Refine your search for walks in Saint-Martin-de-la-Porte
The balconies of the Pointe de la Masse
A pleasant, easy hike on the balconies of the Pointe de la Masse. The circuit takes you to the Lac et Refuge du Lou, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the different districts of Les Ménuires resort. Val Thorens resort is also visible, as are the glaciers above it.
The Combe des Aiguilles d'Arves

This is a particularly pleasant hike, allowing you to discover the great cirque formed by these three Savoyard peaks, with the added bonus of a stop at the very friendly Refuge des Aiguilles.
Mont Charvin via the Outraz forest
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.
Lac des Cerces and other lakes

A fantastic hike which, when the weather is fine, allows you to contemplate magnificent landscapes dotted with lakes in infinite shades of blue.
From Valfréjus to Modane via the GR®5

This is an easy, downhill hike from Valfréjus to Modane. The route follows the GR®5. It is a gentle slope, passing near the pretty Notre-Dame du Charmaix chapel, and there are many oratories in different styles along the way. Take the shuttle bus between Modane station and Valfréjus, but be sure to check the timetable.
Loop of the lakes at the Refuge de l'Étandard
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.
The Long and Rond Lakes

A family loop in the bottom of the Clarée valley to discover two beautiful mountain lakes.
Important note: During the summer (14 July to 15 August), access by private car from Névache Ville Haute to the car park at the Laval terminus is impossible between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. A shuttle bus runs regularly to allow everyone to enjoy this beautiful valley. It is advisable to park your vehicle in the car parks at the entrance to Névache (Roubion).
The Cerces tour

A beautiful, challenging hike that takes you around the Cerces Massif, from lake to lake...
There are a few tricky sections for those who are afraid of heights
La Pointe de l'Observatoire

Belle randonnée avec, au sommet de la Pointe de l'Observatoire, une vue à 360° sur la Xanoise (Pralognan, petit Mont Blanc, Peclet Polset) et plus loin le Mont Blanc lui même.
Loop of the four Aussois refuges

From the new car park at the Aussois dams, there is a fairly easy route around Lake Plan-d'Amont, which allows you to discover the four refuges in the southern part of the Vanoise National Park. You enter the heart of the park. In summer, there are many marmots and they are not shy. The landscapes are magnificent and varied, from the rhododendron bushes on the lake shore to the Labby glacier and the mineral deserts of La Fournache.
Crossing the Col de Sarvatan-Col de Monjoie via the two pass trail

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.
Le Signal de la Grave et le Lac du Goléon
A 360° view of La Meije and its neighbours and the discovery of Lac du Goléon, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps.
⚠️ 30/07/2025: modification to (4) to follow the Tour des Aiguilles d'Arves and avoid private property.
Lac du Goléon

Mountain hike ending at the glacial lake of Goléon, superb balcony views of the Meije massif and discovery of typical mountain hamlets.
The Chalet des Nants and the balcony trail

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.
Lac Laramon - Lac du Serpent

A classic of the upper Clarée Valley with a magnificent panorama of the Cerces and Ecrins massifs.
Lac de la Cula via the circular trail
A beautiful hike with magnificent scenery. The climb to the Ricou refuge is a little steep but not particularly difficult. Once you reach the circular path, the route is very easy, almost flat until you reach the Torrent de la Cula. The view over the entire valley is truly superb. From the lake, the trail descends to Laval.
Col du Chardonnet - Lac de la Mine

A very pleasant and varied hike in a valley that has remained fairly wild. At the pass, there is a magnificent view of the Écrins Massif, the Cerces and the Grand Galibier Massif.
The lakes of the Emparis plateau

Hike facing the majestic panorama offered by La Meije, one of the queens of the Ecrins.
Message from the moderator: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).
Emparis Plateau, Lac Lérié and Lac Noir

A somewhat long but magnificent hike with the Meije glaciers in the background.
Message from the moderator: You are in a Sensitive Natural Area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).
The Grand Lac and the Lac de la Ponsonnière

20 minutes from the town of Monêtier-les-Bains. A beautiful day hike with a magnificent view at the end. View of the Grand Lac and the Écrins massif.
Return to the car park via the same route.
The Guisane spring at the start of the Lauzet
The Guisane, which waters the entire valley from the Col du Lautaret, crosses the villages of Serre Chevalier, Le Monêtier-les-Bains, La Salle-les-Alpes and Chantemerle before joining the Durance in Briançon. This easy climb follows the old Lautaret road to the pass, before turning left to reach the source of the Guisane.
Croce Chabriere

Above Bardonecchia, this cross has a particularly striking view of the winding road connecting the exit from the Fréjus tunnel to the Italian cities, beginning with Turin.
Emparis Plateau Circuit

This is a route best enjoyed in a group of hikers or with your family, as the elevation gain is relatively low. However, it is a walk that will allow you to admire the scenery and walk along the edge of the crevasse. Be careful though, you are in the mountains and there are no safety barriers, so caution is advised. Discover edelweiss, marmots and gentian flowers and enjoy the immensely beautiful landscape!
For the more adventurous, you can start from the village of Besse on theGR®54to arrive at the same starting point.
Message from the moderator: You are in a sensitive natural area (Natura 2000) which is subject to specific regulations (see practical information).
Lac Branlay

A beautiful family hike with panoramic views of the Lauzière massif and Mont Blanc in a wild and unspoilt environment.
The Col de la Vanoise via the Arcellin

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.
The Col de la Vanoise

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.