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Parc naturel régional de Chartreuse
The Chartreuse Regional Nature Park was created on 6 May 1995 and its charter was renewed in 2008. It extends over Isère and Savoie, in the area bounded by Chambéry, Voiron and Grenoble. Its area was 767.7 km²; after the charter renewal in 2023, it reaches 865 km² for 74 member communes.
Forest covers about 60% of the territory. The park includes four nature reserves and several protected sites, including the Saint-Christophe caves and the Charmant Som. Among the summits are Chamechaude and the Charmant Som. There are notably black grouse, red deer and foxes, and wetlands shelter the little bittern, a small heron threatened in mainland France.
Cultural heritage includes the monastery of La Grande Chartreuse, at Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, medieval fortifications and industrial sites, such as the Chartreuse liqueur cellars. The contrasted relief and abundant water favour abundant vegetation.
