La Valette Refuge

In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, discover the Refuge de la Valette, perched at an altitude of 2,585 m. An essential stop on multi-day hikes or simply a little corner of paradise for a well-deserved break at the foot of the Vanoise glaciers. Make the most of your hike to explore the old refuge and the nearby lake. The slope’s exposure encourages updrafts, ideal for birds of prey (golden eagles, bearded vultures, etc.) to soar – a truly spectacular sight!

Details

56128444
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Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.12 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,979 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,969 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,560 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,614 ft

Description of the walk

Park at the car park at the entrance to the village of Les Prioux, at the start of the Savoyarde de Découverte walk: limited capacity, accessible only during the summer months.

(S/E) From the Les Prioux car park, cross the bridge and follow the departmental road towards Pont de la Pêche for about 50 metres to reach the start of the Sentier des Bévériers (trail no. 38) on the other side of the road.

(1) Continue along this path under the canopy of arcosses (alder trees in local dialect) towards the Cirque des Nants.
At the Pont des Nants, you enter the Vanoise National Park.

(2) Cross the Stream des Nants and continue along the same path (path no. 38), passing close to the Chalet des Nants.

(3) Continue eastwards, then head due north, following the winding path until you reach a fork.

(4) Take the path on the right and continue to the Refuge de la Valette.

(5) On the way back, take the route in reverse to the Parking des Prioux car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,614 ft - Parking des Prioux - lieu dit les Prioux
  2. 1 : mi 0.12 - alt. 5,630 ft - Bréviers trail on the left
  3. 2 : mi 1.27 - alt. 6,729 ft - The Pont des Nants
  4. 3 : mi 1.64 - alt. 7,175 ft - Chalet des Nants
  5. 4 : mi 2.78 - alt. 8,383 ft - Turn right
  6. 5 : mi 3.05 - alt. 8,520 ft - La Valette refuge - Refuge de la Valette
  7. S/E : mi 6.12 - alt. 5,614 ft - Parking des Prioux - lieu dit les Prioux

Notes

Water point at the start and at the Refuge de la Valette.
Hiking boots recommended

Worth a visit

La Valette refuge.
Glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, chamois and even ptarmigans are the fantastic elements that make up this hike.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 12161442

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike with breathtaking views from the Valette refuge. Don't miss the Lac de la Vallette and the old refuge. Pretty hamlet of Les Prioux. Well-marked trail. The Vanoise is very beautiful

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Anne C.
Anne C.
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk to a beautiful mountain hut, accessible only on foot.
We’ve done this hike several times and seen marmots every time.

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MI.L
MI.L

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We made the entire ascent in fog, but when we arrived at the refuge, soaked to the skin, the clouds parted to reveal a breathtaking panorama. I recommend carrying on to the site of the old stone refuge, with its lake below and the reflections of the rocks and snow. Then head down towards Lac de LaValette and climb back up over the pass before setting off on the return journey.
The route is, incidentally, very well signposted, but nothing beats Visorando when you’re walking in the fog.
Very busy up to the junction for Montaimont, this route becomes much quieter thereafter.
Thanks to the trailmaker who created this guide.

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RENE69
RENE69

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb hike with stunning scenery. Well worth doing if you're in the area.

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