Bessans walks

On the edge of the Haute Maurienne valley lies a world apart, a haven of tranquillity and light nestled in its mountain setting: the vast Ribon valley, which rises gently and in a straight line up to the Rochemelon glacier. It is very easy to reach from Bessans, and the hours you spend there will be unforgettable.

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 family-friendly walk along the banks of the Arc, which is virtually flat and presents no difficulty. The flora is particularly abundant in spring and early summer (troll’s-head, martagon lily, red campion, bird’s-eye lily, etc.), as are the dry-stone huts typical of the region. The presence of rock paintings is also of interest.

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.

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 walk through varied landscapes; it climbs a little at the start.

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.

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).

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 lovely day’s hike, starting from the centre of Lanslevillard. The flora of the Vanoise, marmots, perhaps even the bearded vulture, and magnificent panoramic views await you on this hike, which includes a stop at the refuge, where the wardens are very friendly.

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.

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.

One of my most beautiful snowshoe hikes in 20 years! At least, as far as the final destination is concerned. This route takes you into a majestic landscape where the Lower Vallonnet Glacier at an altitude of 2,400 m (with its cave and tunnel) and, higher up, the Upper Glacier and the Albaron massif (alt. 3,637 m), which seems to oversee it all, immerse you in a world where time stands still. But for this glacier, time is sadly running out! This route presents no difficulties, apart from the slope to climb from the Balme ski lift. There are no hazardous slopes. However, you must remain cautious at the entrance to the glacier’s vault, where stalactites or blocks of ice could break loose during a thaw.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

A magnificent ridge traverse and a spectacular landscape throughout the crossing, with the Grande Casse and the Grande Motte on one side and the Charbonnel and the Albaron on the other. The icing on the cake is that you’ll be walking across no fewer than five peaks over 3,000 metres. Please read the description carefully before setting out on this hike.

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!

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.

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.

A hike for experienced walkers that takes you to an altitude of 3,500 metres – one of the highest in France – without the need for specialist kit. No major difficulties apart from the elevation gain and the narrow corridor leading out of the steep slopes, but at the summit, if you’re lucky enough to avoid the nebbia, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view (Rochemelon, Charbonnel, Pointe de Ronce, Giusalet...).

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.