Lacs du Cheval Noir – Saint-François-Longchamp

This route takes you through what I consider to be one of the most beautiful areas in the municipality: Les Balcons. It boasts a rich diversity of flora, fauna and geology, as well as varied landscapes and terrain. All this in a place that feels wild and far from civilisation. See the ‘Practical information’ section regarding the path after the (3).

Discover a peak with a 360° view of the Savoie mountains.

This small mountain range undoubtedly offers one of the most stunning sequences of panoramic views. But beware of the challenging paths and the isolation. Pay particular attention to water management: streams and springs often run dry in summer.The starting point is Saint-François-Longchamp, accessible by public transport or by road. Parking is easy and free there in summer. The stages are connecting days. This route follows the Tour de la Lauzière route with a detour via La Thuile and the Col de l’Arc. You’ll spend every other night in a refuge and the rest in a bivouac.Do not attempt this hike if you are not sure-footed: although it stays on the paths (or strays very little from them), this route requires vigilance and follows routes that are very rarely used. You will almost certainly find yourself alone, or almost alone, for most of the day, in conditions where the markings are often half-faded and the paths obscured by livestock tracks. High-altitude cloud cover is common.

Starting from Saint-François-Longchamp, this first stage of the Tour de la Lauzière is a gentle walk to the Grande Léchère Lake Mountain Hut, where you’ll spend your first night.

A lovely mountain hike, without any major difficulties, featuring a wide variety of terrain: mountain pastures, forests, wide paths and streams. A stunning view of the valley from the Croix du Grand-Praz. The Col de Montjoie will be on your left on the return from the lake, with the Cheval Noir on the other side.

If you’ve had enough of paths overcrowded with slow-moving tourists and you like to get off the beaten track, if you enjoy a proper slog through scree and up steep slopes, then this hike is for you. Please pay attention to the recommendations set out in the ‘Practical Information’ section.

An easy half-day route through the mountain pastures above Saint François Longchamp.

Une jolie randonnée dans la montagne à vaches (celles qui font le Beaufort). Belle vue sur la vallée de l'Arc et le massif des Grandes Rousses. Presque tout le parcours est au soleil.