Bessans walks

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.).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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!

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.

Day2 of the Grande Casse circular route, from the Refuge de la Leisse to the Refuge du Col du Palet, following theGR®55via Val Claret.