Cirque de Saint-Même
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Cirque de Saint-Même

4.7
·2k reviews·Saint-Pierre-d'Entremont, France

A magical natural amphitheater in the Chartreuse massif, famed for its spectacular waterfalls and accessible hiking trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Cirque de Saint-Même

Cirque de Saint-Même

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magical natural amphitheater in the Chartreuse massif, famed for its spectacular waterfalls and accessible hiking trails.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Incredible place. Can be a tough hike in places but well worth the effort."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Sturdy Shoes

Good hiking shoes are essential, especially for the red trail. :athletic_shoe:

Bring Cash for Parking

Parking fee is around 3.5 euros and may require cash payment. :euro:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Waterfalls

Spectacular Waterfalls

Throughout the Cirque

Witness breathtaking cascades tumbling down imposing cliffs, a truly magical sight.

TikTok+1
Family Picnic Area

Family Picnic Area

By the river

Enjoy a scenic picnic spot with brooks for kids to play and build dams.

Reddit
The Red Trail

The Red Trail

Challenging route

For the adventurous, this trail offers stunning views but requires fitness and good shoes.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Choose Your Trail Wisely

The Cirque de Saint-Même offers varied hiking paths. While some are easy and family-friendly, others are more challenging and require good footwear and a head for heights. Research the trails beforehand to match your fitness level and desired experience. TikTokReddit

Parking and Fees

Parking is available at the Cirque de Saint-Même, and it's often free. However, be prepared for a small parking fee of around 3.5 euros, which may need to be paid in cash. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cirque de Saint-Même Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont (73670) France 🇫🇷 🅿️ Parking du Cirque de Saint-Même (Gratuit) 🥾 2,8km (boucle) ⏱️ 1h15 📈 +220m ‼️ Modérée Le cirque de Saint-Même est un site naturel enchanteur niché au cœur du massif de la Chartreuse. Entouré de falaises imposantes, ce lieu magique se distingue par ses cascades spectaculaires et ses forêts verdoyantes. Entre sentiers de randonnée,...
@petit.coin.de.france
14K likes • 301.6K views

Wear Sturdy Shoes

Good hiking shoes are essential, especially for the red trail. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Bring Cash for Parking

Parking fee is around 3.5 euros and may require cash payment. Reddit :euro:

🏔️✨ Randonnée au Cirque de Saint-Même ✨🏔️ Si tu cherches une rando facile avec des paysages à couper le souffle 🌿💦, le Cirque de Saint-Même est une pépite à découvrir ! 📍 Infos pratiques : ✅ Parking gratuit et facile d’accès 🚗 ✅ Boucle d’environ 1h 🥾 ✅ Niveau facile, accessible à tous 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 🛤️ Quel côté choisir ? 🔹 Par la gauche : montée un peu plus raide au début ⛰️, mais la vue est magique dès...
@laurineadri
6.9K likes • 113K views
Cirque de Saint-Même Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont (73670) France 🇫🇷 🅿️ Parking du Cirque de Saint-Même (Gratuit hors été) 🥾 2,8km (boucle) ⏱️ 1h15 📈 +220m ‼️ Modérée Le cirque de Saint-Même est un site naturel enchanteur niché au cœur du massif de la Chartreuse. Entouré de falaises imposantes, ce lieu magique se distingue par ses cascades spectaculaires et ses forêts verdoyantes. Entre sentiers de...
petit.coin.de.france
22.4K likes • 1.4M views

Easy Family Hikes

Many trails are suitable for young children, especially with carriers. Reddit :familywomanwomanboyboy:

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal by the river with scenic views. Reddit :sandwich:

La fameuse cascade du cirque de saint même #moutains #nature #hiking #alpes #drone
vue_d_en_haut_73
0 likes • 380 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Sturdy Shoes

Good hiking shoes are essential, especially for the red trail. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Bring Cash for Parking

Parking fee is around 3.5 euros and may require cash payment. Reddit :euro:

Easy Family Hikes

Many trails are suitable for young children, especially with carriers. Reddit :familywomanwomanboyboy:

Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal by the river with scenic views. Reddit :sandwich:

Check Trail Difficulty

Choose a hike that matches your fitness level for an enjoyable experience. TikTok :hiking_boot:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Cirque de Saint-Même's stunning waterfalls and natural beauty, calling it an incredible and magical place. It's highly recommended for families, with easy trails and a lovely picnic area by the river. Some note that certain trails can be challenging and require good footwear.

"Incredible place. Can be a tough hike in places but well worth the effort."

Gary Dadge

"Great waterfalls. We absolutely loved coming here. We brought our 3 and 0 old kids in the carriers as even the easiest one wasnt that easy but nevertheless loved it. There is a lovely scenic area for a picknick by the river where the kids can build dams in the river bed. Will definitely have to come back"

Suzan Rowlands

"Had a nice climb up to a waterfall. 30 minutes from parking and doable with our 3 and 4 year old."

R. Jansen

What People Like

Incredible waterfalls
Family-friendly trails
Scenic picnic area

What People Dislike

Challenging trails
Parking fee (cash)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cirque de Saint-Même is conveniently located about 2 hours from Lyon and 1 hour from Grenoble by car. TikTok The most common access point is via the Parking du Cirque de Saint-Même, which is often free. TikTok+1

Information on public transport options is limited, and driving is generally the recommended method of access. TikTok

There is a dedicated parking area, the Parking du Cirque de Saint-Même, which is usually free. TikTok+1 However, some visitors have noted a small parking fee of around 3.5 euros, payable in cash. Reddit

The travel time is approximately 1 hour from Grenoble and 2 hours from Lyon. TikTok

Roads leading to the Cirque are generally well-maintained, but it's always advisable to check local conditions, especially during winter months. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Cirque de Saint-Même itself is free. TikTok+1 The only potential cost is for parking, which is a small fee and not an admission ticket. Reddit

As a natural site, the Cirque is accessible at all times. However, hiking and enjoying the scenery are best done during daylight hours. TikTok

No, the hiking trails within the Cirque de Saint-Même are free to access. TikTok+1

While not explicitly mentioned, local tourist offices might offer guided tours, especially during peak season. It's best to check with regional tourism providers. TikTok

As a natural park, visitors are expected to respect the environment and stay on marked trails. TikTok+1

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

Popular trails include a 2.8km loop taking about 1 hour 15 minutes with a moderate ascent of +220m. TikTok There's also an easier loop of about 1 hour. TikTok For the more adventurous, the 'red trail' offers stunning views but requires good fitness and footwear. Reddit

Yes, many visitors bring young children, even in carriers, as some trails are easy and accessible. TikTokReddit There's a lovely picnic area by the river where kids can play. Reddit

Expect a magical natural site surrounded by imposing cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, and lush greenery. TikTok+1

A loop hike can take around 1 to 1.5 hours, but you might want to spend more time enjoying the picnic area or exploring different viewpoints. TikTok+1

Bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, snacks, and a picnic. If you plan to hike the red trail, ensure you have good grip and are not afraid of heights. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The spectacular waterfalls are a prime subject for photography. TikTok+1 Look for vantage points along the hiking trails, especially the red trail for dramatic perspectives. Reddit The surrounding cliffs and lush vegetation also offer beautiful photographic opportunities. TikTok

Morning light often provides the best conditions for capturing the beauty of the waterfalls and the landscape. TikTok

While a good camera will enhance your photos, a smartphone is perfectly capable of capturing the stunning scenery. TikTok+1

Beyond the waterfalls, keep an eye out for the unique rock formations and the interplay of light and shadow on the cliffs. TikTok

Many visitors recommend capturing the scale of the waterfalls by including elements like trees or people in the frame. TikTok+1 Experiment with different angles to showcase the dramatic landscape. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cirque de Saint-Même is a wonderful choice for families. Opt for the easy, shorter loop trails that are manageable even for little ones, or use carriers for younger children. TikTokReddit The riverside picnic area is a highlight, offering a safe and fun space for kids to play in the water and build dams. Reddit It's a great spot for a relaxed day trip where everyone can enjoy nature. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love to hike, the Cirque de Saint-Même offers rewarding trails. The moderate 2.8km loop provides a good workout with beautiful waterfall views. TikTok+1 If you're seeking a challenge and have good fitness and footwear, the 'red trail' promises breathtaking vistas and an exhilarating experience. Reddit Remember to wear appropriate gear and be prepared for varying terrain. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The dramatic waterfalls and imposing cliffs of the Cirque de Saint-Même are a photographer's dream. Capture the spectacular cascades from various viewpoints along the trails. TikTok+1 The 'red trail' offers unique perspectives for dramatic shots, but be mindful of safety. Reddit Morning light is ideal for capturing the best of the scenery. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Hiking Trails and Difficulty

The Cirque de Saint-Même is a hiker's paradise, offering a range of trails to suit different abilities. A popular option is a 2.8km loop that takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a moderate elevation gain of about 220 meters. TikTok This trail is often described as moderate and is suitable for both beginners and more experienced hikers. TikTok Another accessible option is a shorter loop, around 1 hour in duration, which is considered easy and perfect for families. TikTok

For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the 'red trail' is highly recommended. This route is not for the faint of heart, requiring good physical condition, a strong pair of hiking boots, and a tolerance for heights. Reddit The rewards, however, are spectacular panoramic views of the waterfalls and the surrounding Chartreuse massif. Reddit It's always wise to check trail conditions and choose a path that aligns with your comfort level and experience. TikTok

Family Fun and Picnics

The Cirque de Saint-Même is a fantastic destination for families, offering a blend of natural beauty and child-friendly activities. Many visitors have successfully brought young children, even infants in carriers, to enjoy the accessible trails. TikTokReddit The presence of a lovely scenic picnic area by the river is a major draw for families. Reddit Here, children can delight in playing in the shallow brooks, building small dams, and exploring the natural surroundings. Reddit

This makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed day out, combining a gentle hike with a pleasant picnic lunch. The combination of easy trails and engaging natural play areas ensures that even the youngest visitors can have a memorable experience. Reddit Remember to pack accordingly for a comfortable family outing. Reddit

The Legend of the Chartreuse Elixir

While the primary draw of the Cirque de Saint-Même is its natural splendor, there's a playful nod to local legends. One TikTok video humorously suggests the Cirque might be the 'guardian of the legendary recipe for the Chartreuse elixir.' TikTok The Chartreuse liqueur is a famous herbal spirit produced by Carthusian monks in the Chartreuse Mountains, the very region where the Cirque is located. TikTok

This connection, though lighthearted, adds a touch of mystique to the already enchanting landscape. It’s a fun anecdote that travelers might encounter, linking the natural beauty of the Cirque to the rich history and traditions of the Chartreuse region. TikTok

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