Arves walks

Hike facing the majestic panorama offered by La Meije, one of the queens of the Ecrins. Message from the moderator: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

This is a route best enjoyed in a group of hikers or with your family, as the elevation gain is relatively low. However, it is a walk that will allow you to admire the scenery and walk along the edge of the crevasse. Be careful though, you are in the mountains and there are no safety barriers, so caution is advised. Discover edelweiss, marmots and gentian flowers and enjoy the immensely beautiful landscape! For the more adventurous, you can start from the village of Besse on theGR®54to arrive at the same starting point. Message from the moderator: You are in a sensitive natural area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

A somewhat long but magnificent hike with the Meije glaciers in the background. Message from the moderator: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

Mountain hike ending at the glacial lake of Goléon, superb balcony views of the Meije massif and discovery of typical mountain hamlets.

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.

The most popular ski summit in the Alps, offering breathtaking 360° views of the great peaks of the Écrins massif, the Cerces, the Vanoise and Mont Blanc.

Le Pontet is a magnificent turquoise lake above the hamlet of Les Cours, near Villar d'Arêne. You can get close to it by car, but the walk from Les Cours is very pleasant and, depending on the season, you may see edelweiss and marmots.

A superb hike in a magnificent setting at the foot of the Aiguilles d'Arves. The coolness of the torrent, the landscape ravaged by erosion, flower-filled mountain pastures, the whistling of marmots and shy chamois complete the picture. A comfortable walk has been created passing through (1) and (2).

This is a beautiful hike with a wide variety of landscapes ranging from pastures to glaciers that can be admired on the northern slope of the Écrins. Message from the moderator: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

A superb loop that is fairly accessible, even if the first kilometre is on a slightly steep path. You will cross multiple waterfalls, streams and torrents, all with breathtaking views of the Emparis plateau and all the surrounding mountains.

This hike is accessible to all without any particular difficulty and allows you to walk with the magnificent panorama of the Meije glaciers as a backdrop. What's more, the remarkable exposure of the circuit and its relatively modest altitude mean that this loop can be completed as soon as the snow melts. Moderator's note added on 26/07/2021: please note that part of this circuit is no longer passable. See reviews for an alternative route

A classic hike around the Valloire ski resort. This is a circular starting and ending in Valloire. comment from a hiker on 02/08/2023 A sign after the hamlet of Poingt Ravier indicates that the return route from Albanette to Valloire is closed. At (10), only a pedestrian crossing remains. On arrival in Valloire, a municipal decree is displayed indicating that traffic on this road is prohibited, particularly for pedestrians, and that failure to comply with this decree may result in a fine.

Hike to a first-class viewpoint of La Meije.

This route is more of a "stroll" than a "hike": first a beautiful little mountain lake that is easy to access, then a small peak with a magnificent view of the Meije massif to the south and the Goléon to the north. This is the shortest and easiest route to discover these two tourist attractions.

This is an easy walk, mainly on paved or unpaved tracks (some are necessary), which nevertheless offers constant views of the Meije massif, wide open spaces around you, and a bright route rich in discoveries. What's more, this route is ideal for Nordic walking.

This loop, with a reasonable elevation gain for the region, will take you along paths to discover the magnificent landscapes of Valloire.This hike is offered as a trail run by the Valloire Tourist Office.The Devil's Bridge is broken. However, a replacement footbridge has been put in place, allowing you to follow the original route.

Hike to a 3,000-metre peak offering a complete 360° panorama of the Écrins, the Grandes Rousses, Savoie, Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles d'Arves.To take this route, you will need a high-clearance vehicle. (!) User comment on 2 September 2025: >Very beautiful hike, but in my opinion the route should be revised. The track from Le Chazelet is closed to traffic( reserved for authorised persons and alpine farmers only).

A long day's hike giving you plenty of time to admire the La Meije massif and the Aiguilles d'Arves with an extra page just for you.

Close to the Aiguilles d'Arves, starting from the Relais 1900 above Chalmieu (Montrond), there is a climb to reach a point slightly above Basse du Gerbier. The climb is beautiful and requires some effort to warm up. The descent can be made via the same route or via the Gros Crey and Bon Ventre ridges (caution: tricky section), which is longer and more exposed.

A route, which can be done with the family, to discover the oratories built by the Bessats in the 19th century. The route follows a sunny slope and passes through two hamlets with typical houses and the village of Besse, which is worth a visit in its own right. As a bonus, there are some magnificent panoramic views of the Grandes Rousses and Écrins massifs between La Meije and Le Rochail.

This is a very short and easy hike to a summit offering a beautiful panoramic view of the nearby Écrins mountains, as well as Mont Blanc, La Vanoise, Queyras and Monte Viso.

A 360° view of La Meije and its neighbours and the discovery of Lac du Goléon, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. ⚠️ 30/07/2025: modification to (4) to follow the Tour des Aiguilles d'Arves and avoid private property.

This is a short hike with little elevation gain in the barren environment around the Col du Galibier, just for the pleasure of walking along a pretty valley and lazing around for a few hours in the afternoon in absolute calm. Rejuvenation guaranteed.

Easy walk for families. Passeggiata facile per famiglie.

This is the classic route to the Emparis plateau, extended to form a circular route with varied landscapes. Moderator’s note: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information). 30/09/2024: Route modified between sections 4 and 6 to follow the markings.

A very challenging 180 km route with 12,000 metres of elevation gain, requiring excellent physical fitness. Stages offering spectacular scenery, steep mountains, passes, wildlife, flora and colours. The most beautifulGR® route we have ever done. We completed the route in August, the ideal time to tackle the most difficult passes, which are likely to be snow-covered early in the season, such as La Muzelle, l’Aup Martin, the Pas de la Cavale, de la Valette, Vallonpierre and de La Vaurze.

A short, easy hike on foot or snowshoes along forest paths, starting from Albiez Montrond. Pass through the hamlet of La Cochette and return via Les Contamines, via a steep climb.

A short family walk from the Col d'Albanne to the pretty Pramol Lake. This route is not particularly difficult and runs almost exclusively through the forest. It can be enjoyed alone or in a group.

Ascent of the Cime des Torches, also known as Grand Agnelin (2,958 m), via the Petit Agnelin (2,717 m), starting from the hamlet of Les Chambons in Saint-Jean-d'Arves. Summer route, partly off-trail, in the heart of the Maurienne valley.

After a rest day in La Grave, set off on this8th stage, which presents no technical difficulties and involves no significant elevation gain. A route that circles La Meije, initially following the Romanche torrent. You will pass close to Villar d'Arène. Thesecond section, starting from Pont d'Arsine, is slightly more challenging and much wilder, taking in the Pas d'Anna Falque and the Plan d'Alpe before reaching the Refuge de l'Alpe de Villar-d'Arêne, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Stage7 of this route. One of the most beautiful stages of this tour of the Écrins National Park. After making the most of the welcome at the Refuge des Mouterres and a campsite with an extraordinary view, you will discover the unspoilt nature of the Emparis Plateau, a Natura 2000 site with abundant mountain flora. You will leave theGR® 54C for a detour across the Emparis Plateau and its three lakes, Cristallin, Noir and Lérié, before descending to La Grave. Message from the moderators: You are in a sensitive natural area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).

Another magical stage, thanks to the breathtaking scenery all along the balcony trail above Lac du Chambon, including a stop at the ‘petrifying’ spring. Opposite lies a long mountain range and majestic glaciers, with famous names: the Girose Glacier, Pic de la Grave, Le Râteau and the majestic Meije. You will finish this stage at the start of the Emparis plateau at the Refuge des Mouterres, one of the most beautiful camping spots with an exceptional view of the Meije. Message from the moderators: You are in a sensitive natural area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).