Refine your search for walks in Vanoise
Vanoise walks
The Bellecombe Lakes and others
Visorando Member
6.37 mi
+1,417 ft
-1,398 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
This is a lovely, easy hike in the Vanoise.
It is also a lake circuit dominated by the Vanoise glaciers between the Dent Parrachée and the Grande Casse.
From Lac Blanc to the Plan du Lac refuge, the route is neither mapped nor marked.
The Col de la Vanoise
Association / Club / Walk leader
7.34 mi
+2,828 ft
-2,828 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Located in the heart of the Vanoise massif, this route is a good introduction to France's first national park and goes around the Aiguille de la Vanoise. In early summer (June), you'll easily spot ibex, marmots and maybe even chamois.
It is best to park at the Fontanettes car park above Pralognan-la-Vanoise, but you can also start from Pralognan.
Moderator's addition on 04/08/2021: Please note! For safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that you do this route in the opposite direction to the one suggested here. See the reviews at the bottom of this page.
The Lac de la Plagne
8.24 mi
+2,192 ft
-2,172 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Peisey-Nancroix (Savoie)
Lac de la Plagne is a classic day hike in the Peisey Valley. It takes you right into the heart of the Vanoise National Park in a very mountainous setting.
The normal route can be done without a map, as it is entirely on theGR®5, which is why I am suggesting a wilder route here, but also more challenging due to numerous stream crossings and some off-trail sections.
Loop of the four Aussois refuges
6.80 mi
+1,837 ft
-1,867 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Aussois (Savoie)
From the new car park at the Aussois dams, there is a fairly easy route around Lake Plan-d'Amont, which allows you to discover the four refuges in the southern part of the Vanoise National Park. You enter the heart of the park. In summer, there are many marmots and they are not shy. The landscapes are magnificent and varied, from the rhododendron bushes on the lake shore to the Labby glacier and the mineral deserts of La Fournache.
The Pointe des Fours from the Pont de la Neige
3.87 mi
+1,991 ft
-1,985 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
This is a pleasant hike where you can encounter chamois and marmots and enjoy breathtaking views of the main peaks of the Vanoise from the summit. On one side: Grande Motte, Grande Casse, Dôme de Chasseforêt, Dent Parachée, Méan Martin. On the other: Charbonnel, Albaron, Grande Chiamarella. In the background, Mont Blanc, of course.
The Col de la Vanoise via the Arcellin
8.93 mi
+3,012 ft
-3,012 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
This is a classic route in Pralognan, which takes theGR®55"motorway" on the way back. On the way there, the climb through the Cirque de l'Arcelin and Lac des Assiettes is truly superb and fairly uncrowded.
The Chalet des Nants and the balcony trail
5.85 mi
+1,886 ft
-1,857 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
An easy walk in the Vanoise that is suitable for children or as a warm-up walk at the start of your stay. The circuit allows you to discover the Cirque des Nants and the Chavière valley from the balcony trail. There is a small lake on this trail that is a nice place to stop for the children.
The Vernettes Chapel
2.96 mi
+617 ft
-614 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Peisey-Nancroix (Savoie)
The Chapelle des Vernettes is a highlight of Baroque religious art in the Tarentaise region and a must-see hike in the Peisey Valley.
Its main advantage is its accessibility, which can become a problem in the height of summer when many cars make the trip.
Lac de la Partie - Vallon de Polset
7.81 mi
+2,470 ft
-2,470 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Villarodin-Bourget (Savoie)
A good hike with an uphill route along the Povaret torrent, away from the usual trails.
The uphill trail is well marked but there are hardly any signposts.
Vallon du Fruit, Lac des Fées, Refuge du Saut and Lac de Tuéda in Méribel
8.63 mi
+1,578 ft
-1,558 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Les Allues (Savoie)
A family hike on trails in the Tuéda Nature Reserve on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. A route where you can see marmots running along the path, with a stop at Lac des Fées, ideal for a long break. Finally, pass by the Refuge du Saut and then Lac de Tuéda and its plateau.
Roc de la Lune circuit
5.90 mi
+1,936 ft
-1,919 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (Savoie)
A beautiful loop on the trails of the Belleville Valley. Between mountain pastures, forests and ridges, you will discover magnificent panoramic views that unfold throughout the route. This hike is suitable for families with young hikers. There are numerous signs along the route to guide you.
Lac du Génépy
9.35 mi
+2,956 ft
-2,956 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from Aussois (Savoie)
Circuit above Aussois between pine trees and snowfields.
Lac du Lou and Lac de Pierre Blanche
7.34 mi
+2,096 ft
-2,100 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (Savoie)
This hike explores a wild area starting from the lively resort of Les Ménuires.
There are lakes to discover, of course, but also a multitude of streams and rhododendron beds. Marmots and chamois watch over your progress.
The Moriond loop from Pralognan-la-Vanoise
4.91 mi
+2,110 ft
-2,110 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Le Moriond is a small peak located on the Aiguille de la Vanoise ridge. This summit is an easily accessible viewpoint from Pralognan, offering views of the Aiguille de la Vanoise and the Grande Casse. Marmots are never far away.
Etymology of Moriond: round mountain. Seen from Pralognan, this name is entirely justified!
La Pointe de l'Observatoire
9.67 mi
+3,238 ft
-3,238 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Aussois (Savoie)
Belle randonnée avec, au sommet de la Pointe de l'Observatoire, une vue à 360° sur la Xanoise (Pralognan, petit Mont Blanc, Peclet Polset) et plus loin le Mont Blanc lui même.
The Aiguille Percée from Tignes-le Lac
4.29 mi
+2,188 ft
-2,208 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Tignes (Savoie)
A lovely hike starting from Tignes-le Lac. Significant elevation gain, with a continuous climb to Aiguille Percée.
From the top, there is a beautiful view of the surrounding peaks. Mont Blanc can be seen if the sky is clear!
The Grand Perron des Encombres from La Saussaz
5.21 mi
+2,782 ft
-2,759 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-de-la-Porte (Savoie)
This hike takes you to the Grand Perron des Encombres, starting from La Saussaz. The access road is narrow but paved all the way to the start of the hike. The view from the summit is extraordinary. An exceptional 360° panorama with Mont Blanc dominating the scene and, above all, the near certainty of encountering ibex.
The Péclet-Polset Refuge and Lac Blanc
10.83 mi
+2,631 ft
-2,628 ft
7h 15
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
This hike offers a beautiful excursion into the Vanoise National Park, where you can discover a glacial lake and enjoy splendid views of several glaciers, the Dômes de la Vanoise and Peclet Polset.
Le Petit Mont Blanc via the Sentier des cent virages
7.61 mi
+3,425 ft
-3,425 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
A must-do hike in the commune of Pralognan-la-Vanoise. Bucolic setting, magnificent views. Grande Casse and Mont Blanc, among others.
The Refuge de Vallonbrun
3.26 mi
+1,476 ft
-1,476 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Lanslevillard (Savoie)
A half-day hike for intermediate walkers. You'll walk through different settings that offer a large range of Vanoise flora, while benefiting from an extraordinary view over the summits of Maurienne and the Ecrins national park.
The Grand Bec Refuge, and a little more
4.00 mi
+2,411 ft
-2,382 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Planay (Savoie) (Savoie)
A beautiful hike that will make you want to come back for several days.
Pic du Cheval Noir
5.05 mi
+3,130 ft
-3,133 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from Saint-François-Longchamp (Savoie)
Discover a peak with a 360° view of the Savoie mountains.
Morel waterfall
2.51 mi
+630 ft
-597 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Savoie
A short circuit allowing you to discover the Morel Waterfall and the educational trail on the history of the torrent.
The circuit follows the thematic trail in reverse, but the information panels explain the history of this torrent: the Morel devastated the Bellecombe plain for several centuries and was finally tamed at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to a dam, a large 80-metre waterfall and a series of small cascades.
Lacs Merlet
10.25 mi
+2,792 ft
-2,785 ft
7h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Bon-Tarentaise (Savoie)
Starting from Pralin, the hike to the Merlet lakes takes you to a superb, peaceful site on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, dominated by the Aiguille du Fuit.
Markings are present but not everywhere.
The Vallon from Villaron
6.07 mi
+1,962 ft
-1,959 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Bessans (Savoie)
This is a short, easy and pleasant hike, ideal for a family outing. At the start, the village of Villaron is typical and well worth a visit, and at the end, the Cirque du Vallon is very bucolic.
Along the way, you may see some wild animals (marmots, chamois, vultures, sparrowhawks, etc.).
Carro Refuge - Lacs Blanc and Noir
14.25 mi
+1,890 ft
-4,075 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
A balcony route with beautiful views of the glaciers, passing by the small Lac du Pys and then the Refuge du Carro. Don't miss the Lacs Noir and Blanc, where you can recharge your batteries before descending to the traditional hamlet of L'Écot and then Bonneval-sur-Arc.
The Pointe du Cuchet circular
2.89 mi
+1,037 ft
-1,010 ft
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Fontaine-le-Puits (Savoie)
A short family hike to discover a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Belleville Valley. There are two other beautiful viewpoints with orientation tables, as well as the Coche reservoir. This well-marked circular trail is a discovery trail dotted with information panels and quizzes on mountain flora and fauna. At the summit, you can enjoy two orientation tables and a well-equipped area, as well as a small notebook where you can leave a few words.
Lac des Assiettes, Lac des Vaches, Lac Long and Lac de la Patinoire
9.39 mi
+3,888 ft
-3,888 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Several descriptions on Visorando already pass through the Col de la Vanoise. This one offers an itinerary that strays from the beaten track, seeking out wild and little-used passages.
Whether on well-trodden paths or not, the scenery is spectacular throughout.
Morel route starting from La Lèchère
4.76 mi
+850 ft
-837 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
A route starting from the Thermes de la Léchère-les-Bains on a pretty path along the Isère river and up the banks of the Torrent du Morel with its waterfalls, once the scourge of the Aigueblanches valleys, now tamed by humans who have turned it into a peaceful mountain stream. After crossing the village of Saint-Oyen and returning with a view of the valley, you will reach the Thermes de la Léchère spa.
The Pointe Ariande tour
8.38 mi
+2,825 ft
-2,825 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
A walk that deviates from the balcony path, with a section off-trail, but no risk of getting lost.
The ridges of Mont Charvet via the Col de la Grande Pierre
8.10 mi
+3,320 ft
-3,320 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Another classic route from Pralognan with the very distinctive ridges of Mont Charvet. Magnificent views both towards Pralognan and its glacial domes and towards Courchevel. The path is exposed, sometimes narrow, and should not be used in wet weather. Schist peaks and dissolution cones dot this long ridge trail. Easy return via the mountain pastures.
The Montaimont Meadow
6.50 mi
+1,916 ft
-1,916 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Montaimont (Savoie)
The Prairie de Montaimont is a vast, easy area that is ideal for snowshoeing. This route quickly offers magnificent panoramic views (Belledonne, Cheval Noir, the Col de la Madeleine, the Maurienne Massif, the Aiguilles d'Arves in the distance, etc.).
Napremont
4.63 mi
+2,523 ft
-2,520 ft
4h 20
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Beautiful promontory facing Pralognan, with stunning views of the entire area, including the Portetta breach and the Aiguille d'Août, which dominate the route. Unfortunately, this is now a round trip since the path (still shown on the map) through the Bois de Chollière is closed. (2008, order renewed every year since then, given the danger).
Lake Etroit
4.29 mi
+2,661 ft
-2,661 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Peisey-Nancroix (Savoie)
Another classic in the Peisey valley, with a bird's eye view of the village and a beautiful panorama of Mont Pourri. The route is steep and somewhat exposed, but it is possible to make a round trip via the descent route.
Lac de la Patinoire
6.07 mi
+2,625 ft
-2,625 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
A very pleasant hike with a vast panorama from the Rosset Pass opening onto the Grande Casse and the Vanoise glaciers. The final point of the climb is the lake and its feeding glacier, which you will discover in the last few steps.
See § practical information
L'Ouille Noire depuis le Col de l'Iseran
4.50 mi
+2,175 ft
-2,205 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
Courte randonnée pour accéder à un 3000 m, assez facile en l'absence de neige (comme pour sa voisine l'Aiguille Pers), et dans un environnement très vite minéral. Elle peut être très fréquentée du fait de son accès aisé, mais le panorama au sommet en vaut le détour.
Rocher de Villeneuve via La Montagne
6.94 mi
+2,851 ft
-2,822 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
This hike takes you through the beautiful mountain pastures of La Montagne and Le Golet to Rocher de Villeneuve, where you can enjoy a 360° view of the Aiguilles de Portetta, the ridges of Mont Charvet, Col de Leschaux and even Courchevel 1850.
Col du Palet circular via Laisonnay d'en Bas
13.58 mi
+4,823 ft
-4,803 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Champagny-en-Vanoise (Savoie)
A long hike at the bottom of the valley offering magnificent scenery. A classic route in the Champagny valley.
Lécheron mountain chalet
3.34 mi
+2,008 ft
-2,008 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Champagny-en-Vanoise (Savoie)
One of the first hikes to do when discovering the Champagny-le-Haut valley and a great way to pick up some cow's or goat's cheese for lunch. This hike can be extended to Froide Fontaine.
La Dent du Villard from Courchevel
5.32 mi
+2,569 ft
-2,579 ft
4h 40
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Bon-Tarentaise (Savoie)
To the east of Courchevel, 1550m above Lac de la Rosière, the Dent du Villard is a white gypsum mountain perforated with multiple dissolution craters on its summit, making for an impressive crossing.
Le Col du Paradis depuis Saint-François-Longchamp
6.80 mi
+1,608 ft
-1,608 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-François-Longchamp (Savoie)
Une jolie randonnée dans la montagne à vaches (celles qui font le Beaufort). Belle vue sur la vallée de l'Arc et le massif des Grandes Rousses. Presque tout le parcours est au soleil.
Le Petit Mont Blanc via the southern slope
6.88 mi
+3,566 ft
-3,566 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
A substantial but steady climb for a magnificent panorama.
The Col de la Leisse from the arrival point of the Aéroski cable car
6.01 mi
+856 ft
-2,785 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Tignes (Savoie)
A beautiful hike to admire the mountains around Tignes, with views as far as Mont Blanc. Lovely view of the Grande Motte glacier. Little elevation gain when taking the cable car.
Tour of Mont Roup
8.21 mi
+2,589 ft
-2,566 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
Circular walk in the Vanoise National Park, outside the Val d'Isère ski area at the foot of Pointe de la Sana.
Crève-Tête circular from Valmorel
9.35 mi
+3,327 ft
-3,301 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Les Avanchers-Valmorel (Savoie)
A beautiful summit offering extensive views of the Savoyard mountains, with a very pleasant ridge walk to begin the descent. A long hike, the ascent of which can be halved by using a cable car (see the alternative route in the practical information section).
Montjoie Pass
3.91 mi
+1,434 ft
-1,430 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Montgellafrey (Savoie)
Family hike to the Col de Monjoie (but it's still uphill) then a short off-trail exploration towards the peaks that border it.
Hamlets of Planlebon and Les Priots
4.12 mi
+1,089 ft
-1,089 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville (Savoie)
In the Belleville Valley, this easy hike allows you to discover, with family or friends and even in overcast weather, the valley of the Encombres torrent and two of its hamlets, the first of which is in ruins. They give you a picture of the agricultural activity in the valley. This trail passes through a very pleasant setting of forest and clearings, streams... You can extend the route by taking the circular that leads to the hamlet of Gittamelon.
In search of the Lost Valley from Tignes 2100
6.09 mi
+1,946 ft
-1,916 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Tignes (Savoie)
The Vallée Perdue is a ravine carved out by a stream, which was dry when I visited, with impressive and fabulous walls and rocks.
The path at the bottom is very well maintained, with a few bridges, beams and cable ramps.
It is usually accessed from Val d'Isère La Daille, but I suggest starting from Tignes 2100, with the added bonus of Combefolle and the recommended Gouille de Salin.
Sources de l'Arc - Col des Pariottes - Refuge du Carro
10.53 mi
+3,507 ft
-3,501 ft
7h 55
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
Departure from L'Écot, a hamlet in Bonneval that is definitely worth visiting on your return from the hike. There is a magnificent chapel and many houses that have been renovated in recent years. It is the highest inhabited village in France, except in winter.
Le Napremont
6.34 mi
+2,526 ft
-2,539 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
This circular route offers beautiful views and 360° panoramas of the surrounding area and peaks. In terms of difficulty: there is a difference in altitude in the undergrowth; there is a passage through a chimney, but this has been made easier by the installation of steps and a handrail.
A trail with beautiful flora dominated by the Dents de Portetta and the Aiguille d'Août.
A pleasant descent in the sunshine before returning to the undergrowth. A very beautiful route, even in hot weather.