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Col du Vay walks
From the Oule refuge to the Chalet du Bout via the Col Morétan and the Aup Bernard
Visorando Member
8.43 mi
+4,075 ft
-5,548 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Pinsot (Isère)
This long route will take you up and down two mountain passes (Morétan and Vay), through the Morétan Lakes valley, and across the wild, unmarked foothills leading to the Col du Vay. You’ll then begin a long, dizzying descent along a balcony path between the Chalet du Vay and l’Aup Bernard, finally arriving – after one last rather steep climb – at a very pretty spot in the middle of which stands the Chalet du Bout, the perfect place to spend the night.
Please note: this hike involves crossing two snowfields as well as a steep, exposed descent.
Walks near Col du Vay
From the Lodge de la Martinette to the Refuge de l’Oule via Lac du Léat
8.13 mi
+4,619 ft
-2,129 ft
7h 45
Very difficult
Departure from La Ferrière (Isère) (Isère)
A very physically demanding day, with very steep slopes right from the start that give you almost no respite until you reach the refuge. But from the Refuge de la Grande Valloire onwards, the views are magnificent.
Sept Laux J2
10.35 mi
+2,408 ft
-5,026 ft
6h 50
Difficult
Departure from La Ferrière (Isère) (Isère)
The second stage of this circular route in the Belledonne Massif, sometimes along a balcony trail, sometimes through wild valleys, takes you around the Allevard Massif.
⚠️15/06/2026: a notice indicates a rockfall at Cul de la Vieille between 2 and 3, making it impossible to follow this route. You must take the GR®738 as a detour. Please let us know in the comments if you have any information regarding the lifting of this notice.
Refuge des Sept Laux – Rivier d’Allemond
5.19 mi
+407 ft
-3,248 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from La Ferrière (Isère) (Isère)
A classic, well-known hike in the area to explore the Lacs des 7 Laux. Here, only the descent is described and used to complete this traverse, as it is not possible to continue easily on to the Refuge de l’Oule.
Lac de la Jasse and Col de Bédina
4.20 mi
+410 ft
-2,562 ft
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Les Adrets (Isère)
A beautiful high-altitude lake accessible by chairlift from Prapoutel. Descent via the wilder side of the resort. Passes by Gros Caillou, a popular spot for climbers.
From Lac de la Jasse to Prapoutel via Gros Cailloux
3.08 mi
+2,241 ft
-2,684 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Les Adrets (Isère)
This is a magnificent, easy walk that takes you through many beautiful natural sites, with breathtaking views of the Grésivaudan valley and the Chartreuse mountains.
Sept Laux Day 1
7.18 mi
+4,232 ft
-1,614 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Laval (Isère)
A very beautiful stage in the Belledonne Massif, starting from the mountain pastures, which takes us through a mineral world to a setting of tranquillity on the edge of the Sept Laux (seven lakes).
Pont de la Betta - Lac Blanc
7.77 mi
+4,072 ft
-1,286 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Laval (Isère)
First stage of this lovely circular route in Belledonne, with the magnificent mountain lake, Lac Blanc, as the final backdrop.
Montpascal – Valbuche
8.10 mi
+4,413 ft
-1,834 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Pontamafrey-Montpascal (Savoie)
First day of a two-day hike in the Maurienne with a bivouac.
Hike completed in 2016 with a break at the Col de la Baisse, another above the Chalet des Brunes and a final one at the Chalet du Tovet.
Note: The route shown is based on my GPS watch, which I never paused, which explains the circular patterns in certain places.
Le Pal de Fer
1.43 mi
+2,001 ft
-0 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Crolles (Isère)
An original outing that allows you to discover the superb work carried out here for the construction of the Touvet funicular railway. The ascent is on foot and the descent, to relieve the knees, is by funicular.
(Please note): This route is currently closed. See explanations here
(Comment from a hiker) dated 18 June 2023: small difficult section: crossing the scree slope where you need to use two ropes to reach the path in the forest.