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Montsapey walks
Le Grand Arc from Tioulévé
Visorando Member
8.19 mi
+4,242 ft
-4,236 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Montsapey (Savoie)
With clear skies and no clouds on the horizon, on the morning of 27 August 2018, I decide to discover a superb viewpoint over the Alps. Perched between Belledonne and Lauzière, just above the confluence of the Isère and Arc rivers, the Grand Arc massif is exceptional in its domain. High mountains less than an hour from Chambéry!
The Lac Noir du Grand Arc via the Char de la Turche
5.93 mi
+2,717 ft
-2,690 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Montsapey (Savoie)
A beautiful loop on the southern slope of the Grand Arc, passing by the dark Lac Noir.
At the start, a discovery trail allows hikers to step back in time.
Directional signs and yellow markings.
Col de Basmont
2.91 mi
+1,883 ft
-1,880 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Montsapey (Savoie)
A pleasant walk to the Col de Basmont (1,791m), to fill your bag with blueberries, with the added bonus of views over the Beaufortin, the Chartreuse, Belledonne and the Aravis, amongst others.
The Bellacha loop via Col de Basmont
6.93 mi
+4,268 ft
-4,268 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Montsapey (Savoie)
Ascent of Bellacha via a wild trail on the way up, following the north-west and north ridges of Bellachat. The return route is via the Col de l'Arc and Col de Basmont passes, which offer different landscapes and avoid the descent via the ascent route, which is not always easy to find. This loop is not recommended in the opposite direction.
Montartier Lakes – Refuge de la Thuile
11.51 mi
+4,298 ft
-5,128 ft
9h 00
Very difficult
Departure from Argentine (Savoie) (Savoie)
From a bivouac, all alone in the world, a long stage. The secured sections of the Passage des Moutons, Lac de Clartan, the descent to the Chalet du Tour, the paths winding up and down through Pétillat and its waterfall. The ascent to Lac Noir, the passage along the western ridge of the Petit Arc, a bit of off-trail walking; before trudging tirelessly towards a final climb through the woodland to reach the Refuge de la Thuile. What a view from its cross!
The Rochebrune Battery
4.05 mi
+1,722 ft
-1,706 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Georges-des-Hurtières (Savoie)
A circular route in the Hurtières massif to the north of the Belledonnes massif.
This is a route that explores the region’s military and mining history.
Yellow markings on trees and rocks, numerous directional signs with little or no elevation information.
Belt of redoubts and batteries around Fort de Montgilbert
6.32 mi
+1,342 ft
-1,322 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Montendry (Savoie)
Circular forest path starting from Fort de Montgilbert, following the belt of redoubts and batteries built along a ridge to defend the entrance to the Maurienne valley and passing through a sensitive peat bog site.
The Pissus and Lac du Loup circular loop
Local authority4.20 mi
+1,640 ft
-1,611 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Bonneval (Savoie) (Savoie)
Circular route through the Lauzière massif, which gives this area its distinctive rugged, rocky character.
Circular Pissus - Lakes and Col du Loup
4.63 mi
+2,260 ft
-2,283 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Bonneval (Savoie) (Savoie)
A lovely hike in the Lauzière massif, with views of the peaks and glaciers of the Vanoise, not to mention the inevitable Mont Blanc.
You will also recognise the characteristic silhouette of the Cheval Noir along the way.
Mont Bellacha from Lachat
Tourism professional
7.20 mi
+2,740 ft
-2,740 ft
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval (Savoie) (Savoie)
A lovely little hike for the start of the season or for exploring the high mountains with the family, which starts off along some forgotten paths.
Route in Saint-Georges-d’Hurtières
7.14 mi
+827 ft
-833 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Alban-des-Hurtières (Savoie)
A short walk climbing from Lac d’Huretières to the village of Saint-Georges.
The lake, a former gravel pit, features a leisure area and a protected area.
Along the way, there are beautiful views of the Lauzière mountain range.
Col de l’Arc – Refuge du Logis des Fées
8.91 mi
+3,353 ft
-3,406 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
It’s hard to say much about this section, as we completed the whole of it in driving rain and cloud. The route is challenging and stony, with numerous herds of livestock and detours… But it remains so beautiful despite everything. The climb up the Bellachat is less difficult than it looks. The landscape is actually very varied: there’s a lot of rocky terrain on the ascent of the Bellachat, with steep cirques all the way to the Lacs du Loup, where the mountain pastures take over before giving way to the Cirque du Colomban, only to return near the Refuge du Logis des Fées.
Lac Branlay
3.74 mi
+1,352 ft
-1,352 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
A beautiful family hike with panoramic views of the Lauzière massif and Mont Blanc in a wild and unspoilt environment.
Circular Arpettaz starting from the Logis des Fées
4.57 mi
+1,339 ft
-1,345 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
The high-altitude lakes and the highest peaks of the Lauzière give this route its unique character.
Logis des Fées mountain hut – Lac du Cheval Noir
8.21 mi
+3,678 ft
-1,568 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
Fancy a goat’s path? You’re in for a treat. Whilst the climb to the Col de la Madeleine is very smooth going, the path leading to the Col du Cheval Noir from the Grande Combe is more akin to trail running. It’s a difficult climb, sometimes requiring you to get down on all fours, with your hands almost constantly in use, but it’s nonetheless safe if you tackle it without rushing. Camping by the Cheval Noir lakes promises complete solitude.
Pointe des Arangles loop via La Roche Brisée
4.01 mi
+2,559 ft
-2,549 ft
4h 05
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval (Savoie) (Savoie)
A beautiful, wild hike at the start of the season, with no one else on the route. Beautiful views of the western ridge of Comborsier, the Grand Mont d'Arêches and even Mont Blanc. Be careful to keep quiet, as this is black grouse territory.
Refuge de la Thuile – Col de l’Arc
9.24 mi
+4,009 ft
-3,770 ft
7h 45
Very difficult
Departure from Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère (Savoie)
A change of scenery: the view opens out towards the Beaufortain, the Tarentaise, the Aravis and then the Vanoise. You pass beneath the Grand Arc, descend towards the Vallon de Bayet, cross the Col Basmont, then spend the night at the Col de l’Arc in the unmanned hut
The Dent du Corbeau circular loop via La Thuile
3.63 mi
+2,024 ft
-2,008 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère (Savoie)
A circular walk in the Grand Arc massif offering magnificent panoramic views of the Albertville valley and the Lauzière massif, whilst enjoying the beautiful La Thuile mountain pastures with their many small lakes. This walk was completed with children aged five and ten.
Towards the Grand Arc from the Refuge de la Thuile
4.73 mi
+2,201 ft
-2,201 ft
4h 05
Difficult
Departure from Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère (Savoie)
A beautiful hike in an area that is very open right from the start, with panoramic views of the Chartreuse, the Bauges, the Aravis and the Beaufortain. On the ridge, the views extend to include Mont Blanc, the Vanoise and the Écrins...
Route du Logis des Fées
7.25 mi
+3,543 ft
-3,543 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
A hike in the Lauziere massif that will take you past the surrounding peaks, the Logis des Fées refuge, Lake L'Arpettaz and Lake Branlay along well-maintained paths.
Mont Bellacha via Les Foyères
8.70 mi
+4,455 ft
-4,439 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
A hike in the Lauzière massif, a little-used route passing through the mountain pastures of Montagne d’en Haut and Montagne d’en Bas along a path marked in August 2020 to reach the Col de l’Arc. After a steady climb, you reach the summit of Mont Bellachat with a breathtaking 360° view of the surrounding valleys and peaks:
the Grand Arc, the Pic de la Lauzière, Mont Pourri, the Grande Casse, the Grand Bec, the Grande Motte, the Vanoise glaciers, not to mention Mont Blanc.
Col de l’Arc, starting from La Gorraz
6.48 mi
+2,569 ft
-2,566 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
Enjoy the scenery of the Tarentaise Valley, the Beaufortain, the Vanoise and the Lauzière massif.
A circular route around the Dent du Corbeau from Saint-Paul-sur-Isère
5.25 mi
+2,556 ft
-2,536 ft
4h 40
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Paul-sur-Isère (Savoie)
A beautiful, little-known summit at the northern end of the Lauzière massif.The approach via the Tarentaise, which is much less frequented, guarantees peace and quiet and the chance to spot chamois.
Tour of Bonneval
6.15 mi
+2,329 ft
-2,339 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Bonneval (Savoie) (Savoie)
From the hamlets of the Eau Rousse Valley to the high mountains of the Lauzière Massif.
Circular Grande Forêt from Combelouvière
4.19 mi
+978 ft
-958 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
Hike mainly in the forest, easier clockwise.
Yellow markings, yellow signs.
Doucy and its villages
5.69 mi
+1,621 ft
-1,637 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
A route to explore the mountain landscape through forests and mountain pastures, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
La Puceronne, starting from Pussy
1.52 mi
+440 ft
-440 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
A family walk in the heart of a typical Savoyard village.
Circular Villaret loop via Doucy
3.93 mi
+938 ft
-945 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from La Léchère (Savoie)
A circular walk that starts in the centre of the village of Le Villaret and descends to the old mill, following the River Morel. A shaded path then takes you to the village of Doucy, and the return journey takes you across the meadows with views of the mountains.
La Dent du Corbeau
3.53 mi
+2,234 ft
-2,234 ft
3h 35
Difficult
Departure from Notre-Dame-des-Millières (Savoie)
La Dent du Corbeau forms part of the Grand Arc massif. From the ridge, there is a superb view of the valley stretching towards Montmélian, the head of the Tarentaise valley, Mont Blanc (of course!), and the Aravis range.
Les Balcons du Morel, starting from Valmorel
6.48 mi
+1,598 ft
-1,624 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Les Avanchers-Valmorel (Savoie)
Les Balcons du Morel offer a panoramic view stretching from the Col de la Madeleine to the Beaufortain, with a glimpse of Mont Blanc
La Montagne de Tête
5.42 mi
+1,572 ft
-1,572 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Les Avanchers-Valmorel (Savoie)
A short hike starting from the Valmorel resort, with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains as far as Mont Blanc.
A gallop on the Cheval Noir
16.09 mi
+5,207 ft
-5,210 ft
More than 12 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Les Avanchers-Valmorel (Savoie)
A superb hike, not technically demanding but requiring plenty of stamina, rewarded with breathtaking scenery and an abundance of flowers.
Sarvatan Pass as seen from the Col de la Madeleine road
2.70 mi
+1,772 ft
-1,772 ft
2h 45
Difficult
Departure from Montgellafrey (Savoie)
Difficult hike: the path climbs quite steeply and, on a short stretch just before the pass, the path is very narrow. After crossing meadows with characteristic flora, you end up in a more rocky, wild environment. Once you’ve rounded the first ridges, you immediately feel far from civilisation, were it not for the presence of a few marmots.
Crossing the Col de Sarvatan-Col de Monjoie via the two pass trail
5.37 mi
+2,402 ft
-2,395 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Montgellafrey (Savoie)
This loop south of the Lauzière allows you to explore both sides of the chain, climbing directly to the Pas de Sarvatan, then crossing the western slope via a well-marked trail before descending from the Col de Monjoie through beautiful meadows.
Montjoie Pass
3.91 mi
+1,434 ft
-1,430 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Montgellafrey (Savoie)
Family hike to the Col de Monjoie (but it's still uphill) then a short off-trail exploration towards the peaks that border it.
Alpine pastures and waterfalls of Valmorel
5.83 mi
+1,253 ft
-1,532 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Les Avanchers-Valmorel (Savoie)
A short hike with moderate elevation gain, suitable for a family outing with young children. The route takes you through working mountain pastures, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and passes by the foot of three stunning waterfalls.
La Fuly, starting from Valmorel
1.45 mi
+358 ft
-358 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Les Avanchers-Valmorel (Savoie)
A short, easy family walk that allows you to explore Valmorel’s pastoral surroundings.
The Valmorel Waterfalls from the resort
4.48 mi
+1,699 ft
-1,699 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Les Avanchers-Valmorel (Savoie)
Half-day route to discover the Morel Waterfalls and reach a summit, through forests and mountain pastures.
Crève-Tête and the pastoral surroundings of Valmorel
8.66 mi
+3,176 ft
-3,192 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Les Avanchers-Valmorel (Savoie)
A route offering panoramic views, allowing you to explore this high-altitude ridge known as the ‘Vultures’ Ridge’ (views of Mont Blanc, the Ecrins, the Vanoise, etc.).
Crève-Tête circular from Valmorel
9.35 mi
+3,327 ft
-3,301 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Les Avanchers-Valmorel (Savoie)
A beautiful summit offering extensive views of the Savoyard mountains, with a very pleasant ridge walk to begin the descent. A long hike, the ascent of which can be halved by using a cable car (see the alternative route in the practical information section).
Col de Montjoie as seen from Saint François Longchamp.
4.50 mi
+1,893 ft
-1,893 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Montgellafrey (Savoie)
An easy half-day route through the mountain pastures above Saint François Longchamp.
Grand Chat loop
5.66 mi
+1,657 ft
-1,654 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Alban-des-Hurtières (Savoie)
A beautiful hike in the north of the Belledonne Massif. The ridge route offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. A few information boards mark the route.
Pointe de Rognier with return via the Mollards ridge
7.55 mi
+3,196 ft
-3,196 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Alban-des-Hurtières (Savoie)
This is a beautiful hike at the northern end of the Belledonne massif. With the help of an orientation table, discover the 360° view that awaits you at the top of this peak.
As indicated in the paragraph "During the hike or nearby", part of the hike can be done with young children, with an elevation gain of about 600m.
Col de Riondet and Col du Mottet
8.50 mi
+2,313 ft
-2,303 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Les Avanchers-Valmorel (Savoie)
At the foot of the Pointes du Niélard, facing the Pic du Cheval Noir, this hike to two passes presents no technical difficulty and remains accessible to any fit walker, as it follows only wide alpine tracks.
More walks in Montsapey
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