Saint-Bon-Tarentaise walks

Starting from Pralin, the hike to the Merlet lakes takes you to a superb, peaceful site on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, dominated by the Aiguille du Fuit. Markings are present but not everywhere.

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.

To the east of Courchevel, 1550m above Lac de la Rosière, the Dent du Villard is a white gypsum mountain perforated with multiple dissolution craters on its summit, making for an impressive crossing.

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful hike that will make you want to come back for several days.

Although located on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, the Rocher de Villeneuve is a little-visited peak that nevertheless offers a stunning view of the Vanoise glaciers. There are few markings, but there are directional signs at strategic points.

Starting from the pretty village of Feissons-sur-Salins, set off along beautiful forest paths towards the Chapel of Notre-Dame de la Salette and the Cross of Feissons and enjoy the panoramic views offered by the peaks of the Doron de Bozel valley. An easy hike, suitable for families, snowshoeing or mountain biking.

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 beautiful circular to do from Pralognan-la-Vanoise. The route is suitable for experienced hikers. The climb to the Col de Leschaux offers a magnificent view of the Mont-Charvet ridges and the Dents de la Portetta. The Grand Bec cirque is wild and the return trip allows you to admire the Vuzelle waterfall.

This third stage will take you from the Refuge des Lacs Merlets to the Refuge de la Valette. This stage is undoubtedly the most challenging, with 1,400 metres of elevation gain. The ascent of the Petit Mont Blanc, a difficult descent to Les Prioux, followed by another beautiful and long climb (900m of elevation gain) to the Col de la Valette and its refuge, will make for a memorable day.

Another classic route from Pralognan with the very distinctive ridges of Mont Charvet. Magnificent views both towards Pralognan and its glacial domes and towards Courchevel. The path is exposed, sometimes narrow, and should not be used in wet weather. Schist peaks and dissolution cones dot this long ridge trail. Easy return via the mountain pastures.

This hike takes you through the beautiful mountain pastures of La Montagne and Le Golet to Rocher de Villeneuve, where you can enjoy a 360° view of the Aiguilles de Portetta, the ridges of Mont Charvet, Col de Leschaux and even Courchevel 1850.

Beautiful promontory facing Pralognan, with stunning views of the entire area, including the Portetta breach and the Aiguille d'Août, which dominate the route. Unfortunately, this is now a round trip since the path (still shown on the map) through the Bois de Chollière is closed. (2008, order renewed every year since then, given the danger).

This is a long and very beautiful snowshoe hike with superb scenery and the chance to see chamois.

A family hike on trails in the Tuéda Nature Reserve on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. A route where you can see marmots running along the path, with a stop at Lac des Fées, ideal for a long break. Finally, pass by the Refuge du Saut and then Lac de Tuéda and its plateau.

This hike offers a geological outing as it enters the Vanoise National Park, allowing you to get close to the magnificent Gébroulaz glacier. The Col du Soufre offers a curious, rugged landscape of shapes and colours created by the presence of scree. Chamois, ibex and marmots are also to be found here.

Four-day hike around the Grande Casse in the Vanoise National Park, starting from Pralognan. Highlights: crossing the rocks of Lac des Vaches, views of the Grande Casse and the Leisse Valley, all in an idyllic setting and in the company of marmots.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A very pleasant hike with a vast panorama from the Rosset Pass opening onto the Grande Casse and the Vanoise glaciers. The final point of the climb is the lake and its feeding glacier, which you will discover in the last few steps. See § practical information

This circular route offers beautiful views and 360° panoramas of the surrounding area and peaks. In terms of difficulty: there is a difference in altitude in the undergrowth; there is a passage through a chimney, but this has been made easier by the installation of steps and a handrail. A trail with beautiful flora dominated by the Dents de Portetta and the Aiguille d'Août. A pleasant descent in the sunshine before returning to the undergrowth. A very beautiful route, even in hot weather.

This is a classic route in Pralognan, which takes theGR®55"motorway" on the way back. On the way there, the climb through the Cirque de l'Arcelin and Lac des Assiettes is truly superb and fairly uncrowded.

Le Moriond is a small peak located on the Aiguille de la Vanoise ridge. This summit is an easily accessible viewpoint from Pralognan, offering views of the Aiguille de la Vanoise and the Grande Casse. Marmots are never far away. Etymology of Moriond: round mountain. Seen from Pralognan, this name is entirely justified!

Several descriptions on Visorando already pass through the Col de la Vanoise. This one offers an itinerary that strays from the beaten track, seeking out wild and little-used passages. Whether on well-trodden paths or not, the scenery is spectacular throughout.

Located in the heart of the Vanoise massif, this route is a good introduction to France's first national park and goes around the Aiguille de la Vanoise. In early summer (June), you'll easily spot ibex, marmots and maybe even chamois. It is best to park at the Fontanettes car park above Pralognan-la-Vanoise, but you can also start from Pralognan. Moderator's addition on 04/08/2021: Please note! For safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that you do this route in the opposite direction to the one suggested here. See the reviews at the bottom of this page.

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.

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.

A substantial but steady climb for a magnificent panorama.

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).

Walk with your nose in the air, your eyes wide open, and let yourself be surprised! You will discover original and ephemeral Land'art creations in an exceptional and relaxing setting. This easy trail has many surprises in store for you! Unusual and most pleasant for its setting, the view it offers and the tranquillity of the place, it is populated by around forty original artistic creations made of straw, wood and stones using the Land Art technique!

In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, discover the Refuge de la Valette, perched at an altitude of 2,585 m. An essential stop on multi-day hikes or simply a little corner of paradise for a well-deserved break at the foot of the Vanoise glaciers. Make the most of your hike to explore the old refuge and the nearby lake. The slope’s exposure encourages updrafts, ideal for birds of prey (golden eagles, bearded vultures, etc.) to soar – a truly spectacular sight!

An easy walk in the Vanoise that is suitable for children or as a warm-up walk at the start of your stay. The circuit allows you to discover the Cirque des Nants and the Chavière valley from the balcony trail. There is a small lake on this trail that is a nice place to stop for the children.

A must-do hike in the commune of Pralognan-la-Vanoise. Bucolic setting, magnificent views. Grande Casse and Mont Blanc, among others.

This summit is the end of a ridge descending from the Vanoise glaciers and allows you to immerse yourself on this slope of the right bank of the Torrent de Chavière overlooking the Prioux, without too much elevation gain or real technical difficulty, but at the cost of part of the route being off-trail.

Two beautiful glacial valleys, two passes, two refuges, a lake... and views of glaciers and peaks rising to over 3,000 metres. The Alps as we love them, with vast panoramas and well-marked trails that allow you to rack up kilometres and elevation gain for a variety of views. Magnificent panoramas are guaranteed and, with a little luck, marmots and ibex will be there to greet you.

The 4th stage of this route, which will take you from the Valette refuge to the Col de la Vanoise refuge. One of the most challenging stages, featuring the ascent of the Col du Grand Marchet and its highly technical descent. A balcony-like route above Pralognan, the Petit Marchet, the Grand Marchet cirque, and the pass of the same name, leading to the Lac des Vaches and its ford, with the Grande Casse and the Col de La Vanoise refuge in the background. A technical stage, but one of the most beautiful.

This hike takes you to the Lacs du Mont Coua and Lac Blanc, passing through the Col Rouge and Col du Soufre. Please note that at the start of the season there may still be a lot of snow, and some sections may be tricky.

A walk that deviates from the balcony path, with a section off-trail, but no risk of getting lost.

This hike offers a beautiful excursion into the Vanoise National Park, where you can discover a glacial lake and enjoy splendid views of several glaciers, the Dômes de la Vanoise and Peclet Polset.

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.