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Lac des Assiettes walks
The Col de la Vanoise
Association / Club / Walk leader
7.34 mi
+2,828 ft
-2,828 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Located in the heart of the Vanoise massif, this route is a good introduction to France's first national park and goes around the Aiguille de la Vanoise. In early summer (June), you'll easily spot ibex, marmots and maybe even chamois.
It is best to park at the Fontanettes car park above Pralognan-la-Vanoise, but you can also start from Pralognan.
Moderator's addition on 04/08/2021: Please note! For safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that you do this route in the opposite direction to the one suggested here. See the reviews at the bottom of this page.
The Col de la Vanoise via the Arcellin
Visorando Member
8.93 mi
+3,012 ft
-3,012 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
This is a classic route in Pralognan, which takes theGR®55"motorway" on the way back. On the way there, the climb through the Cirque de l'Arcelin and Lac des Assiettes is truly superb and fairly uncrowded.
The Tour de l’Aiguille de la Vanoise via the lakes and the Col du Moriond
8.03 mi
+3,222 ft
-3,222 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
This hike requires a bit of fitness but is accessible. To make it easier, it’s best to do it in the opposite direction; however, with our children aged 8 and 12, we prefer the route described below.
Mountain trolls and marmots are sure to be spotted. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some chamois.
Walks near Lac des Assiettes
Refuge du col de la Vanoise - Refuge de l'Arpont
8.64 mi
+1,145 ft
-1,837 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Stage5 of this route between the Col de la Vanoise refuge and the Arpont refuge. A stage without any major difficulty. The scenery is extraordinary, as you walk alongside the Vanoise Glacier for the entire hike. You will catch sight of the Rechasse, Roche Ferran and Arpont glaciers. You will pass at the foot of the Grande Casse and its glacier, the Pointe de la Réchasse and Mont Pelve.
From Les Fontanettes to Les Prioux via the Col du Grand Marchet and La Valette
7.07 mi
+4,245 ft
-4,045 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
A very beautiful high-altitude hike, a bit challenging but probably one of the most stunning. It passes through several little-visited cirques and offers high-mountain views throughout the route.
This is a one-way hike, so you’ll need to organise your return journey (see practical information).
The Col de Leschaux circular route
5.42 mi
+2,113 ft
-3,996 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
An exposed hike requiring caution, offering a stunning view over the entire southern sector of Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
Pralognan - Leisse Refuge
11.34 mi
+4,908 ft
-1,391 ft
9h 30
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Day1 of the Grande Casse circular route, from Pralognan to the Refuge de la Leisse, passing close to the impressive Grande Casse, all in a wild setting dotted with lakes.
Refuge de la Vallette via the Pas de l’Âne
5.80 mi
+3,789 ft
-2,989 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
A challenging hike that passes through the Cirque du Petit Marchet, crosses the Roc du Tambour to reach the Refuge de la Vallette and ends at the hamlet of Le Prioux.
Tip: only undertake this hike when there is no snow and in dry weather.
Valette Refuge - Col de la Vanoise Refuge
7.67 mi
+3,901 ft
-4,154 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
The 4th stage of this route, which will take you from the Valette refuge to the Col de la Vanoise refuge. One of the most challenging stages, featuring the ascent of the Col du Grand Marchet and its highly technical descent.
A balcony-like route above Pralognan, the Petit Marchet, the Grand Marchet cirque, and the pass of the same name, leading to the Lac des Vaches and its ford, with the Grande Casse and the Col de La Vanoise refuge in the background. A technical stage, but one of the most beautiful.
Refuge de la Leisse- Refuge de Plan Sec
20.31 mi
+4,426 ft
-4,948 ft
13h 10
Difficult
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
Étape de la Grande Traversée des Alpes traversant le Parc National de la Vanoise du Nord au Sud.
Refuge de la Leisse – Refuge de la Femma
5.28 mi
+1,214 ft
-1,667 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
This route follows an unmarked but useful path between the Refuge de la Leisse and the Refuge de la Femma, crossing the Col de la Pierre Blanche.
La Leisse – Tignes Val-Claret
6.01 mi
+892 ft
-2,142 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
A steady climb takes you to the Col de la Leisse (2,761 m), offering breathtaking views of the Grande Motte glacier, before descending to Tignes Val-Claret with, in the background, the Dôme de la Sache (3,588 m), the Pointe de la Grande Sassière and, to the left, the Col du Palet and the Pointe du Chardonnet.