Cogne walks

An easy but long day. No complaints about the climb. However, be careful towards the end as there are many paths that look alike. From Chardonney, there is little public transport. It is possible to hitchhike to Pont-Saint-Martin. With all the French place names, you wouldn’t think you were in Italy. From Pont-Saint-Martin, there are buses to Gressonney-Saint-Jean.

A fairly popular hike that takes you close to the foothills of Gran Paradiso. You might spot some ibex if you’re lucky!

A lovely hike in the Cogne area with stunning views of Gran Paradiso.

Spectacular view over Gran Paradiso.

A long day lies ahead with the climb to the Col de Lauzon (3,299m). This is the highest point of the TDG. The descent from the pass is pure delight. It is possible to run downhill for 3–4 km to the Vittorio Sella Refuge. It is a large refuge with plenty of people. The descent to Valnontey is also long, but there are plenty of cafés to rest in.

From Valsavaranche to Val de Cogne in the middle of a herd of chamois.

A truly magnificent mountain route. Ascent, crossing the Col du Grand Small Pass, then descent. A fairly classic circuit where you are likely to see animals such as chamois and marmots. This circuit can be done in either direction, but the direction indicated allows you to enjoy impressive views on arrival at the Col du Grand Small Pass.

Facing the Grand Paradis, these two mountain pastures, now abandoned, offer a beautiful view of the glacier and the summit of this particularly popular mountain.

A visit to the Victor Emmanuel Refuge, which, like its neighbour the Chabod Refuge, can be considered the base camp for the summit of Gran Paradiso, located in the province of Aosta in northern Italy. A steep but short climb that ends between the refuge and Lake Moncorvé.

A lovely autumn circular with magnificent views of the Aosta Valley and Cly Castle. Parking in Nus, pleasant climb in stages. On the way back, a meal or refreshment in Nus is a must!

A short day as the next day takes you into the Gran Paradiso National Park, where camping is prohibited; I had to cut the stage short, otherwise it would have had to be extended unreasonably. The Hostellerie du Gran Paradis is the only place to stay overnight. The food is great, but be warned: at weekends there are often Italians, French people, etc. out mountain biking.

Another valley trek, the aim of today is Valsavarenche.

A pleasant route that alternates between mountain pastures and forests to reach Mont Joux. This modest peak offers a view of Monte Bianco. The route also offers a wide panorama of peaks ranging from 3,000 to almost 4,000 metres, such as Punta Pousset (3,046) above Cogne, Grivola (3,969), the Grand Paradis massif and Punta del Ran (3,272) in the Ruitor massif.

A magnificent route featuring an open-air museum. The climb to the refuge is dotted with numerous sculptures. You will be surprised by strange creatures, characters and animals hidden behind trees or rocks. The route features around 300 pieces, all created by Siro Vierin. Between the Fallère Refuge and Lago Fallère, you will walk along the Tour du Mont Fallère trail.

A very long day. The descent to Oyace seems never-ending. On the other hand, once again, the scenery is magnificent and wild. It’s best to have a good rest in Oyace, as the final climb to the Col de Brison is very long. It’s almost over

A route to discover the typical villages that line the famous Col du Grand Saint-Bernard road. On the way there, you will follow the Via Francigena to climb up to the village of Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, renowned for its cured ham. You will also pass through the villages of Étroubles, Saint-Oyen, Cerisey and Les Bosses, characterised by stone chalets with slate roofs.

A superb route that begins in a larch forest and continues over a succession of hilltops. The arrival at the pass beneath Mont Flassin offers a phenomenal view. From Gran Paradiso to the Grandes Jorasses, via the Matterhorn and so many others. The panorama is exceptional.

It’s the last day. The descent from the Col de Malatra is magnificent. It’s the last pass at almost 3,000 metres. You can see the path from afar, winding up the mountainside. After that, the solitude will be over. We rejoin the TMB from the Bonatti Refuge and its throng of hikers. The descent towards Courmayeur is superb, but once you reach the tarmac, it’s a very long way.

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.

The route starts from the car park at the Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses ski resort, which is easily reached from Aosta. You quickly reach the mountain pastures after an initial climb through a larch forest. You pass a group of stone houses with slate roofs at the Arp du Bois Desot. Then, the landscape opens out onto the ridge of a vast mountain pasture which leads easily to the Fenêtre de Serena, where the view stretches across the French and Italian Alps as far as the eye can see.

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 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.

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 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 superb winter route starting from Chamois. At Col Pilaz, you will be surprised to discover the Matterhorn to the north. A giant red bench offers a superb photo opportunity with the Cervinio in the background. On the south side, a magnificent panorama of the Paradis massif awaits you. The village of Chamois is the only car-free village in Italy. It is only accessible on foot, by bicycle or by cable car.