Lac du Liael walks

A beautiful route, sometimes off the beaten track or on poorly marked paths. From the top of the passes, you can see both the peaks of the Vanoise (the Dent Parachée) and the Barre des Ecrins.This hike follows on from the "Le refuge de Bramanette" route.

This short hike is the starting point for a magnificent three-day trek between Haute Maurienne and Val de Suze (Italy), with beautiful lakes and numerous small glaciers.But the setting and the welcome at the Refuge de Bramanette are such that they alone justify spending the night there and descending back down to the valley the next day!

A very beautiful route amongst glaciers and lakes, which crosses the Italian border (beautiful view of the Val di Suza) and returns to France via the Col Clapier, which Hannibal and his elephants probably passed through. This route follows on from the hike “From the Bramanette Refuge to the Ambin Refuge”, but can easily be done starting from the Ambin Refuge alone.

A lovely, easy walk in the peaceful forest, starting at the top of the gondola lift and returning by chairlift.

The walk begins with a gentle, rural route to the Fond de l’Aussois mountain hut, followed by a steep climb to the Col de l’Aussois.

The final stage of this fabulous route from the Refuge de la Fournache to the Refuge de l'Orgére, via the Col de la Masse. The ascent of this pass is difficult due to the steep gradient. The end of the ascent and a good part of the descent are very technical. The view from the pass is absolutely exceptional; you will be able to see the Écrins and the Thabor massif.

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.

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.

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.

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.