Freney walks

Circular route starting from Valfrejus Station, to Lavoir, then Fort du Collet, La Turra and Bon Pré, before descending back to the station. This route offers sublime, uninterrupted views of Thabor and the refuge, as well as the Modane valley and Valfréjus Station.

A challenging hike starting from Valfréjus resort, the first stage to reach Lac des Méandes (below Col des Méandes). The view is incredible all along the route.Be careful, there is very little shade and at an altitude of 2,700 metres, it is always a little chilly.

An easy route passing by the Notre-Dame du Charmaix Chapel, which blends seamlessly with the rock face. Then, the Chemin des Essarts: a Discovery Trail with information boards on local flora and fauna created by pupils from the Collège de la Vanoise. And there’s also a beautiful waterfall to admire!

Climb to the summit of Le Truc for magnificent views over the Maurienne Valley, the Vanoise, the Grand Vallon, Arrondaz and the Col de la Roue. The view is already very beautiful from Arplane.

A lovely route, mostly shaded. You walk alongside the Charmaix stream on one side on the way up and on the other on the way down. Very nice view on arrival.

This is an easy, downhill hike from Valfréjus to Modane. The route follows the GR®5. It is a gentle slope, passing near the pretty Notre-Dame du Charmaix chapel, and there are many oratories in different styles along the way. Take the shuttle bus between Modane station and Valfréjus, but be sure to check the timetable.

Three-day tour of Thabor, including the summit, starting from the Prec car park in Orelle. Three well-balanced days in terms of duration and elevation gain. Beautiful 360° panorama from the summit of Tabor. The route is never technically difficult, but it is challenging due to the length of some stages, the altitude, and the orientation on certain passages where there are no trails.

First beautiful stage of a challenging three-day tour of Mont Thabor. A beautiful stage with an elevation gain of almost 1,200 metres. Climb to the Bissorte dam, cross the Vallon des Marches, with a possible break at the refuge. Then climb to the beautiful Lac des Bataillères and the pass of the same name, with a superb view of the Lacs Sainte Marguerite and the Vallon de la Grande Montagne. Breathtaking view of the Cheval Blanc.

An easy route to reach the Thabor refuge and spend a good night’s sleep before heading over to Mont Thabor and the Chalets de Laval. This section is accessible by mountain bike.

The Lacs Sainte-Marguerite are two pretty lakes a stone's throw from the Mont Thabor refuge. The Lac Rond and Lac Long are set in a very mineral environment at the foot of the Cheval Blanc.

A superb hike on the border between Savoie and the Hautes Alpes, almost in Italy. Tormented landscapes, high mountains, a chapel at over 3,150 metres, lakes, snowfields, and a bit of contemporary history, as a large part of the route has only been French territory since 1947.

A lovely, isolated hike, far from the overcrowded trails. Requires a little attention to orientation and the location of the path.

This eleventh stage crosses the Mont Cenis massif and, in part, the Cerces massif. From the Refuge de l’Orgère, the GR®5 descends to Loutraz, crossing the River Arc via the bridge to the east of Modane. The route goes round the town hall, passes the church, follows the railway line eastwards, then westwards, and climbs the slope beneath the Fréjus Tunnel to pass under the motorway. It continues its ascent towards Notre-Dame du Charmaix. After the Valfréjus resort, it enters the Ruisseau du Charmaix valley and reaches the hamlet of Les Herbiers. Below the old Small Pass, it crosses the stream and, following the road, reaches the Lavoir Reservoir before tackling the steep climb towards La Losa, then, via the Combe de la Grande Montagne, reaches the Col de la Vallée Étroite. After a detour to the east, the descent heads due south, towards the Plaine Tavernette, then the valley of the same name. Finally, the GR®5 follows the Ruisseau de la Vallée Étroite to the Granges de la Vallée Étroite.

A 3-day hike with camping or staying in mountain huts. The route takes you into the Vanoise National Park, close to the Gébroulaz Glacier and Lac Blanc, with the option of climbing the Grand Roc (3,316 m) and the Pointe de l'Observatoire (3,015 m). There are many other panoramic views to discover across the five passes: Col de la Masse (2,952 m), Col d’Aussois (2,914 m), Col Rouge (2,730 m), Col du Soufre (2,817 m) and Col de Chavière (2,796 m).

Starting from the Refuge Porte de l'Orgère, the route passes through the Valon de l'Orgère to reach the Col de la Masse (2,952 m) with the option of climbing the Grand Roc (3,316 m), then follows the valleys to reach the Refuge du Fond d'Aussois.

A hike at 2,900m: marmots, ibex, mountain pastures, scree slopes and forest – all in one.

A good hike with an uphill route along the Povaret torrent, away from the usual trails. The uphill trail is well marked but there are hardly any signposts.

This fabulous 8-stage route (+ 2 variants) is challenging and requires excellent physical fitness, as some passes reach an altitude of nearly 3,000m. The first two stages deviate from the usual route, making this route even more appealing. The mountain landscapes, glaciers, pastures and flora are among the most beautiful in the Alps. Wildlife is particularly abundant, as in the Mercantour. Every day we saw marmots, ibex and chamois.

The first stage takes you from the Refuge d’Orgére to the Refuge de Peclet Polset. Although short, this first stage features a significant elevation gain, helping you get into your stride for the rest of the trek. The views above the Maurienne Valley are already splendid. You’ll cross your first pass, the Col de Chaviére, at nearly 2,800 metres. Views of the Écrins and the Thabor, reminding us of the 2018 route.