Refine your search for walks in Lac du Santel
Lac du Santel walks
Col de la Bailletaz from the Saut Dam
Visorando Member
8.16 mi
+1,854 ft
-1,854 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Tignes (Savoie)
This easy hike in the Grande Sassière Reserve will take you to a high mountain environment, between lakes and glaciers.
Round trip to the Col de la Bailletaz from Le Fornet
7.06 mi
+3,215 ft
-3,232 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
Among the many hikes starting from Val d’Isère, the ascent to the Col de la Bailletaz remains very accessible, and the section of the route running along a ridge offers superb views of the Haute Tarentaise and even the source of the Isère. The section leading up to the pass will transport you to a more rocky landscape, with a sweeping view of the Grande Sassière nature reserve.
Walks near Lac du Santel
The Balcons des Barmettes trail
Tourist office3.05 mi
+899 ft
-436 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
Balcony trail from La Daille to Le Fornet with several possible entry points. The Balcony Trail is a must-do walk in Val d’Isère. It requires a bit of physical effort, but you’ll soon be rewarded with breathtaking views of the village, Solaise and Bellevarde.
Bénévolo – Chivasso
6.47 mi
+3,005 ft
-1,975 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Rhêmes-Notre-Dame (Aosta Valley)
The ascent takes you through very wild, virtually off-trail terrain up to the Nivoletta Alpine Pass (3,152 m), followed by a descent via the gullies overlooking the magnificent Leitz and Rosset Lakes in the Valsavarenche. You then make your way towards the Chivasso Refuge through splendid flower-filled mountain pastures, renowned for their delicious fontina cheese.
From the Mario Bezzi refuge to the Chenal car park via the Col du Rocher Blanc
7.92 mi
+2,031 ft
-3,937 ft
5h 25
Difficult
Departure from Valgrisenche (Aosta Valley)
The final day of the Tour de l’Archeboc features a long, beautiful climb to the Col du Rocher Blanc, followed by a descent on the French side back to our starting point at Chenal. Views of the Italian and then French glaciers throughout today’s route.
Mario Bezzi – Benevolo
7.31 mi
+3,648 ft
-3,629 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Valgrisenche (Aosta Valley)
Hike up the magnificent glacial valley, which marks the end of the Val Grisenche, overlooking the imposing Glariettez Glacier. Access to the Val de Rhême via the Col de Bassac-Déré (3,082 m), then a descent through a high-mountain landscape to Lac de Golettaz, where the seracs are reflected in the water. The route then descends through the mountain pastures to the Refuge Benevolo (2,285 m).
The Col de la Leisse from the arrival point of the Aéroski cable car
6.01 mi
+856 ft
-2,785 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Tignes (Savoie)
A beautiful hike to admire the mountains around Tignes, with views as far as Mont Blanc. Lovely view of the Grande Motte glacier. Little elevation gain when taking the cable car.
Fond des Fours – La Leisse
10.52 mi
+3,061 ft
-3,215 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
A little-used path leading to the Col de la Rocheure (2,911 m) runs alongside a myriad of small high-altitude lakes, before descending to the Refuge de la Femma. The ascent to the Col de Pierre-Blanche (2,842 m) is steady and not very well marked, even veering off the beaten track. The view is magnificent over the rocky Leisse valley, nestled between the giant peaks of the Grande Motte and the Grande Casse. Descend through these deserted landscapes towards the eagle’s nest that is the Refuge de la Leisse (2,487 m).
From the Fond des Fours Refuge to the Col de la Vanoise Refuge
14.55 mi
+3,097 ft
-3,156 ft
9h 25
Difficult
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
A long stage for this third day with very varied landscapes and terrain.It’s a shame that the road section after the Refuge de la Femma can’t be avoided, as it’s rather uninteresting. You’ll have to wait until the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux to finally get back on a trail.The difficulty is mainly due to the distance, as the elevation gains aren’t too steep and the trails are in good condition.
Carro Refuge - Lacs Blanc and Noir
14.25 mi
+1,890 ft
-4,075 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
A balcony route with beautiful views of the glaciers, passing by the small Lac du Pys and then the Refuge du Carro. Don't miss the Lacs Noir and Blanc, where you can recharge your batteries before descending to the traditional hamlet of L'Écot and then Bonneval-sur-Arc.
Chivasso – Carro
6.52 mi
+3,130 ft
-2,582 ft
5h 45
Difficult
Departure from Valsavarenche (Aosta Valley)
Cross the mountain pastures along a descending path, from where there is a magnificent view of Lake Agniel and Lake Serru (2,240 m). A path leads to Lago Delle Rocc Grandi and the high-altitude path over the Col du Carro (3,122 m). The pass marks the French-Italian border and the entrance to the Vanoise National Park. A steep descent leads to the Refuge du Carro (2,759 m) for a well-deserved rest.
Please note: Just before Lac du Caro, the glacier tongue has swept away the landmarks (markings, cairns), makingnavigation and progress very difficult(see notice dated 7 September 2026).
