Refine your search for walks in Pontamafrey-Montpascal
Pontamafrey-Montpascal walks
Montvernier hairpin bends and the Bérold circuit from Pontamafrey
Visorando Member
6.20 mi
+1,762 ft
-1,739 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Pontamafrey-Montpascal (Savoie)
An unusual hike, half tarmac (with little traffic) and half footpath, through some remarkable landscapes. Beautiful views of the Montvernier hairpin bends, the Bérold Tower, the Aiguilles d’Arves and Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. The descent along the Ravoire torrent is also well worth a look.
Circular Grand Châtelard loop via the Grand Truc
10.15 mi
+3,822 ft
-3,839 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Jarrier (Savoie)
Please note: This walk is particularly long (make sure you take plenty of water in hot weather, as the route is exposed to the sun from start to finish).
It is possible not to complete the entire route. You can descend directly via the Col de Cochemin (without going via the Grand Truc).
Tour du Grand Coin
14.09 mi
+6,509 ft
-6,506 ft
2 days
Difficult
Departure from Pontamafrey-Montpascal (Savoie)
A two-day hike with a bivouac around the Grand Coin above Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.
It offers the chance to explore a little-known and rarely visited area on the edge of the Vanoise National Park.
Montpascal – Valbuche
8.10 mi
+4,413 ft
-1,834 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Pontamafrey-Montpascal (Savoie)
First day of a two-day hike in the Maurienne with a bivouac.
Hike completed in 2016 with a break at the Col de la Baisse, another above the Chalet des Brunes and a final one at the Chalet du Tovet.
Note: The route shown is based on my GPS watch, which I never paused, which explains the circular patterns in certain places.
Lac du Loup from Notre-Dame de Beaurevers
5.90 mi
+1,552 ft
-1,558 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Montaimont (Savoie)
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.
The Bacheux Lakes from Les Reisses
6.93 mi
+3,448 ft
-3,448 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Etienne-de-Cuines (Savoie)
A wild and little-visited valley where you can discover two superb lakes in the middle of a mountain cirque.
A true high-mountain atmosphere guaranteed.
Combe and Col du Merlet
9.23 mi
+3,737 ft
-3,737 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Alban-des-Villards (Savoie)
A lovely walk through a beautiful, unspoilt valley in the Belledonne range. It’s a bit of a long walk, but well worth the effort.
L'Armélaz and La Croix de la Chal via the Col de Chaussy
7.31 mi
+1,703 ft
-1,693 ft
5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Montaimont (Savoie)
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 hamlets of Le Loup and Bonvillard above Montaimont
2.49 mi
+755 ft
-778 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Montaimont (Savoie)
A lovely walk above Montaimont through woods and mountain pastures, exploring the hamlets of Le Loup and Bonvillard
The Montaimont Meadow
6.50 mi
+1,916 ft
-1,916 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Montaimont (Savoie)
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.).
Crête du Paradis, La Buffaz, Sainte-Marguerite Chapel loop
5.27 mi
+1,831 ft
-1,831 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Montaimont (Savoie)
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.
Col de Valbuche from Le Loup
5.70 mi
+3,015 ft
-3,015 ft
5h 15
Difficult
Departure from Montaimont (Savoie)
A lovely hike above Lac du Loup with beautiful panoramic views of the Alps. Discover this route by taking a little-used path.
Le Bellachat or Pointe du Mont du Fût
8.95 mi
+4,741 ft
-4,718 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Montaimont (Savoie)
A summit at 2,822 metres on a ridge running parallel to the Lauzière, offering a magnificent 360° view of the French and even Swiss Alps.
Pointe de l’Aup du Pont
8.06 mi
+4,442 ft
-4,416 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Alban-des-Villards (Savoie)
A superb viewpoint between Puy Gris and Pic du Frêne, easily accessible and offering a magnificent panorama of the main peaks of the French Alps.
This walk takes place largely off the beaten track or along very faint paths, but there are no navigation difficulties in good weather, as the terrain offers plenty of landmarks.
Vultures, chamois and ibex can be spotted, particularly below the Pointe du Villonet.
Pic Nord du Merlet
Tourism professional
4.98 mi
+3,317 ft
-3,258 ft
5h 10
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Alban-des-Villards (Savoie)
A lovely hike starting from Les Granges. The climb up the Combe du Merlet is fairly easy at first, but the slope gets steeper below the pass, which you reach without any trouble. The rest of the route follows a chamois track almost all the way to the summit, though you’ll need to keep a close eye on the path.
Croix du Grand Praz via Lac de la Grande Léchère
8.01 mi
+2,812 ft
-2,818 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Montgellafrey (Savoie)
A hike starting from Montgellafrey, an authentic village in the Maurienne valley.
The route passes scattered hamlets, then reaches Lac de la Grande Léchère, before continuing on to Croix du Grand Praz.
Valbuche – Montpascal
5.98 mi
+2,096 ft
-4,669 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Jean-de-Belleville (Savoie)
The second day of a two-day hike in the Maurienne region, including a bivouac.
The Col de Montfosset via Les Balmettes
4.07 mi
+2,418 ft
-2,428 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Colomban-des-Villards (Savoie)
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.
Col et Lac des Balmettes and Brèches de la Passoire
5.88 mi
+3,333 ft
-3,333 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Colomban-des-Villards (Savoie)
An original way to explore Lac des Balmettes and its pass, continuing on to the Col du Villonet – offering a front-row view of the imposing Pic du Frêne – and then on to the Brèches de la Passoire, which provide a superb view of the Grésivaudan.Along the way, you’ll spot ibex and chamois in the magnificent and little-visited Combe Rousse.The route is partly off-trail but poses no navigation difficulties.
The Valette Valley
5.86 mi
+3,379 ft
-3,379 ft
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne (Savoie)
A true high-mountain experience is guaranteed on this beautiful walk in the Belledonne Massif at the foot of the Pic du Frêne
Circular route from La Toussuire to Le Corbier
4.05 mi
+1,014 ft
-1,014 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Fontcouverte-la-Toussuire (Savoie)
A short, easy and pleasant walk at an altitude of between 1,500 and 1,800 metres, which forms a circular route between La Toussuire and Le Corbier. No particular difficulties.
Tête de Bellard and Grand Truc Circular Loop
7.56 mi
+2,552 ft
-2,552 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Fontcouverte-la-Toussuire (Savoie)
This circular walk offers stunning views of the Toussuire hillside as well as the Belledonne massif. You’ll be treated to 360° views. The pastures you will cross will no doubt give you the chance to see sheep and their patous, large dogs trained to protect livestock. This walk should be undertaken in clear weather to fully enjoy the scenery.
Champ Perouze circular in La Toussuire
2.82 mi
+374 ft
-394 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Fontcouverte-la-Toussuire (Savoie)
A short, easy walk overlooking the Toussuire amongst the mountain pastures.
Around Saint-Colomban-des-Villards
1.99 mi
+322 ft
-318 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Colomban-des-Villards (Savoie)
A pleasant little walk with beautiful scenery, passing through several hamlets: Saint-Colomban-des-Villards, La Chal, Valmaure and Les Roches.
The Col du Paradis from the Sainte-Anne Chapel
5.63 mi
+1,703 ft
-1,677 ft
4h 05
Difficult
Departure from Saint-François-Longchamp (Savoie)
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.
Mont Charvin via the Outraz forest
8.96 mi
+3,173 ft
-3,182 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Villarembert (Savoie)
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.
The Col de la Chal and Col d’Arves from Le Corbier
4.97 mi
+1,463 ft
-1,486 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Villarembert (Savoie)
A pleasant walk with no major difficulties. The ascent follows a wide, comfortable path that climbs steadily. An alternative route via another parallel path is possible (it passes through the Combe des Arvins). These paths run alongside the mountain pastures where you may encounter our friends the cows. The descent back down follows a slightly wilder path but is not difficult. Due to the presence of several small paths, various alternative routes are possible.
Lac de la Grande Léchère mountain hut – Montartier Lakes
10.81 mi
+4,577 ft
-3,084 ft
8h 55
Difficult
Departure from Montgellafrey (Savoie)
A lovely climb through the upper pastures where the cows that produce the milk for Beaufort cheese graze, with views of the Vanoise, the Thabor Massif, the Aiguilles d’Arves and the foothills of the Écrins. Then the route changes direction, offering views of Belledonne, the Chartreuse and the Bauges, before setting up camp at the Montartier Lakes.
The Col de Montjoie
6.94 mi
+2,051 ft
-2,080 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Montgellafrey (Savoie)
An easy hike to the Col de Montjoie. Unobstructed views, particularly of the Aiguilles d'Arves and the Glacier de l'Etendard.
Cheminées des Fées, starting from Saint-François-Longchamp
2.59 mi
+856 ft
-863 ft
1h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-François-Longchamp (Savoie)
The ‘demoiselles coiffées’ (topped rock formations), known locally as the Cheminées des Fées, are a unique feature resulting from the erosion of the landscape by water runoff.
La Cochette via Les Moulins
3.31 mi
+581 ft
-584 ft
2 hrs
Easy
Departure from Albiez-Montrond (Savoie)
A short, easy hike on foot or snowshoes along forest paths, starting from Albiez Montrond. Pass through the hamlet of La Cochette and return via Les Contamines, via a steep climb.
Le Col du Paradis depuis Saint-François-Longchamp
6.80 mi
+1,608 ft
-1,608 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-François-Longchamp (Savoie)
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.
Tour des Chatermes
4.83 mi
+2,861 ft
-2,861 ft
4h 45
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne (Savoie)
A beautiful, unspoilt route around Les Chatermes with panoramic views of Les Grands Moulins and the Pointe de Rognier.
Karellis - Croix de Albiez
4.62 mi
+1,230 ft
-1,230 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Montricher-Albanne (Savoie)
Easy walk for families. Passeggiata facile per famiglie.
Lacs du Cheval Noir – Saint-François-Longchamp
3.44 mi
+249 ft
-3,123 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Saint-Jean-de-Belleville (Savoie)
Final, connecting stage. A gruelling descent along the Col du Cheval Noir trail before rolling gently towards Saint-François-Longchamp, past cattle sheds, herds and ski facilities.
From Saint-Martin-de-la-Porte to Serpolière
3.82 mi
+492 ft
-489 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Martin-de-la-Porte (Savoie)
A walk through woods and vineyards, very pleasant in spring or autumn for observing the flora and fauna.
Le Cheval Noir via the Combe Pierreuse
7.68 mi
+4,072 ft
-4,055 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Jean-de-Belleville (Savoie)
If you’ve had enough of paths overcrowded with slow-moving tourists and you like to get off the beaten track, if you enjoy a proper slog through scree and up steep slopes, then this hike is for you.
Please pay attention to the recommendations set out in the ‘Practical Information’ section.
Les Chalets de la Balme via the hamlet of Les Vachers and the Arête de la Lauze
6.20 mi
+1,946 ft
-1,923 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves (Savoie)
Pass under trees, pastures, rocky outcrops, streams and enjoy unobstructed views of the peaks. A superb condensed route that is well worth the detour and requires a little effort.
Circular walk from the hamlet of Les Vachers, starting from Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves
2.08 mi
+420 ft
-420 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves (Savoie)
A walk with views of Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves. A climb in the shade with sections alongside streams.
Les Deux Ponts and l'Envers du Plan through the mountain pastures
5.57 mi
+486 ft
-515 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Sorlin-d'Arves (Savoie)
A hike with little elevation gain along a wide path offering views of beautiful alpine chalets, the Notre-Dame de la Paix Chapel in the hamlet of Pré des Plans, and Les Deux Ponts, with superb panoramic views.