Cascade de la Savinaz walks

The Franco-Italian Alpes Grées mountain range lies in Savoie on the French side, and spans two valleys in Italy: the Aosta Valley and the Piedmont Valley. Much of the Grées Alps is covered by two national parks: the Vanoise and the Gran Paradiso. A truly alpine route where you’ll remain above 2,300 metres, with magnificent views of the glaciers, not to mention the sections through the Fontine and Beaufort mountain pastures.

A steady climb taking you through La Combaz and the listed village of Le Monal with its small lakes, with a breathtaking view of Mont Pourri in the background; further up, you’ll cross the Vallon du Clou, which has been listed and protected since March 2013, to reach the Col du Rocher Blanc (2,830 m), and then descend to the Refuge de Mario Bezzi.

First stage of the Tour de l’Archeboc. The route runs mainly through the forest with lovely views of Mont Pourri right from the start, leading to the Refuge de l’Archeboc.

The fourth and final stage of a 4-day circuit around Mont Pourri. In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, this stage sets off from the Turia mountain hut and finishes at the starting point in Les Arcs 2000. A walk past the Turia Glacier and the Grand Col, with small glacial lakes reflecting Mont Blanc. Blueberries, heather, forests and a gentle return to civilisation.

The second stage of a 4-day walking tour around Mont Pourri. In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, this stage sets off from the Refuge du Mont Pourri and finishes at the Refuge de La Martin. This is the most rocky stage, passing through the highest point of the tour at the Col de la Sachette. It is also the longest stage, but offers a great variety of scenery and a good chance of spotting chamois.

The first stage of a 4-day circuit around Mont Pourri. In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, this stage sets off from a very modern ski resort and ends at the foot of the glaciers in a wild, unspoilt landscape. Breathtaking views of Bellecôte (north face), the Aliet and its magnificent debris cone, as well as the Grande Motte and the Plan de la Plagne valley.

Étape de la Grande traversée des Alpes en Vanoise par une variante haute montagne avec passage de 2 cols (col du Palet et col de la Leisse).

This ninth stage takes place in the Vanoise massif. First along the GR® 5 to Val Claret and then via the Via Alpina, which crosses the Haute Vanoise before rejoining the GR® 5.From the refuge, the path joins the GR® 5 at Plan de la Grassaz. The view opens out onto a vast plateau. The path passes Lake Grattaleu, the Refuge du Palet and the pass of the same name. It descends towards Val Claret and leaves the GR® 5 for the Haute Vanoise variant via the Via Alpina and the GR® 55. It climbs towards the Col de Fresse but bypasses it to reach the Col de la Leisse. The trail descends beneath the Grande Motte glacier, skirting the Lac des Nettes, and reaches the Refuge de la Leisse. At the Croé-Vie bridge, the Via Alpina leaves the GR® 55, heads for the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux, and crosses the Torrent de la Rocheure to rejoin the GR® 5. It climbs towards Lac des Lozières and then, at the foot of the glaciers, runs along a ridge overlooking the Doron Termignon valley and reaches the Refuge de l’Arpont.

A beautiful hike to admire the mountains around Tignes, with views as far as Mont Blanc. Lovely view of the Grande Motte glacier. Little elevation gain when taking the cable car.

Day 2 of a two-circular route in the Vanoise National Park, from the Refuge du Col du Palet to the Refuge de la Femma. A demanding hike due to its distance, but one that takes you through varied landscapes and brings you close to friendly marmots.