Avigliana walks

This route allows you to approach and discover, step by step rather than by car, the magnificent Sacra di San Michele, a 10th-century abbey perched on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 1,000 metres above the Susa Valley. It is considered the Italian Mont Saint-Michel.

An easy walk along a path running alongside the Germanesca. The starting point is not far from the Hotel de la Forestiera. The path is fairly flat and shaded. It is an easy walk for families and very pleasant in summer.

Enjoy both the pleasure of a lake and a beautiful ridge offering a 360° panorama (Écrins, Vanoise, Orsiera Park, Val Troncea, Queyras), all starting from a charming little hamlet that has been beautifully restored.

Loop via the Avérole refuge above the hamlet of the same name, then an excursion in the fairly wild Lombarde valley to the Pas de la Mule. From the Cabane des Bergers, the return via the balcony offers a beautiful view of the valley and the refuge.

An easy hike above 2,000 metres. It starts near the Col du Mont-Cenis, a pass known since ancient times for crossing the Alps. Starting from the superb Lac du Mont-Cenis, it leads to the modest Lac Clair at the foot of what remains of the Lamet Glacier.

A lovely hike from Lake Mont Cenis to the small clear lake. The route offers beautiful views of Lac de Mont-Cenis (although it was cloudy the day we did it). A fairly family-friendly hike.

2nd stage is entirely in Italy allowing you to walk alongside the many military buildings that protect the nearby border. The long descent before the shelter lets you enjoy the Italian pastures that appear much greener than the French. This is due to the more abundant moisture from this side of the border.

Starting from La Goulaz in Bessans, just above the cross-country ski trails and at the foot of “Tièrce”, you can take a short circular route partly along the Chemin du Petit Bonheur. It follows the botanical trail, dotted with small signs giving the names of the flowers and their uses.

3rd and last stage of this Franco-Italian circuit. It meets with a variation of the Queyras circuit above the Jervis Refuge to reach Valpréveyre by the Col d’Urine.

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.).

A magnificent hike to the heart of the Cirque des Évettes. Starting from the hamlet of L’Écot, the route climbs alongside the Gorges de la Reculaz to reach the Cirque des Évettes. Highlights: Reculaz Waterfall, Roman bridge, glacial lake, Évettes Glacier, Évettes Refuge and Col des Évettes. The descent follows an easy path.

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!

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.

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.

The Refuge du Carro is already a lovely destination, but when you reach this first goal at the end of the morning and after seeing the panorama, there are various possibilities for a little extra treat. Why not the Col du Carro or Colle del Carro, as you can read on site? The hundreds of cairns that dot the terrain are sure to catch your eye, as will the view of the Italian side.

Cima del Pelvo is one of the 3,000-metre peaks in the Italian Piedmont. It offers a breathtaking panorama of the French-Italian Alps, the Po Valley and the Swiss Valais.A hike that is half on-trail and half off-trail, for which I recommend using the Visorando app.

This first stage, starting from one of the most beautiful villages in France, is a gentle warm-up that culminates (for the more adventurous) at the Col du Carro (3,149 m), the border between France and Italy and a magnificent viewpoint in fine weather, offering views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

Climb above the village of Bonneval-sur-Arc and the magnificent Haute Maurienne valley via high but never difficult trails, then descend along the Lenta river. This is the itinerary for a hike during which we will always have before our eyes the imprint of vanished glaciers and the dazzling whiteness of those that remain.

The second stage of our trek around Monte Viso starts with a hike through green foliage at the bottom of the valley. Then a passage through beautiful alpine pastures near a delightful little lake. Stunning view point at Col Sellière.

Choosing this short route will take you through some magnificent scenery. Lago Nero is well worth a visit. However, this route is technically challenging with steep scree slopes: best tackled in dry, fine weather.

First stage of Circuit Franco-Italian border "Queyras in Val Pellice" punctuated by passages through three interesting passes: Malaure, Bouchet and Vampréveyre.

Three days walking through the passes and cabins in this region and opportunities to explore this lovely area. Enjoy an Italian tradition: agroturismo by residing overnight in one of the farms alongside calves, cows, pigs, chickens etc.

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.

We did this hike on the north-facing slope of Val Cenis, starting with the aptly named Chemin du Petit Bonheur, then climbed up through the forest to Pierre des Saints and reached the small Lac de l'Arcelle via a veritable balcony overlooking Haute Maurienne and Vanoise, before finally descending in the footsteps of skiers. A breath of fresh air and a day of absolute happiness.

A short circuit accessible to children. You cross streams where they can play. The part in the forest is very pleasant, especially when it's hot. What's more, they can find wild strawberries and raspberries. The route is dotted with information panels about village life.

Long loop starting from Les Roux, taking us to Italy to Lago Verde and its refuge, returning via another pass and another equally pleasant valley and the hamlet of Valpréveyre.

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.

Exceptional panorama at the summit of this 3,000 m peak. This route from the Pont de l'Oulietta adds 300 m of elevation gain compared to the start from the Col de l'Iseran but allows you to be alone in the world on 80% of the route.

The sixth stage takes place largely along a ridge offering remarkable views of the Queyras massif and the Ecrins opposite.

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.

A wild hike in the Vanoise, taking place entirely above 2,500m. As signposting is minimal (two signs along the entire route, one of which is at the start), it is best to be well-prepared and equipped (map, compass, GPS, etc.). Admittedly, there are cairns dotted along the route, but the only reliable indication they provide is that someone has been there before you. Snowfields can persist quite late in the season, with some residual traces remaining in late September.

First stage starting at Queyras National Park (Parc National du Queyras) passing through Col Lacroix, then a beautiful Italian valley and ending up at a shelter near a lake where the real trek around Monte Viso will start the next day.

Beautiful viewpoint of Mont Viso, the Italian peaks and Queyras, with an easy descent down a very beautiful ridge on the way back. As orientation is not easy, I recommend supplementing the description with the Visorando app.

A 4 day trek on a high mountain route. The trek around Monte Viso (one of the highest summits in the Italian alps) is a sight for sore eyes. Crossing through some of the most authentic and wild high valleys of the Alps is delightful. This trek is almost identical to another trek by another hikiideas hiker which is done over 5 days. A big thank you to him and his description which inspired me.

Quite a long high mountain stage today, set in a mineral landscape passing through "les sources du Pô" and near beautiful mountain lakes. Exploring the north-east side of Monte Viso (3841m) will be the highlight.

Trek around Monte Viso in 5 stages. A beautiful high mountain hike. Hike over a 5 day period. An exquisite high mountain trek.

This first stage is a warm-up for the rest. It's a medium mountain trek starting through larch trees before reaching alpine pastures surrounding the pass. A beautiful view over Pellice valley during the hike down.

Deep in the Queyras, at the end of the road that climbs up the Guil, you can easily walk up to these beautiful lakes, set in this glacial valley, with Égorgéou flanked by its little brother Baricle.

This easily accessible border pass also offers a very pleasant loop through the mountain pastures and forests overlooking the right bank of the Guil.

This stage of the Mount Viso circuit alternates between meadowland and rocky terrain. A hike without any particular difficulty, the round trip to Punta Sea Bianca can make for a pleasant addition to the day.

This is the first stage of the 4-day tour of Monte Viso. The planned tour starts from Pian del Re (mountain hut). The first stage ends at the Quintino Sella mountain hut before tackling, the following day, the crossing at the Col de San Chiaffredo, the descent to Chianale, then the climb to the Vallanta mountain hut.

A long climb up the Ségure valley leads to these two grassy lakes nestled in the large cirque formed by the peaks of Pic des Fonds de Peynin, Grand Queyras and Pic Ségure.

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.

A hike between the Queyras and the Upper Pellice Valley, in four stages, of moderate duration, from refuge to refuge. This route is accessible by public transport.

Courte randonnée pour accéder à un 3000 m assez facile avec un superbe panorama sur tous les hauts sommets du département. Idéale quand on a un timing serré pour faire une randonnée.

The seventh and final stage takes you past the Malrif lakes under the ridge separating Queyras and Briançonnais.

An easy walk around the artificial lake of Serru.

This is a very short circular route that starts at La Roche Écroulée in Ristolas and goes to the Petit Belvédère du Mont Viso, returning via a forest road. Please note: dogs are not permitted in the nature reserve.

Among the fascinating mountains of the Alps, Mont Viso (3,841 m) holds a special place. This route, which is not very steep on average but should not be underestimated due to the distance to be covered, allows you to approach the mountain and go as far as Lac Lestio, which gives you that special feeling of being at the end of the Alpine world.

The first transalpine crossing in history.

High mountain stage. Progress within a mineral setting. A hike up to the highest pass of the trek. Stunning view over the Pô water sources from "Sentier du Postier."

The Roc de Bassagne is a double peak on the border ridge, at the junction of the Vanoise and Grand Paradis National Parks. There are many ibex here, as the valley leading to the peak is very quiet compared to the nearby Prariond trail.

Hike through the Ruisseau des Fours valley to the refuge, which is the starting point for many hikes in the Vanoise.

Circular walk in the Vanoise National Park, outside the Val d'Isère ski area at the foot of Pointe de la Sana.

A wild climb to Pic Foréant via equally wild ridges. This is followed by a visit to several lakes, each different in size and charm. All this at the foot of the Pain de Sucre and the Crêtes de la Taillante.

Nestled at the foot of the Crête de la Taillante and overlooked by the Pain de Sucre, Lac Foréant is located in a very protected environment. Indeed, many animal and plant species have made it their home (marmots, ibex, marsh plants, cottony cotton grass, etc.).

A French-Italian loop to discover Lake Asti in a very rocky setting. The path to the lake is mostly very stony and requires careful attention.

A border route to tackle the Pic de Caramantran (3,025 m), observe a multitude of 3,000-metre peaks: Mont Viso, Pain de Sucre, Tête des Toillies, and discover three magnificent lakes: Blanchet supérieur, Blanchet inférieur and Blanche.

A physically demanding hike starting from the Refuge Agnel, passing a total of five passes and offering views of a dozen lakes in these magnificent areas. It starts in Queyras and returns there after a loop through Haut-Ubaye and Italy. This hike can be completed in two days (refuges, bivouac).

Set off to climb the Pic de Caramantran, one of the easiest 3,000-metre peaks in the Queyras Regional Nature Park, and enjoy transalpine views of Italy and the Saint-Véran valley from its summit.

The Pic de Caramantran is an extraordinary destination! This hike takes you on a circular route that also allows you to discover the Col de Saint-Véran. You may see ibex and numerous marmots along the way.

A short, challenging hike to a first-class viewpoint on Mont Viso, which, at an altitude of 3,208 metres, offers a magnificent 360° panorama of Italy and the Queyras.

Fifth stage with the recommended ascent of Pain de Sucre.

A fairly strenuous hike offering the chance to enjoy the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve, as well as the Bailletaz Nature Reserve, via two passes. The route offers stunning views of the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière and La Tsanteleina to the north. As the route passes through two nature reserves, please respect the wildlife. Yellow markings and signposts.

Situated in the Haute Tarentaise massif, this small lake nestles at the foot of the Rhêmes-Golette glacier. Dominated by the peaks of Grande Sassière (3,747m) and Tsanteleina (3,602m) on the Italian border, this route takes you through a high-mountain landscape, between lakes and glaciers. This hike is reserved for experienced and fit mountain walkers.

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.

Starting from the Chapelle des Clausis, we will circle a remarkable peak, passing through three mountain passes and making a short detour into Italy. Numerous lakes and the beautiful Refuge de la Blanche.

A hike to a 3,000-metre peak, offering magnificent views of Mont Viso, the high peaks of the Ubaye and the Écrins, with the chance to discover some lovely lakes. A route with a few exposed sections, one of which requires you to use your hands.

Family hike starting from Tignes le Lac. On the recommendation of the tourist office, we started with the Sentier Découverte to avoid a steep and rocky section on the descent. However, it may also be advantageous to do this hike in the opposite direction to the one described here to avoid crossing the pass at the end.

Hike suitable for families (but with a significant elevation gain), starting from Tignes Lavachet, to see the magnificent Salin Waterfalls with a detour via the Gouille de Salin. There are a few wooden footbridges and several places where walking shoes are required.