Montsapey walks

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful family hike with panoramic views of the Lauzière massif and Mont Blanc in a wild and unspoilt environment.

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.

Hike mainly in the forest, easier clockwise. Yellow markings, yellow signs.

A short hike starting from the Valmorel resort, with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains as far as Mont Blanc.

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.

Family hike to the Col de Monjoie (but it's still uphill) then a short off-trail exploration towards the peaks that border it.

Half-day route to discover the Morel Waterfalls and reach a summit, through forests and mountain pastures.

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).

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.

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.