Refine your search for walks in Rocher du Château (Bessans)
Rocher du Château (Bessans) walks
The Chemin du Petit Bonheur between Le Villaron and Bonneval-sur-Arc
Visorando Member
6.35 mi
+223 ft
-233 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Bessans (Savoie)
A family-friendly walk along the banks of the Arc, which is virtually flat and presents no difficulty. The flora is particularly abundant in spring and early summer (troll’s-head, martagon lily, red campion, bird’s-eye lily, etc.), as are the dry-stone huts typical of the region. The presence of rock paintings is also of interest.
Walks near Rocher du Château (Bessans)
From Bonneval to the Carro refuge
8.16 mi
+4,446 ft
-1,273 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
This first stage, starting from one of the most beautiful villages in France, is a gentle warm-up that culminates (for the more adventurous) at the Col du Carro (3,149 m), the border between France and Italy and a magnificent viewpoint in fine weather, offering views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Carro Refuge - Lacs Blanc and Noir
14.25 mi
+1,890 ft
-4,075 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
A balcony route with beautiful views of the glaciers, passing by the small Lac du Pys and then the Refuge du Carro. Don't miss the Lacs Noir and Blanc, where you can recharge your batteries before descending to the traditional hamlet of L'Écot and then Bonneval-sur-Arc.
From the Fond des Fours Refuge to the Col de la Vanoise Refuge
14.55 mi
+3,097 ft
-3,156 ft
9h 25
Difficult
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
A long stage for this third day with very varied landscapes and terrain.It’s a shame that the road section after the Refuge de la Femma can’t be avoided, as it’s rather uninteresting. You’ll have to wait until the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux to finally get back on a trail.The difficulty is mainly due to the distance, as the elevation gains aren’t too steep and the trails are in good condition.
Fond des Fours – La Leisse
10.52 mi
+3,061 ft
-3,215 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Val-d'Isère (Savoie)
A little-used path leading to the Col de la Rocheure (2,911 m) runs alongside a myriad of small high-altitude lakes, before descending to the Refuge de la Femma. The ascent to the Col de Pierre-Blanche (2,842 m) is steady and not very well marked, even veering off the beaten track. The view is magnificent over the rocky Leisse valley, nestled between the giant peaks of the Grande Motte and the Grande Casse. Descend through these deserted landscapes towards the eagle’s nest that is the Refuge de la Leisse (2,487 m).
Refuge de la Femma to Val d'Isère via the Col des Fours and Col de l'Iseran
11.97 mi
+4,918 ft
-4,285 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
Second day of this mini trek around Tignes-Val d'Isère, three legendary passes in the Vanoise with magnificent views of the neighbouring glaciers. A long day with a few technical sections, particularly at Tunnel 3000 (7).
La Femma Mountain Hut – La Leisse Mountain Hut
9.10 mi
+1,654 ft
-1,230 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Termignon (Savoie)
Day3 of a two-circular route in the Vanoise National Park, from the Refuge de la Femma to the Refuge de la Leisse.
There’s nothing particularly complicated about this hike, where we’ll descend the Femma valley before climbing back up alongside the Leisse valley, which I’m particularly fond of.
Carro – Fond des Fours
10.53 mi
+2,474 ft
-3,212 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
The magnificent balcony path takes you to the Col des Fours, under the curious gaze of chamois and marmots, as far as the Pont de la Neige (2,518 m), where you’ll find signs of civilisation as you cross the famous Col de l’Iseran road. As soon as you’ve crossed it, you’ll leave it behind as you head for the Col des Fours (2,976 m). Descend through the valley of the same name to reach the Col du Fond-des-Fours (2,537 m).
Carro Mountain Hut – L’Écot via Lac du Pys
5.85 mi
+568 ft
-2,956 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
Unmarked alternative route to descend from the Refuge du Carro via Lac du Pys.
From the Refuge du Carro to the Refuge du Fond des Fours
11.19 mi
+2,782 ft
-3,530 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Bonneval-sur-Arc (Savoie)
A stunning start, almost entirely on level ground along the balcony path, offering a constant panorama of the peaks and mountain ranges (Pointes de la Levanna, 3,619m), the Glacier des Sources de l’Arc, the Glacier du Grand Méan, the Cirque des Évettes, Pointe de l’Albaron (3,637m) and the Glacier du Vallonnet.At the end of the day, the Pointe des Fours (3,072 m) offers a 360° view and, in clear weather, you can see Mont Blanc.