Refuge du Plan des Gouilles walks

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.

An exposed hike requiring caution, offering a stunning view over the entire southern sector of Pralognan-la-Vanoise.

Stage5 of this route between the Col de la Vanoise refuge and the Arpont refuge. A stage without any major difficulty. The scenery is extraordinary, as you walk alongside the Vanoise Glacier for the entire hike. You will catch sight of the Rechasse, Roche Ferran and Arpont glaciers. You will pass at the foot of the Grande Casse and its glacier, the Pointe de la Réchasse and Mont Pelve.

A very beautiful high-altitude hike, a bit challenging but probably one of the most stunning. It passes through several little-visited cirques and offers high-mountain views throughout the route. This is a one-way hike, so you’ll need to organise your return journey (see practical information).

Day1 of the Grande Casse circular route, from Pralognan to the Refuge de la Leisse, passing close to the impressive Grande Casse, all in a wild setting dotted with lakes.

A challenging hike that passes through the Cirque du Petit Marchet, crosses the Roc du Tambour to reach the Refuge de la Vallette and ends at the hamlet of Le Prioux. Tip: only undertake this hike when there is no snow and in dry weather.

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.

Étape de la Grande traversée des Alpes en Vanoise par une variante haute montagne avec passage de 2 cols (col du Palet et col de la Leisse).

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.

Day 2 of a two-circular route in the Vanoise National Park, from the Refuge du Col du Palet to the Refuge de la Femma. A demanding hike due to its distance, but one that takes you through varied landscapes and brings you close to friendly marmots.