

Gathered on this mountain spur, these three sites paint a picture of a destination where history, nature and adventure intertwine seamlessly. A stay in Saint-Hilaire is all the more rewarding if you visit them to understand why this plateau has been attracting visitors for over a century.

The ideal time of year to book a holiday rental in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet

Each season transforms the character of Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet and offers its own unique reasons to stay in a holiday let. The best time to visit depends on what you fancy: mountain sports, summer hikes or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the Alps.

Spring sees the mountains come to life. The mountain pastures are blanketed in wildflowers, the temperatures become mild and the days grow longer. It’s the perfect time to explore the hiking trails without the summer crowds. Families appreciate this return to milder weather, which is perfect for outdoor walks and discovering the local flora.

Summer attracts visitors keen to enjoy the mountain climate. The pleasant temperatures contrast with the heat of the valleys. The alpine lakes are perfect for swimming, the long-distance hiking trails open up, and there’s a wider range of mountain activities on offer. A holiday rental offers the flexibility to organise your days at the group’s own pace, balancing relaxation with excursions.

Autumn dresses the forests in shades of red and gold. Temperatures remain mild at the start of the season before gradually cooling. It is a period of relative calm, ideal for travellers seeking tranquillity and spectacular scenery. Children and couples will find this atmosphere provides the perfect conditions for peaceful breaks away from the tourist crowds.

Winter transforms Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet into a winter sports destination. Snow blankets the mountains, whilst the ski slopes and winter activities attract thrill-seekers. A holiday rental then becomes the ideal base for families wishing to stay in comfort close to the ski lifts and local entertainment.

Renting a holiday home in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet allows you to tailor your stay to your seasonal preferences. Each season offers its own array of discoveries and mountain pleasures, ensuring that your visit will be perfectly timed.

3 activities you simply must try during your holiday in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet

Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet is a prime destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. From international festivals to mountain hikes and aerial adventures, the plateau offers activities that make for a truly memorable stay. Here are three unmissable events to discover during your holiday.

1. Take part in the Coupe Icare, the world festival of free flight

Every year, Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet hosts the Coupe Icare, one of the world’s largest gatherings of paragliders and hang-gliders. This spectacular event transforms the sky into a canvas of colours and shapes. Spectators and participants alike experience the thrill of flight together, from acrobatic displays to distance challenges. It’s a celebration of the air where a friendly atmosphere blends with sporting excellence, the perfect way to understand the passion for free flight.

Address: Le Peuil take-off site, 38660 Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet.

2. Hiking on the Chartreuse Plateau

The Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet plateau offers a variety of hiking trails, suitable for all levels. Walkers can discover open landscapes, light forests and panoramic views stretching across the Chartreuse massif. The well-signposted paths allow you to explore at your own pace, amidst the tranquillity of the forest and with views over the valleys. It’s the perfect opportunity to breathe in the fresh mountain air and encounter authentic local wildlife.

Address: Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet Plateau, 38660 Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet.

3. Tandem paragliding flight over the Grésivaudan

To experience the thrill of flight without being a pilot, tandem paragliding lets you soar above the Grésivaudan valley accompanied by an experienced instructor. Take-off is from the plateau, and the view of the surrounding mountains and the villages below makes for an unforgettable experience. It takes just a few minutes to realise why so many enthusiasts return here in search of this sense of freedom in the air.

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Our travellers’ favourite amenities when booking a holiday rental in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet

When choosing a holiday rental, the comfort of the accommodation is just as important as its location. In Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet, where winters can be harsh and summers pleasant, travellers pay particular attention to the facilities that make their stay truly enjoyable. A functional kitchen, efficient heating and well-designed spaces transform a few days or several weeks into a truly relaxing break.

• Heating: essential in the mountains, it ensures comfortable nights even in the low season and allows you to make the most of your accommodation in bad weather.
• Fully equipped kitchen: preparing your own meals offers flexibility and saves money, which is particularly appreciated by families and those on extended stays.
• Indoor relaxation area: a cosy lounge with a television or library becomes a haven when the rain sets in.
• Terrace or balcony: to enjoy the views of the Alpine landscapes and the fresh air that characterises the area.
• Private or nearby parking: essential in mountain areas where winding roads and high altitude make a car a necessity.
• Internet connection: even on holiday, staying in touch with loved ones or checking the weather forecast remains a common expectation.
• Washing machine: a major advantage for families and long stays, saving you the hassle of trips to the launderette.
• Additional heating or light air conditioning: to adjust the temperature according to the seasons and personal preferences.
• High-quality bedding: synonymous with a good night’s sleep and restorative rest after a day of activities in the mountains.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or with friends, a holiday rental in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet is all the better for having these essential amenities. They can be tailored to the number of people in your group, your budget and the type of holiday you’re planning, whether it’s active, cultural or simply relaxing.

What is the average price of a holiday rental in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet?

Prices for holiday rentals in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet vary depending on the size and standard of the accommodation. For a small studio or a one-bedroom flat, you can generally expect to pay between €50 and €90 per night. A family-sized property with three to four rooms tends to cost between €100 and €180 per night. Larger flats or characterful houses, particularly those offering high-end facilities or unobstructed views of the mountains, are priced between €180 and €280 per night.

Several factors influence these prices. Proximity to the village centre, aspect, direct access to the countryside and the presence of specific facilities (balcony, fitted kitchen, efficient heating) all play a part. The length of your stay also matters: properties often offer discounted rates for stays of a week or more, or even from as little as three or four nights. Booking a month or more in advance of your arrival usually gives you access to more favourable rates.

Seasonal factors also influence rates. Summer and school holiday periods see the highest prices, whilst autumn and spring offer greater flexibility in terms of rates. Before finalising your choice, check reviews from previous travellers: these often shed light on the true value for money. Comparing several options and booking well in advance remains the best way to secure accommodation that fits your budget.