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Lac des Vaches 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.
Lac des Assiettes, Lac des Vaches, Lac Long and Lac de la Patinoire
9.39 mi
+3,888 ft
-3,888 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Several descriptions on Visorando already pass through the Col de la Vanoise. This one offers an itinerary that strays from the beaten track, seeking out wild and little-used passages.
Whether on well-trodden paths or not, the scenery is spectacular throughout.
Circular route around the Grande Casse
39.92 mi
+13,061 ft
-13,045 ft
4 days
Difficult
Departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise (Savoie)
Four-day hike around the Grande Casse in the Vanoise National Park, starting from Pralognan. Highlights: crossing the rocks of Lac des Vaches, views of the Grande Casse and the Leisse Valley, all in an idyllic setting and in the company of marmots.
Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise starting from Modane
66.01 mi
+23,921 ft
-23,917 ft
8 days
Difficult
Departure from Villarodin-Bourget (Savoie)
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.
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.
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.