Gignod walks

The second stage of the Tour du Mont Fallere promises a day of stunning views. Once you’ve completed the climb up to the ridges, the path alternates between descents and ascents, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn to begin with, followed by the entire Aosta Valley and the peaks along the border.

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.

First day of the Tour du Mont Fallere. It’s a fairly quick day’s climb, mainly through woodland, to reach the Chaligne refuge. The route alternates between quiet forest tracks and some good, steeper sections of climb, with no technical difficulties.

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.

The final day of the Tour du Mont Fallere. The first part of the day involves climbing to the Col Fenêtre, followed by a bonus ascent to the summit of Monte di Vertosan (3,821 m) for an exceptional 360° panorama (Mont Blanc – Grand Combin – Matterhorn – Gran Paradiso). This is followed by a long descent, with a fairly steep, winding first section, then a fast, rolling track through the forest to round off the circular tour.

Drive via Doues to the Doues - Champillon parking lot below the Refugio Champillon (a beautiful drive with magnificent views). From here, you can walk to the Refugio (1-hour climb) or take a relaxed stroll along the Rû (water channels), which is what I did (see route). Enjoy the beautiful views of both the mountains and the Ollomont valley. You can keep walking for as long as you like. Return the same way.

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.

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.

An average day on paper, but the fatigue is setting in. But it’s the penultimate day. The route is still clearly marked, so we don’t waste too much time getting lost. A stop at the Refuge de Champillon is a must. There’s a climb through the fields. The Col de Champillon is the last major pass before the finish.

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.

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.

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.

Starting from the charming La Pineta campsite, this walk takes you on a journey of discovery through the region, combining history, nature and quaint little hamlets. The route alternates between country lanes, nature trails and sections through villages. Some sections may be more challenging, with paths that are occasionally steep, narrow or rugged. A good level of fitness and suitable footwear are therefore recommended. The route favours quiet paths and tracks as much as possible to avoid roads. However, a few road crossings are unavoidable during the walk. A wonderful way to discover the region in a different light, whilst making the most of its landscapes and heritage.

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 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.

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.

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.

A lovely hike to an easily accessible summit. Close to the Great St Bernard Pass, Mont Fourchon lies on the ridge forming the border between Italy and Switzerland.

A beautiful circular route along the border between Italy and Switzerland. From the road on the Italian side of the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard, you will discover the Lacs du Ferret in the Swiss valley of La Fouly. You will enjoy panoramic views of the Orny, Saleinaz and A Neuve glaciers.