Peisey-Nancroix walks

A short walk for children through the hamlets between Le Villaret and Vallandry. Much of the ascent is by cable car (free of charge). Afterwards, it’s a pleasant walk through the forest with lovely views of the valley and, if the weather is fine, the chance to see Mont Blanc.

Whether seen from Nancroix or Les Vernettes, where it displays its impressive red cliff face, or from Le Rosuel, where it resembles a castle tower, the Aiguille Rousse is always impressive! However, it is only the chance of the relief that gives it this appearance of a watchtower over the valley. Its neighbour, the Aiguille Grive, is significantly higher, but also easier to access. Indeed, it is better not to be afraid of heights at the top of the Rousse!

The Chapelle des Vernettes is a highlight of Baroque religious art in the Tarentaise region and a must-see hike in the Peisey Valley. Its main advantage is its accessibility, which can become a problem in the height of summer when many cars make the trip.

An easy, well-marked hike that can be done in winter with snowshoes (or possibly just with small crampons) in a forest, far from the ski lifts, to the charming hamlet of Les Esserts, which is uninhabited in winter.The north-facing slope means that the route is in the shade of the mountain and the snow melts less quickly.The walk is signposted from the bridge with yellow signs.

Another classic in the Peisey valley, with a bird's eye view of the village and a beautiful panorama of Mont Pourri. The route is steep and somewhat exposed, but it is possible to make a round trip via the descent route.

A lovely hike that allows you to enjoy very different terrains: forest, alpine pastures, rocks. Beautiful view of the Beaufortain, especially the Pierra Menta, and allows you to approach the menacing north face of Bellecôte. As a bonus, an easy 3000-metre peak.

The walk begins at a historic site with a rich industrial past, once home to silver-lead mines, and continues through a distinctly mountainous landscape, passing by pastoral activities on the descent.

Lac de la Plagne is a classic day hike in the Peisey Valley. It takes you right into the heart of the Vanoise National Park in a very mountainous setting. The normal route can be done without a map, as it is entirely on theGR®5, which is why I am suggesting a wilder route here, but also more challenging due to numerous stream crossings and some off-trail sections.

This hike is a longer version of the one suggested by the La Plagne Tourist Office. You will see Les Inversens and the summit of Bellecôte as you pass by the Carroley mountain and its small lake. You will descend to Belle Plagne via the foot of Mont Saint-Jacques (2,407 m).

This hike is not technically difficult and can be completed in half a day. It offers beautiful views, including two lookout points. The trails are sometimes difficult to see, so a GPS device may be useful, although the terrain is clear and the waypoints are visible from a distance at all times.You will pass through mountain pastures where cows may be present in season.

This half-day hike is easy for most of the route but presents some difficulty during the (optional) ascent of the Roc du Diable. The rest of the route is mostly on paths prepared for mountain machinery, so there are no particular difficulties. There is a beautiful panoramic view from the top of the Roc du Diable (2,426 m). This hike is not signposted, so it is recommended that you use the app for certain sections.

Hike starting from Les Arcs 2000. As this is a resort hike, there are unfortunately some man-made features, but I suggest the most unspoilt route possible. The first section follows a beautiful path (the ‘Sentier des Lacs’) to Lac des Moutons. Then there is a short but steep climb to Aiguille Grive (2,733m) and its magnificent view of Mont Blanc before heading back down.

Departure from the Arcs 2000 resort. The actual elevation gain is 208 m thanks to the chairlift ascent (364 m).

Heading to Mont Jovet via the Tête du Jarset then the Col du Lac and continuing along the Crête des Étroits remains a classic route in La Plagne. However, this ridge walk puts off hikers prone to vertigo due to a few steep slopes. The suggested route avoids the difficult sections and allows everyone to admire the mountain accessible via the Pas des Brebis. The return journey offers views of the entire resort. The length and elevation gain mean this circular route is best suited to experienced hikers.

A magnificent horse ride with no particular difficulty, except for a short technical section above Lac de la Pouprezaz.

A short circular mainly along the banks of a beautiful stream on a discovery trail.

Pointe de Combe Bénite is a well-known summit and is easy to access.The view from the summit is panoramic, with Beaufortin to the north and east, Vanoise to the south, and Lauzière to the west.There are many possible routes to climb and descend, depending on your level and preferences...

Circular snowshoe in a wild cirque. Option to extend the circular to the bottom of the cirque or to Lac des Vacherins. Depending on snow conditions, you can climb the old Chavonne ski slope by following the winter trail.

Lac de la Portette is a beautiful hiking destination in the Beaufortain, at the foot of the Grande Pareï cliff. And as I've always preferred loops to round trips, the Col du Mont Rosset and the return via the Balme refuge offer a nice bonus with views of the Pierra Menta, an iconic peak if ever there was one.

This is a circular loop that starts at 1,600 metres on the Versant du Soleil side of the Beaufortain massif, in a peaceful landscape of mountain pastures opposite the lively resorts of Tarentaise dominated by the Vanoise glaciers. At the beginning of summer, the herds are just beginning their summer grazing, leaving the colourful mountain pastures untouched for a little while longer. The silhouette of the nearby Pierra Menta remains inaccessible to hikers.

A lovely walk on the sunny side, crossing the Forêt des Bochères, which will allow you to discover the hamlet of Saint-Germain and its mill, situated on the road leading to the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard.

One of the first hikes to do when discovering the Champagny-le-Haut valley and a great way to pick up some cow's or goat's cheese for lunch. This hike can be extended to Froide Fontaine.

This ninth stage takes place in the Vanoise massif. First along the GR® 5 to Val Claret and then via the Via Alpina, which crosses the Haute Vanoise before rejoining the GR® 5.From the refuge, the path joins the GR® 5 at Plan de la Grassaz. The view opens out onto a vast plateau. The path passes Lake Grattaleu, the Refuge du Palet and the pass of the same name. It descends towards Val Claret and leaves the GR® 5 for the Haute Vanoise variant via the Via Alpina and the GR® 55. It climbs towards the Col de Fresse but bypasses it to reach the Col de la Leisse. The trail descends beneath the Grande Motte glacier, skirting the Lac des Nettes, and reaches the Refuge de la Leisse. At the Croé-Vie bridge, the Via Alpina leaves the GR® 55, heads for the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux, and crosses the Torrent de la Rocheure to rejoin the GR® 5. It climbs towards Lac des Lozières and then, at the foot of the glaciers, runs along a ridge overlooking the Doron Termignon valley and reaches the Refuge de l’Arpont.

Day 4 of the circular route around the Grande Casse, from Champagny-le-Haut to Pralognan via the Tour du Merle and the Grand Bec.

Alpine hike for experienced walkers on the wild left bank of the Doron de Champagny, with views of the chain of glaciers and rock faces stretching from the Grand Bec to the Grande Motte via the Grande Casse.

Locals call this section of the hike “Les Hommes Courbés” (The Bent Men) because of the shape of the mountain. You be the judge... This pleasant and varied hike is particularly suitable for a hot day as two-thirds of the route is in the shade. For information on the difficulty, see the ‘Practical Information’ section.

A lovely hike in the Beaufortain to discover the five lakes of Forclaz. This is an easy route with no navigation difficulties, so you can leave your map in your bag. At the start, you are still in the mountain pastures, then gradually the environment becomes more and more rocky.

Circular hike in the Beaufortain Massif with access from the Tarentaise Valley (Aime then Granier). This hike minimises the elevation gain with a start at the hamlet of Thiabord, accessible by car on a drivable (but unpaved) road. This hike offers a very varied route, with part of the route along the ridge. The circular can be completed with a detour to the Refuge de la Coire.

A long hike at the bottom of the valley offering magnificent scenery. A classic route in the Champagny valley.

This is a beautiful summer hike where you can encounter flora and ibex... if you're lucky. However, the first sign indicating Plan du Pré, a dead end, leaves you wondering whether it is possible to complete the route. This is not the case, because although the trail ends above Plan du Pré, you will find another one after crossing several streams, including the Tougne. All you have to do is descend and cross the Doron de Champagny on a footbridge.

A beautiful hike in the Vanoise offering guaranteed spectacular views of the glacial landscape as well as the vibrant mountain pastures with on-site cheese production. Old chalets, mountain huts and a chapel, not to mention the ever-present marmots. Discreet signposting.

A magnificent hike that alternates between shaded forest sections, a balcony trail and a mountain lake.

One of the valley’s most beautiful panoramic peaks, at an altitude of 2,515 m.

A circular route starting and finishing at Pont des Chailles in Champagny-en-Vanoise. A fairly varied route alternating between forest sections, where blueberries line the path, and unobstructed views of the Vanoise, either over the Pralognan area (Portetta, Vanoise Glaciers) or the Champagny area (Mont de la Guerre, Pointe de la Vélière, Pointe des Chardes, etc.). The second part of the descent follows a fairly wide forest track.

The proposed route allows you to climb Mont de la Guerre from Champagny-en-Vanoise and descend via the ski area. The route passes by the Champagny cable cars for those who wish to shorten the descent (please note that they are not operational on Saturdays). There are many alternatives for the descent; I have suggested this version to create a loop. Instead of going through the Bois des Génévriers, it is possible to descend via the forest track.

This route offers a loop around Champagny-en-Vanoise via Le Châtelard and La Duy, then descends via Les Combes d'en haut and Les Combes d'en bas, ending at La Traye. No particular difficulty.

This is the ultimate family hike, offering cool shade in the forest via a superb balcony trail overlooking the Tarentaise Valley and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. As you leave the forest, you will be walking among blueberry bushes.

A short, easy walk with magnificent panoramic views of the Haute-Tarentaise, Mont Pourri, Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, Mont Blanc and much more.

This hike on the southern slope of Mont Jovet offers beautiful views of the Vanoise and beyond. The route is well cleared and best done early in the morning or in spring after the snow has melted, or on a beautiful autumn day.

Hike on the southern slope of Mont Jovet in a fairly wide loop, passing by the Belvédère de Grande Roche. The first part is in a shaded area in the Bois de la Cour, then the Bois des Roches. The route includes a slightly exposed section on the ridge of Mont Jovet. The return journey is on the other side, along a stream where you can stop to cool off. The entire hike offers a succession of varied panoramic views between the Tarentaise and Haute-Tarentaise valleys.

Day3 of the circular loop around the Grande Casse, descent to the charming Champagny-le-Haut valley from the Refuge du Col du Palet with views of the Grande Casse.

A breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc massif. From the top station of the Roches Noires chairlift, take the path leading to the strategic site of the Fort de la Redoute Ruinée at an altitude of 2,399 metres. From there, a suspension footbridge faces Mont Blanc.