Savoie walks

A circuit from Féclaz to the Nivolet Cross overlooking Chambéry.

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.

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.

A beautiful family hike that combines green mountain slopes with water flowing in small streams and waterfalls. At the end of the hike, there is a small lake with crystal clear water.

A beautiful walk with several stream crossings. But beware of snow at the beginning of the season.

The Rocher du Vent is an impressive rock formation offering a bird's eye view of Lake Roselend, near the Cormet de Roselend. The route described here is unusual as it goes through a tunnel and then along a balcony path, so it is only suitable for walkers who are not afraid of heights or claustrophobia! Others can still discover the site by cutting across to the Lauze chalet.

This circular hike runs along the slopes and ridge of La Galoppaz (pronounced Galoppe) to reach the summit with its magnificent 360° panorama.

A loop above lake Bourget for a late afternoon walk. A walk amid historical sites and beautiful viewpoints.

A lovely hike in the Beaufortain to discover the five lakes of Forclaz. This is an easy route with no navigation difficulties, so you can leave your map in your bag. At the start, you are still in the mountain pastures, then gradually the environment becomes more and more rocky.

Starting from Aiguebelette, this is an easy hike on the western slope of the Épine mountain, taking the Voie Romaine and the Voie Sarde. This route offers numerous views of Lake Aiguebelette. See the safety recommendations at (9).

A beautiful loop in the northern Chartreuse with magnificent 360° views of the Alps.

A walk with superb panoramic views.

A fantastic hike which, when the weather is fine, allows you to contemplate magnificent landscapes dotted with lakes in infinite shades of blue.

This hike, which takes place entirely above 2,000 metres, takes you to the edge of two artificial lakes fed largely by the Saint-Sorlin Glacier, dominated by the Pic de l'Étandard.

Variation of the "Dent du Chat" with a route that passes through Molard Noir and starts above Caton, instead of the traditional "Col du Chat".

A hike in the Cirque des Évettes, with the Grand Méan glacial lake at the foot of the glacier of the same name in your sights. At an altitude of 2,876 metres, the lake and glacier offer a fantastic view of a well-hidden glacial cirque. A real treat!

A pleasant hike in the Savoyard foothills. Vineyards are still very much present. Yellow markings and a few directional signs help you follow the description.

This circuit in the Beaufortain offers abundant panoramic views, first of the Arêches valley, then of the heart of the Beaufortain. On the ridge path, let the Mont Blanc guide you.

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.

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.

This is a half-day outing and the route is dotted with points of interest with information panels. Until the Pré Cevin intersection, shortly after the Croix de Chevru, the route follows theGR® trail, which is part of the Way of St. James. Then follow the yellow markings until you reach your destination.

The village's main attraction in the summer is, of course, the small Lac de la Thuile lake. For hikers, the other attraction is the Roche du Guet, a pretty viewpoint equipped with two orientation tables.

This hike takes you to the summit of Mont Grelle and runs along part of Lake Aiguebelette, which can be admired from a viewpoint.

An easy walk offering a variety of landscapes, points of interest and pleasant views of Lake Bourget. In autumn, you can find chestnuts and mushrooms.

While the Barrhorn (3,610 m) in Switzerland is the highest officially marked hike in Europe, the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière (3,747 m) hike takes you higher up on a path perfectly marked with cairns. It runs alongside a glacier that is unfortunately receding year after year. Magnificent view of the French and Italian peaks. Please read the recommendations in the practical information section carefully.

Take a stroll along the Cozon torrent and enjoy a refreshing break in this lively corner of the Chartreuse. Cultural visits and relaxation will round off the day.

This hike follows the Tannes et Glacières trail and is rounded off with a visit to the faults of Mont Margeriaz. To make the most of the Tannes et Glacières trail, pick up the little guidebook on sale at the tourist office in Aillon le Jeune.

A beautiful hike in the north of the Belledonne Massif. The ridge route offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. A few information boards mark the route.

This walk in the Savoyard foothills runs alongside the vineyards of this region. Vineyards are synonymous with well-exposed plots.

A beautiful hike that leads to the foot of the Evettes glacier. The climb through the Gorges de la Reculaz allows you to make a loop and discover the Roman bridge.

This balcony route offers beautiful views of the Aravis mountain range, La Giettaz and the Arrondine valley, all facing Mont Blanc.

A beautiful outing in the Arclusaz valley, dominated by some of the beautiful peaks of the Bauges. The autumn colours are beginning to set the landscape ablaze.

A beautiful 360° summit in the Bauges mountains.

This is a lovely half-day hike with beautiful views of Lac Du Bourget, Aix-Les-Bains and the Chambérien basin, the Belledonne massif and Mont Blanc on one side, and the Savoyard foothills (Yenne, Belley, Grand Colombier) on the other. Please note: Those who are afraid of heights may be affected by some technical sections equipped with cables or ladders.

La Croix Cartier is a very pleasant hike for families, offering magnificent 360° views.

Short hike in the forest to discover the waterfalls of the Guiers Vif.

This is a pleasant route to walk at any time of year, particularly in late autumn as it enjoys plenty of sunshine. The route of the Himalayan footbridge at Trou de l'Enfer allows you to discover the curious meanders of the Leysse.

This loop starts in Brison and climbs to the Croix de Meyrieu, then follows the ridge line to La Chambotte and returns to the starting point via a path through old vineyards. This walk offers numerous views of Lake Bourget.

The Mont Grêle lookout point and Archelle’s summit. Mont Grêle is a peak that is visible from the valley of Chambéry and the Aiguebelette region. It is easily spotted thanks to or because of the pylons that are installed at the top. Up close, these towers have still look great, but they do not alone justify the purpose of the tour, which is interesting because it offers views over Lake Aiguebelette and Chartreuse.

This is a hike with magnificent views of Lake Bourget, the Chat Mountains, the Chartreuse Mountains, as well as the Albanais and Bauges regions, on a well-maintained path.

A lovely little walk with lots of views of the lake. Much of the route is in the forest, making this hike ideal on a hot day.

An easy summit offering a panoramic view of the Massif des Bauges.

A classic loop for a quick walk. This route is well marked in both summer and winter.

The Col d'Orgeval is located on theGRP® trail in the Massif des Bauges. More than the pass or the chalets, it is the superb Orgeval valley with its gentle slopes that will remain in hikers' memories. The mountain pasture is owned by the same family, who graze a pretty herd of heifers there.

You've seen some of it on foot, by bike, motorbike or car. If you're a keen walker, here's your chance to discover Lake Roselend, its dam and the alpine chalets that line its shores from different angles on an easy walk along a route that follows the lake's banks, with an elevation gain of around 400 metres. You will cross numerous streams via wooden footbridges before finally crossing the dam.

This is a particularly pleasant hike, allowing you to discover the great cirque formed by these three Savoyard peaks, with the added bonus of a stop at the very friendly Refuge des Aiguilles.

This hike has three successive stages. You climb up to the realm of ibex, chamois and marmots, which appear after 5.30pm, so this hike is best done in the late afternoon.

A must-do hike for locals, this short trip to the Dent du Nivolet offers a beautiful 360° panorama of Lac du Bourget, Chartreuse, Belledonne, Beaufortain and Mont Blanc.

A beautiful hike in the heart of the Beaufortain, near the Roselend dam lake.

A beautiful hike on the Savoyard side of the Aravis, with pastures, streams, sun-baked wooden chalets and Mont Blanc sparkling in the sun. Yellow markings and directional signs.