Bourg-Saint-Pierre walks

The second stage of this hike starts at the Cabane du Vélan and follows the right bank of the Valsorey torrent.

The Cabane du Vélan (2,642 m) is nothing like a traditional Swiss hut. Its bold, futuristic architecture, adorned with solar panels (inaugurated in 1993), makes it look more like a ship than a refuge and has earned it the Ligue de Protection du Patrimoine award. It enjoys an exceptional location above moraines and glaciers, with magnificent views of the Grand Combin massif (4,312 m) and Mont Vélan (3,727 m).

Two-day circuit with a night in a mountain hut and exploration of the Combe de Valsorey, at the foot of the Grand Combin (4,312 m) and Mont Vélan (3,727 m). Spectacular high mountain scenery guaranteed.

How to connect two legendary mountain passes between Italy and Switzerland! Most of the proposed route is in Italy (from the Great Saint Bernard Pass to the Monte Moro Pass), with the last two stages in Switzerland following the traditional "Chamonix-Zermatt-Simplon" route.

Departure from Bourg-Saint-Pierre, the last village before the Great Saint Bernard Pass. This first stage follows exclusively the TDC trail. Hike with a brief description, to be followed using the Visorando app.

A magnificent loop of the Great Saint Bernard region between Switzerland and Italy, from the Ferret Window to the Col des Chevaux, via the Col du Bastillon and the lakes of Fenêtre, Petit Lé and Grand Lé.

A high-altitude hike between Switzerland and Italy, the climb to the Fenêtre de Ferret from the Grand-Saint-Bernard Hospice offers a real immersion in the wild, rocky atmosphere of the Valais Alps. The trail starts in the mystical atmosphere of the Hospice, at 2,469 m, between high-altitude lakes, cairns and pastures where the tinkling of bells can sometimes be heard. Very quickly, you rise into a majestic alpine setting, surrounded by rocks, silence... and sometimes a little company: the route is relatively busy in high season. The climb to the Fenêtre de Ferret (2,698 m, very well marked) takes place in a grandiose setting, with unobstructed views of Mont Dolent, Grand Golliat, and the hanging glaciers of the Italian Val Ferret. Once at the pass, the reward is complete: the panorama opens up to 360°, embracing the Swiss and Italian valleys. The contrast between the northern and southern slopes of the Alps is striking.

A superb circular walk crossing three cols and the border into Italy and back. There are amazing and changing views throughout. Recently upgraded with signage as a locally important route and marked as 210 on the Swiss side of the border, 103 or 13a on the Italian side. Described here in a clockwise direction as the Col du Bastillon is better in ascent than descent.

Hike between Italy and Switzerland, several lakes (Ferret Lakes in the Swiss valley of La Fouly) to discover, as well as the two passes. You will enjoy panoramic views of the Orny, Saleinaz and A Neuve glaciers.

For this second stage, take the bus from the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass Hospice to the village of Liddes. Depart from Liddes and walk through large forest areas and flower-filled mountain pastures to reach the Cabane du Col de Mille.

This fourth stage offers various views of the Combin massif. At the top of the village, head towards the Col and Cabane de Mille. After a pleasant walk through the forest, the path gradually opens up to reach Erra. The terrace of the Cabane de Mille offers a magnificent panorama of the Mont Blanc range, the Aiguilles de Chamonix and the Combin massif. At Servay (a small sheepfold after a small lake), head towards Cabane Brunet. The end of the route crosses a rather chaotic area before taking the small road that climbs up to Cabane Brunet. Superb view of the Combin mountains just behind the hut.

This walk is a mixture of the Chemin de Bouquetins which coincides with the Sentier des Bergers in places. It takes advantage of the ski-lift in Fouly to save on the ascent but you can always walk uphill if you choose. These walks are both publicized by the tourist office and are well signposted.

This seven-stage trek around Les Combins differs in a few ways from the classic tour. It allows you to hike in complete tranquillity in a sumptuous and diverse setting between the mid- and high-mountain ranges, where you will climb to over 3,000 metres. You will encounter dozens of marmots, ibex and herds of Herens cows. A few remnants of glaciers add to the alpine atmosphere of this trek, whose highest point is the Col du Mont Gelé at 3,144 metres. Important note.Plan for two bus journeys on this route. Day 2: to reach Liddes on thesecond day from the Grand-Saint-Bernard Pass, see the timetable hereDay 7: for the return journey from Ollemont to Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, see the bus timetable here

An easy warm-up walk in preparation for a 3/4 tour of Les Combins. From the car park located after Saint-Rhémy, in a hairpin bend at an altitude of 1,730 m, coming from Saint-Rhémy-en Bosses, on Route 27 of the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard. The route follows the Via Alpina Red R117.

We leave the "TDC" to follow Alta Via No. 1 in the Aosta Valley until it crosses the road leading to Bionaz. In the old village, above the church and near a fountain, the trail marked Col de Breuson (Brison) begins. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

A lovely circular walk taking in both of the Col Ferrets. Done the way described means that you will ascend the steeper sections and enjoy the easy descent following the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) path.

A lovely circular walk for a half day out which is good if the weather is forecast to deteriorate in the afternoon. It can also be extended if you want a longer walk. Amazing views from the top of Plan Monnay.

Today's stage uses the "TDC" trail, which is also a section of the Alta Via N°1 of the Aosta Valley and the Sentiero Italia Tappa 11. Hike with a brief description, to be followed with the Visorando app.

Between Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa, the Grand Combin stands out from everywhere. Forming the border between Switzerland and Italy, and the boundary between the Grand Saint-Bernard valley and the Val de Bagne, it rises to 4,314 m. The tour takes seven days; I added an extra day to visit the Fenêtres lakes, the icing on the cake. Each stage offers alpine accommodation.

This stage was shortened due to bad weather. The plan was to go via Mont Rogneux. This is a short stage that allows you to avoid Mont Rogneux when it is in thick fog. However, if the weather improves in the afternoon, it is possible to climb from the Cabane Brunet to the Goli des Otanes. You will then walk alongside pastures where Herens cows graze.

This is a fairly long stage but set against a magnificent backdrop. The Mauvoisin dam is impressive, as are all the waterfalls along the right bank of the lake. The route passes through the easy and beautiful Tsofeiret Pass.

A circular walk in the lower part of the Swiss Val Ferret. One of the walks publicized by the tourist office and well signposted. There are information boards (in French) about the construction of traditional barns made from local stone and timber. Easy walking, navigation and some interesting information. The first section is on a quiet road.