The Vallonbrun Refuge, starting from Lanslevillard

Park in the car park at the Lanslevillard Tourist Office. The start is opposite.

(S/E) Take the road (Grand Rue) which goes straight up to a fork.

(1) At the top of the road, take the path on the left and go round the chalet to turn right, then continue uphill along the path through the fields. Signs for the Vanoise National Park are on the right.

(2) Begin a fairly steep climb with panoramic views of the village and the valley. Cross the Ruisseau du Pichet and arrive at a wide track.

(3) Turn onto the path leading down to the right. Pass the Grattais car park and the park’s information boards.

(4) Cross the Ruisseau de Burel and turn left onto a path that winds its way uphill until you reach the sign for the Refuge de Vallonbrun on the left. Take a moment to admire the flora and butterflies along the streams. And don’t miss the view of the peaks.

(5) Take this mountain pasture track, which is an easy and very pleasant climb. The refuge is 20 minutes away. Pass La Fesse d’en Bas. Watch the marmots scampering about in the fields. The refuge will be on your right; make the most of this opportunity to top up your water supplies.

(6) Continue along this mountain pasture track to reach the Chapelle Saint-Antoine and head down the path on the right. Cross the Ruisseau des Granges and continue south-west. Take care not to miss the path branching off to the left into the alpine meadows, which are full of flowers in early summer. Climb the steps at the foot of the cliff. You’ll arrive at Le Petit Pass, a village at the foot of the Col de la Madeleine.

(7) Continue along the road to the right which runs alongside the Col de la Madeleine via ferrata. Carry on until you reach the departmental road.

(8) Take the Route Forestière des Grattais, which climbs gently to the right, until you reach the path leading down to the left towards the Chapelle Saint-Laurent (Lanslevillard is signposted there).

(9) At the Saint-Laurent Chapel, cross the stream and head slightly uphill to reach the village of Lanslevillard via a path that is occasionally exposed.

(10) Walk alongside the access paths to the Via Ferrata and, when you reach a bench, take the path on the left which leads back to the chalets at the top of Lanslevillard. Return to the junction you passed on the way out.

(1) Follow the route back in the opposite direction to reach the car park at the Lanslevillard Tourist Information Centre (S/E).