The Dent du Corbeau circular loop via La Thuile

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A circular walk in the Grand Arc massif offering magnificent panoramic views of the Albertville valley and the Lauzière massif, whilst enjoying the beautiful La Thuile mountain pastures with their many small lakes. This walk was completed with children aged five and ten.

Details

n°24691836
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.63 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,024 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,008 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,477 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,820 ft
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Photos

View of the La Thuile mountain pasture
View of Mont Bellacha
Dent du Corbeau

Description of the walk

Take the road leading up to Bonvillard (D69) from Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère. Once in Bonvillard, take the road on the left which climbs towards La Léchère and then La Thuile. The road is passable by car but quickly turns into a stony track which is easy to drive up. Park at the car park by the La Thuile mountain chalet: accommodation, food and drinks available on site.

(S/E) Take the path leading uphill to the left of the chalet until you reach a fork.

(1) Take the path on the left towards the Col de Charvan. The climb is steady and not particularly difficult.

(2) Once you reach the Col de Charvan, turn left onto the summit ridge towards the Dent du Corbeau.

(3) At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent 360° view over the Albertville and Tarentaise valleys. Then head back down to the Col de Charvan.

(2) Opposite, take the slightly exposed path for a few metres, which heads towards the ridges in the direction of the summit of La Thuile.

(4) Once at the summit of La Thuile, follow the path on the right which descends towards the mountain chalet, passing close to several small lakes.

(1) Continue straight on to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,823 ft - Alpine chalet car park - Refuge de la Thuile
  2. 1 : mi 0.36 - alt. 6,112 ft - Junction of the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 1.37 - alt. 7,083 ft - Col du Charvan (2162m)
  4. 3 : mi 1.58 - alt. 7,477 ft - La Dent du Corbeau
  5. 4 : mi 2.49 - alt. 7,388 ft - La Thuile
  6. S/E : mi 3.63 - alt. 5,820 ft - Alpine chalet car park

Notes

(S/E) At the starting mountain hut, where you can enjoy a nice beer or even buy some cheese.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Randonneurdudimanche26
Randonneurdudimanche26

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello, we did this hike in September in overcast weather, so we were alone in the middle of this beautiful mountain. Regarding access by car to the car park, expect to drive slowly for several kilometres for the sake of your suspension, but the view is breathtaking very quickly, so it encourages you to continue. We were able to cross a herd guarded by two herd protection dogs (patous). We followed the instructions we read online so as not to scare the animals and guard dogs. The Patous came to sniff us but were not aggressive. From the Charvan Pass towards the Dent du Corbeau, the path is steep and not very safe. I would not recommend this stage to people who are uncomfortable with heights. The section from the Charvan Pass towards the summit of La Thuile involves a few steps of climbing over 150 metres, then the terrain becomes completely flat again. I recommend hiking poles for those with weak knees for the descent. They helped me a lot. The view is spectacular throughout the hike. We had a lot of fog but still enjoyed the altitude and the view of the lakes with their sumptuous colours. We will happily do it again in good weather. Have a great hike!

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luluschnaps
luluschnaps

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent route offering stunning panoramic views
a pleasant ridge walk, with a very soothing silence
Well-signposted path

make sure your car has sufficient ground clearance to reach the mountain hut by car

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bibih38
bibih38

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 30, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, with a superb 360° view from the summit
However, the path is poorly signposted just before the summit and we had to take a slightly exposed section where we had to use our hands. Those with a fear of heights should take care

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