Avrieux walks

A pleasant route using the stream and Diable footbridges to access Fort Victor-Emmanuel, Fort Charles-Felix and Fort Marie-Christine. On the way back, visit the pretty Saint-Benoit waterfall.

From the Chatalamia rock, you’ll be able to see the female ibex and their kids; the chamois aren’t far away. After stopping to look at the cup-marked stone, you’ll continue the ascent through the forest, emerging onto the balcony path that leads to Le Barbier and then to the pass of the same name. During the descent to Le Plan d’Aval, you’ll be able to admire the resort of Aussois with its ski runs, but above all the magnificent panorama of the Dent Parrachée and Le Plan d’Aval.

On the Italian border, two twin peaks lie deep within a wild valley, the sort that the Maurienne region keeps well hidden. The challenge lies in the length of the hike and the elevation gain, but the reward awaits at the very top.

A snowshoe hike through the forest offering two points of interest: the spectacular Sardière monolith and the Sculpture Trail. Beautiful views of the peaks of the Mont Cenis massif to the south and surprising sculptures amongst the pine trees.

Étape de la Grande Traversée des Alpes d'Aussois (Vanoise) à Valfréjus (Maurienne).

A route starting from the Maison de la Norma, very well signposted, accessible to all; challenging in terms of duration, but there are numerous alternative routes and shortcuts available.

This route, known as ‘La Piste Blanche’, is clearly marked in purple. It is not groomed and more or less follows a summer path, though at times it also runs alongside cross-country ski tracks, which you should follow on the opposite side to the tracks reserved for cross-country skiers. We followed the trail left by previous walkers, which does not necessarily correspond to the summer path!

A short loop with good slopes, both uphill and downhill.

A lovely, easy walk in the peaceful forest, starting at the top of the gondola lift and returning by chairlift.

This fabulous 8-stage route (+ 2 variants) is challenging and requires excellent physical fitness, as some passes reach an altitude of nearly 3,000m. The first two stages deviate from the usual route, making this route even more appealing. The mountain landscapes, glaciers, pastures and flora are among the most beautiful in the Alps. Wildlife is particularly abundant, as in the Mercantour. Every day we saw marmots, ibex and chamois.

The first stage takes you from the Refuge d’Orgére to the Refuge de Peclet Polset. Although short, this first stage features a significant elevation gain, helping you get into your stride for the rest of the trek. The views above the Maurienne Valley are already splendid. You’ll cross your first pass, the Col de Chaviére, at nearly 2,800 metres. Views of the Écrins and the Thabor, reminding us of the 2018 route.

A hike at 2,900m: marmots, ibex, mountain pastures, scree slopes and forest – all in one.

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.

A 3-day hike with camping or staying in mountain huts. The route takes you into the Vanoise National Park, close to the Gébroulaz Glacier and Lac Blanc, with the option of climbing the Grand Roc (3,316 m) and the Pointe de l'Observatoire (3,015 m). There are many other panoramic views to discover across the five passes: Col de la Masse (2,952 m), Col d’Aussois (2,914 m), Col Rouge (2,730 m), Col du Soufre (2,817 m) and Col de Chavière (2,796 m).

Starting from the Refuge Porte de l'Orgère, the route passes through the Valon de l'Orgère to reach the Col de la Masse (2,952 m) with the option of climbing the Grand Roc (3,316 m), then follows the valleys to reach the Refuge du Fond d'Aussois.

This eleventh stage crosses the Mont Cenis massif and, in part, the Cerces massif. From the Refuge de l’Orgère, the GR®5 descends to Loutraz, crossing the River Arc via the bridge to the east of Modane. The route goes round the town hall, passes the church, follows the railway line eastwards, then westwards, and climbs the slope beneath the Fréjus Tunnel to pass under the motorway. It continues its ascent towards Notre-Dame du Charmaix. After the Valfréjus resort, it enters the Ruisseau du Charmaix valley and reaches the hamlet of Les Herbiers. Below the old Small Pass, it crosses the stream and, following the road, reaches the Lavoir Reservoir before tackling the steep climb towards La Losa, then, via the Combe de la Grande Montagne, reaches the Col de la Vallée Étroite. After a detour to the east, the descent heads due south, towards the Plaine Tavernette, then the valley of the same name. Finally, the GR®5 follows the Ruisseau de la Vallée Étroite to the Granges de la Vallée Étroite.

Walk in the Maurienne region from the Porte de l’Ogère mountain hut to Plan d’Amont via the Col de la Masse

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.

High-altitude hike beneath the imposing Dent Parrachée. The climb to 3,100 m is very pleasant, and there are several flat sections where you can rest. Things get tougher beyond that, after crossing the remains of the Labby Glacier, due to loose and unstable schist. Access to Pointe de la Gorma (3,396 m) is via an easy ridge.

The Râteau d’Aussois is a 3,000-metre peak accessible to many, and its standard route from the Plan d’Amont car park in Aussois is relatively busy during the season. The circular route suggested here is hardly any more technically difficult but is significantly longer: after climbing this magnificent vantage point, it circles the entire mountain before returning to the Orgère valley, the gateway to the Vanoise National Park.

Circuit above Aussois between pine trees and snowfields.

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.

A circular three-day hike between the Vanoise and Maurienne regions. Significant elevation gains with three mountain passes at around 3,000 metres. Stunning panoramic views.

The walk begins with a gentle, rural route to the Fond de l’Aussois mountain hut, followed by a steep climb to the Col de l’Aussois.

Although often overlooked in favour of the Râteau d’Aussois (which is lower) and overshadowed by the Pointe de l’Échelle, the Grand Roc nevertheless offers a stunning view of Mont Blanc, the Écrins and the Haute-Maurienne.

Route between Aussois and Pralognan via the Col d’Aussois.

A day’s hike in the Vanoise to reach the very rocky Col de la Masse at 2,922 m. The route offers stunning views of the region’s mountain ranges and far beyond.

A beautiful, accessible rocky summit offering spectacular views from the top: Mont Blanc, the Écrins, Gran Paradiso, etc. The path is excellent and allows you to cover the elevation gain efficiently. From the Col de la Masse to the summit, the route is a little more technical, passing through a sort of large scree slope.

The Roc des Corneilles is a beautiful rocky outcrop formed by cargneulisation. At its base, the Trou de la Lune opens out onto the Râteau d’Aussois. On the way back, be sure to walk around the Sardière Monolith.

A lovely, isolated hike, far from the overcrowded trails. Requires a little attention to orientation and the location of the path.

A breathtaking panorama awaits you at the summit of Belle Plinier – that says it all. Warning: This hike is only suitable for those accustomed to high-altitude mountain walking and off-trail navigation. A GPX track is required.

A hike off the beaten track, featuring a long section along a ridge offering fine views over the Maurienne Valley and a stunning panorama of the Vanoise massif overlooking Modane and Aussois. A good stretch through the woodland provides shelter from the sun’s rays.