L'Écoutoux

L'Écoutoux is a mountain peak in the Chartreuse range standing at around 1,406 meters, offering views toward the Belledonne massif and neighboring peaks. The summit has a gentle shape with distinctive limestone features that mark its terrain.

The peak is part of the Chartreuse range, a geological formation shaped over millions of years by Alpine uplift and folding. Its structure reflects the natural forces that have molded the entire massif through time.

The name comes from an old word meaning slope, reflecting how locals have long viewed this peak as a natural vantage point. The surrounding villages still use this spot as a reference for reading the landscape.

The hike starts from Sappey-en-Chartreuse and follows marked trails through forest before reaching more open terrain near the peak. The round trip takes several hours and suits hikers with moderate fitness who are comfortable with steady climbing.

The peak displays lapiaz formations, a limestone landscape carved with sharp fissures and grooves created by natural water dissolution over centuries. This geological feature is one of the most visible characteristics of the summit area and stands out distinctly from the surrounding terrain.