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Bessans walks
The Vallon from Villaron
Visorando Member 
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.).
Short circular nature loop in Bessans
Visorando Member 4.18 mi
+1,014 ft
-1,010 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Bessans (Savoie)
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.
Avérole refuge - Cabane des Bergers via the Pas de la Mule
Visorando Member 
9.05 mi
+2,451 ft
-2,425 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Bessans (Savoie)
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.
The Refuge de Vallonbrun
Visorando Member 
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.
Refuge de la Femma to Val d'Isère via the Col des Fours and Col de l'Iseran
Visorando Member 11.97 mi
+4,918 ft
-4,285 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
Second day of this mini trek around Tignes-Val d'Isère, three legendary passes in the Vanoise with magnificent views of the neighbouring glaciers. A long day with a few technical sections, particularly at Tunnel 3000 (7).
Tour of Les Rochettes and the Lenta valley from Bonneval-sur-Arc
Visorando Member 
5.89 mi
+2,218 ft
-2,221 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
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.
La Pierre des Saints from Lanslevillard
Visorando Member 
8.56 mi
+2,746 ft
-2,740 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Lanslevillard (Savoie)
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.
Landry's Treasure
Visorando Member 
3.00 mi
+545 ft
-571 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Lanslevillard (Savoie)
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.
From Bonneval to the Carro refuge
Visorando Member 
8.16 mi
+4,446 ft
-1,273 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
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.
From the Fond des Fours Refuge to the Col de la Vanoise Refuge
Visorando Member 
14.55 mi
+3,097 ft
-3,156 ft
9h 25
Difficult
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
A long stage for this third day with very varied landscapes and terrain.It’s a shame that the road section after the Refuge de la Femma can’t be avoided, as it’s rather uninteresting. You’ll have to wait until the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux to finally get back on a trail.The difficulty is mainly due to the distance, as the elevation gains aren’t too steep and the trails are in good condition.
From Lac du Mont-Cenis to Lac Clair
Visorando Member 
4.34 mi
+2,247 ft
-2,247 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
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.
From Lake Mont-Cenis to Lake Clair via the Ronce stream
Visorando Member 
4.61 mi
+2,306 ft
-2,287 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
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.
Carro Refuge - Lacs Blanc and Noir
Visorando Member 
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 Ouille Noire from the Pont de l'Oulietta
Tourism professional 
6.11 mi
+3,084 ft
-3,087 ft
5h 30
Very difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
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 Pas de la Beccia from the Col du Mont-Cenis
Visorando Member 
9.08 mi
+2,746 ft
-2,746 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
This is a circular hike passing by the Old Fort of La Turra before crossing the Pas de la Beccia at 2,717 m and descending with a beautiful view of Lake Mont-Cenis and its dam.
Fort de la Turra and Pas de la Beccia circular route
Visorando Member 6.92 mi
+2,398 ft
-2,411 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
This circular route, which is mostly above 2,000 m, takes you to both French and Italian military heritage sites. It also offers beautiful views, particularly of the Vanoise and Lac du Mont Cenis. Marked by directional signs but also by numerous paint marks of all shapes and colours. However, look out for the blue stars on a white background.
From (3) to (6), the route is not very busy.
The Pointe des Fours from the Pont de la Neige
Visorando Member 
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.
Pointe de la Met Col de Bézin Col et Pointe des Fours
Visorando Member 
5.79 mi
+2,628 ft
-2,612 ft
4h 55
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
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.
Refuge des Evettes
Visorando Member 
7.92 mi
+2,352 ft
-2,336 ft
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
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.
Sources de l'Arc - Col des Pariottes - Refuge du Carro
Visorando Member 
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.
Grand Méan glacial lake
Visorando Member 
8.76 mi
+3,238 ft
-3,235 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
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!
Cirque des Évettes circular loop from L’Écot
Visorando Member 
8.38 mi
+2,274 ft
-2,254 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
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.
Colle del Carro
Visorando Member 10.06 mi
+3,652 ft
-3,665 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
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.