Pontamafrey-Montpascal walks

If you enjoy the atmosphere of green mountains, the countryside, walking along small, often shaded paths that are very pleasant in hot weather, and discovering the charm of numerous hamlets with magnificent views of the surrounding area, then this is the right hike for you. Of course, you can also discover the flora and fauna, such as crocuses in August.

A summit with 360° views, easily accessible between forest and mountain pastures. Suitable for a family outing or for getting back into snowshoeing at the start of the season. Part of the route is shared with cross-country skiers, who are numerous around the Col de Chaussy.

The Prairie de Montaimont is a vast, easy area that is ideal for snowshoeing. This route quickly offers magnificent panoramic views (Belledonne, Cheval Noir, the Col de la Madeleine, the Maurienne Massif, the Aiguilles d'Arves in the distance, etc.).

A beautiful walk in the Montaimont cirque. The walk is described in a clockwise direction, but can also be done in the opposite direction.The markings, when visible, are those for the summer period. The route sometimes deviates from the official trail.The entire loop is well cleared, offering a vast panorama. Due to its orientation and modest altitude at the start, this hike is best enjoyed at the beginning of the season.There is no risk of snow slides on this route.

A beautiful hike in a wild area of Belledonne. With a bit of luck, you may encounter streams, lakes and trout, blueberries, marmots and chamois.

Discover the Paradis mountain pastures, above Saint-François-Longchamp, the bells of the cattle herds in the green summer pastures, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, the passage through the hamlet of La Perrière, then a return via the path through the Pézières Forest, with its complicated passages through muddy waterways or a tiny, vertiginous path. Beautiful emotions await you.

This circular walk around Mont Charvin is a great way to discover the diverse landscapes of the region. Along the way, you will pass through peaceful forests, walk along ridges offering magnificent panoramic views, and pass close to picturesque alpine hamlets. From the summit of Mont Charvin, the view of the Maurienne valley and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. The varied route allows you to fully appreciate the charm of the area while remaining accessible to occasional walkers. An ideal circuit for a getaway full of discovery and tranquillity.

Une jolie randonnée dans la montagne à vaches (celles qui font le Beaufort). Belle vue sur la vallée de l'Arc et le massif des Grandes Rousses. Presque tout le parcours est au soleil.

This hike takes you to the Grand Perron des Encombres, starting from La Saussaz. The access road is narrow but paved all the way to the start of the hike. The view from the summit is extraordinary. An exceptional 360° panorama with Mont Blanc dominating the scene and, above all, the near certainty of encountering ibex.

Hike in an open and unobstructed landscape. Few markings, a few directional signs at strategic points. The Montagnette lake is a good place for a picnic break. It is possible to see ibex and birds of prey. There is a large flock of sheep near the passes.

Discover a peak with a 360° view of the Savoie mountains.

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.

The unmissable hike in Saint-Jean-d'Arves.

In the Belleville Valley, this easy hike allows you to discover, with family or friends and even in overcast weather, the valley of the Encombres torrent and two of its hamlets, the first of which is in ruins. They give you a picture of the agricultural activity in the valley. This trail passes through a very pleasant setting of forest and clearings, streams... You can extend the route by taking the circular that leads to the hamlet of Gittamelon.

Ascent of the Cime des Torches, also known as Grand Agnelin (2,958 m), via the Petit Agnelin (2,717 m), starting from the hamlet of Les Chambons in Saint-Jean-d'Arves. Summer route, partly off-trail, in the heart of the Maurienne valley.

This hike, which takes place entirely above 2,000 metres, takes you to the edge of two artificial lakes fed largely by the Saint-Sorlin Glacier, dominated by the Pic de l'Étandard.

This circular, which starts at the Col de la Croix de Fer and passes by the Refuge de l'Étendard, gives you a taste of the high mountain atmosphere. Snow cover persists for quite a long time after winter. This hike is best done in late August or September. This hike can be easy in summer or difficult when there is snow (winter or spring). I did it when there was a lot of snow, which is why I consider it to be quite difficult.

From the Col de la Croix de Fer, often used by the Tour de France, enjoy a peaceful short hike on a little-used slope. Beautiful views of the surrounding area, particularly the Aiguilles d'Arves.

A short family walk from the Col d'Albanne to the pretty Pramol Lake. This route is not particularly difficult and runs almost exclusively through the forest. It can be enjoyed alone or in a group.

A lovely, easy hike through the mountain pastures at high altitude, between two legendary Tour de France passes.

A splendid route, partly off-trail, offering views of the north face of the Aiguilles de l'Argentière and its reflections in the emerald lakes of Sambuis and La Croix: panoramic views. Many ibex frequent the rocky outcrops above the lakes. This hike presents no difficulty apart from the elevation gain and finding the route (4km without markings).

A lovely day's hike with breathtaking views of the Aiguilles de l'Argentière, offering plenty of refreshment thanks to a myriad of lakes and, in the background, the Aiguilles d'Arves and La Meije.

Close to the Aiguilles d'Arves, starting from the Relais 1900 above Chalmieu (Montrond), there is a climb to reach a point slightly above Basse du Gerbier. The climb is beautiful and requires some effort to warm up. The descent can be made via the same route or via the Gros Crey and Bon Ventre ridges (caution: tricky section), which is longer and more exposed.

A superb hike in a magnificent setting at the foot of the Aiguilles d'Arves. The coolness of the torrent, the landscape ravaged by erosion, flower-filled mountain pastures, the whistling of marmots and shy chamois complete the picture. A comfortable walk has been created passing through (1) and (2).

A pleasant hike in the Belledonne massif. Very pretty views and a wide variety of vegetation. Moderator's note (Caution): The Val Pelouse road is closed to all traffic 5.5km from the car park: following a landslide in January 2022, a large section of the road has been washed away.

From Val Pelouse, the ascent of Les Grands Moulins (2,495 m) offers hikers a varied and magnificent route. This summit is the penultimate rocky bastion at the northern end of the Belledonne mountain range. At the summit of Les Grands Moulins, the 360° panorama is breathtaking. To the south, Belledonne; to the west, Chartreuse and Vercors; to the north, the Chambéry cluse, Les Bauges and Les Aravis; to the east, Lauzière, Beaufortain, Vanoise and, in the background, the majestic Mont Blanc.

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.

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.

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

A beautiful circular hike starting from the hamlet of Novallay, climbing to the Crève-Tête (2313m).

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).

Hike in the Val Gelon, varied landscapes with beautiful views of Mont Blanc and the Belledonne mountain range.

A lovely late summer walk in Belledonne. From the start, there is a superb view of the Bauges Massif. There is also a small orientation table at the start.

First stage of the Petit tour du Mont Thabor hike