Refine your search for walks in Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère
Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère walks
Grand Roc Circular Trail
The Grand Roc, situated in the Bauges Massif Nature Reserve, boasts a wealth of wildflowers that are particularly striking in May: daffodils and narcissi in abundance all along the path. A steady path leads to the Col de la Fougère after a long climb.
You reach the Col du Haut du Four via a narrow path, then follow the ridge path with its breathtaking views over the Albertville valley, before finally reaching the Grand Roc with its splendid views of the surrounding peaks.
Towards the Grand Arc from the Refuge de la Thuile
A beautiful hike in an area that is very open right from the start, with panoramic views of the Chartreuse, the Bauges, the Aravis and the Beaufortain. On the ridge, the views extend to include Mont Blanc, the Vanoise and the Écrins...
The Dent du Corbeau circular loop via La Thuile
A circular walk in the Grand Arc massif offering magnificent panoramic views of the Albertville valley and the Lauzière massif, whilst enjoying the beautiful La Thuile mountain pastures with their many small lakes. This walk was completed with children aged five and ten.
Refuge de la Thuile – Col de l’Arc
A change of scenery: the view opens out towards the Beaufortain, the Tarentaise, the Aravis and then the Vanoise. You pass beneath the Grand Arc, descend towards the Vallon de Bayet, cross the Col Basmont, then spend the night at the Col de l’Arc in the unmanned hut
La Dent du Corbeau
La Dent du Corbeau forms part of the Grand Arc massif. From the ridge, there is a superb view of the valley stretching towards Montmélian, the head of the Tarentaise valley, Mont Blanc (of course!), and the Aravis range.
Le Grand Roc
Magnificent ridge walk between Mont d'Orisan and Grand Roc. On one side are Les Bauges and its highest peak, Arcalod (2,217 m), and on the other is the Mont Blanc massif, passing through Beaufortain, Vanoise, La Lauzière, Belledonne and on to the Aiguilles d'Arves. A very beautiful hike.
Circular walk on the hills above Grignon via La Baraque Noire.
This walk takes place, for the most part, in the forest, on paths and trails, and presents no particular difficulty, either technical or in terms of navigation. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the Isère valley, the Bauges, the Beaufortain, etc.
Route des hauts de Mercury via Fort de Tamié
A challenging hike above Mercury through the undergrowth to discover the balconies of Tamié.
Route of the Gallo-Roman villa at Gilly-sur-Isère
A hike that will allow you to discover the Savoyard countryside and step back a few centuries with the Gallo-Roman ruins in the village of Gilly. The church and the castle are well worth a visit.
Fort de Tamié circular loop
A very short family hike and a visit to Fort de Tamié. Within the fort's grounds, there are tree-top adventure courses, games for children and walks for all, not to mention superb views of Albertville. Rather than taking the car to the fort, it is very pleasant to walk there.
Notre-Dame de Tamié Abbey
This circular starts in Mercury and climbs up to the small pass of Tamié, then continues to Notre-Dame de Tamié Abbey. It continues via the small pass of Tamié before descending towards Plancherine and returning to Mercury .
Combe Fort and Pointe de la Fougère
A hike through a wild area in the heart of the Bauges Massif, offering magnificent views of Pécloz, Arcalod and Orgeval. From Pointe de la Fougère, you can see the Isère Valley, the Beaufortain and Mont Blanc. Chamois and mouflons are abundant in this area.
Pointe d'Arcalod via the Chalets d'Orgeval
A beautiful, aerial and technical hike to climb to the highest point of the Bauges Massif (2,217 m).
Magnificent 360° panorama of the entire Bauges Massif and Mont Blanc.
Note on difficulty: following feedback from hikers, this hike has been classified as Very Difficult because the ascent and descent of the peak are quite technical.
Pointe de Chaurionde
This hike will take you to the Pointe de Chaurionde via the Col du Haut du Four and the south-west ridge. Don't miss the chamois that inhabit the slopes. At the summit, you can admire Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc. You will cross the Vallon d'Orgeval (the valley of bears), which has now become a peaceful valley home to Tarine and Abondance cows and marmots.In June, the flora is magnificent and varied.
Chaurionde means "round summit".
(6) Access to the summit (or descent) via the Chalet de Coutarse is now prohibited (ZR zone of the PNR).
Tour de l’Arcalod
A two-day route around the Pointe d’Arcalod, the highest point in the Bauges, passing through unspoilt wilderness, valleys and rivers. The suggested route mainly follows the GR® de Pays Tour de l’Arcalod, marked in yellow and red. Spectacular views of the mountains and Lake Annecy. This wild and little-used route is mainly situated within a Regulated Sensitive Area.
Nant Fourchu stream car park – Chalets de l’Eau Froide
First day of a two-day route around the Pointe d’Arcalod, the highest point in the Bauges, crossing wild areas, valleys and rivers. The proposed route mainly follows the eastern section of the GR® de Pays Tour de l’Arcalod, marked in yellow and red. Spectacular views of the mountains and Lake Annecy. This wild and little-used route is situated mainly within a sensitive, regulated area.The terrain is good and presents no particular difficulties.
The Col d'Orgeval
The Col d'Orgeval is located on theGRP® trail in the Massif des Bauges. More than the pass or the chalets, it is the superb Orgeval valley with its gentle slopes that will remain in hikers' memories.
The mountain pasture is owned by the same family, who graze a pretty herd of heifers there.
Mont de la Coche and Tré le Mollard
This beautiful, wild circular hike starting from the Nant du Fourchu car park takes you to two peaks over 2,000 m in the Bauges massif in just a few kilometres, and can be completed with a climb to Pointe d'Arcalod. You may even see some marmots!
Pointe de la Fougère
Pointe de la Fougère is not the most popular of the Beaujus peaks. This hike retains a wild character; it is not uncommon to see animals on the ascent. Beautiful panoramic views of the nearby peaks and beyond.
Route de la Belle Étoile and La Négresse / Roc Rouge
A very lovely hike on the border between Savoie and Haute-Savoie, on the iconic peaks of Albertville: the beautiful Étoile and the Négresse.
In the background, the Bauges massif, the Beaufortain, the Lauzière, Mont Blanc and Lake Annecy.
A hike best undertaken in dry weather, featuring exposed sections equipped with ladders and handrails.
Belle Étoile circular, return via Chalet Périllet
From the summit of Belle Étoile, you will be treated to breathtaking views. Following a path that runs almost entirely through the woods, you will reach the Croix de Périllet and then, after a steep section, the Croix du Sommet de Belle Étoile. On one side, you will overlook Mercury and the Olympic city of Albertville (1992 Winter Olympics) and on the other, the Tamié valley and its Cistercian-Trappist monastery. In the distance, you can see Lake Annecy, Mont Blanc and Mont Granier.
A circular route around the Dent du Corbeau from Saint-Paul-sur-Isère
A beautiful, little-known summit at the northern end of the Lauzière massif.The approach via the Tarentaise, which is much less frequented, guarantees peace and quiet and the chance to spot chamois.
The Giants’ Trail in the Tamié Valley
In the enchanting setting of the Vallon de Tamié, where an abbey is nestled, set off to discover the wood carvings created in the wake of the storm on1 July 2019, which destroyed more than 300 ‘giants’ in this part of the Tamié Departmental Forest.
Tour of the Val de Tamié
The Val de Tamié site is remarkable for its Cistercian abbey nestled on the side of Tête Noire and its former military fort. The hike takes place in the valley. It starts from the abbey car park, with a steep climb, a walk downhill through the woods, a visit to the Fort de Tamié, a magnificent view of Mont Blanc at the Collet de Tamié, then the descent to the Moulin de Tamié.
The Parc du Mouton
A lovely circular route to reach a summit with 360° panoramic views. A climb through the forest to reach the refuge, then a short ridge. A cool descent along the torrent will take you back to the abbey, which you can visit or buy some of the famous cheese!
Circular walk around the Pointe de la Sambuy in Albertville
A 4-day hiking tour with wild camping, starting and finishing at Albertville railway station
The route takes you through the Bauges Game and Wildlife Reserve, where you’ll discover the highest points of the Bauges Massif: the Pointe de Chaurionde (alt. 2,173 m) and the Col de l’Alpettaz (alt. 1,580 m), passing through the forests of Tamié, Saint-Ruph and Les Héris.
From Albertville station to the Refuge du Soplat des Streams
A lovely climb starting from Albertville, passing through the medieval town of Conflans and pretty mountain hamlets with views of the Tarentaise Valley, before reaching the Refuge du Soplat des Stream. The refuge is ideally located near the Tour du Beaufortain with a beautiful view of Albertville and the Olympic Park. Hike to be done from May to November: avalanche risk in winter above 1,100 metres.
Arcalod-Mont de la Coche circular from Bellevaux
This is a beautiful circular that allows you to see three sides of Arcalod, climb to the summit via Orgeval and descend via a wilder route. It is a demanding but magnificent hike in good weather.
Please note that access to the Pointe d'Arcalod is not recommended with children or in wet weather.
Pointe de Chaurionde as seen from Tamié Abbey
A very beautiful walk in the Bauges massif, with magnificent 360° views of Lake Annecy, Mont Blanc and the Bauges mountains such as L’Arcalod, La Sambuy, etc...
Route of the heights of Conflans to Albertville
A beautiful circular route above the medieval town of Conflans with lovely panoramic views of the Combe de Savoie.
Farette - Bettex - Fort du Mont - Le Chataîgner - Farette
If you love the mountains and beautiful places, and you're not afraid of a little effort, then set off on this walk to discover Fort du Mont and admire the views on the way up and the large pine forests on the way down.
Route in the hills above Albertville
A lovely, peaceful route to rediscover the old Beaufort road, with beautiful views of Albertville.
Circular route via Mont Pécloz, Mont d'Arménaz and Pointe de la Fougère
I recommend a lovely circular hike via Mont Pécloz, Mont d’Arménaz and Pointe de la Fougère.
Warning! Some sections are tricky, particularly the descent from Mont Pécloz towards Col d'Armène and the ridge between Mont d'Armenaz and Pointe de la Fougère
See the practical information section.
The Bellacha loop via Col de Basmont
Ascent of Bellacha via a wild trail on the way up, following the north-west and north ridges of Bellachat. The return route is via the Col de l'Arc and Col de Basmont passes, which offer different landscapes and avoid the descent via the ascent route, which is not always easy to find. This loop is not recommended in the opposite direction.
Col de Basmont
A pleasant walk to the Col de Basmont (1,791m), to fill your bag with blueberries, with the added bonus of views over the Beaufortin, the Chartreuse, Belledonne and the Aravis, amongst others.
The Col d'Arclusaz
A lovely walk in the Arclusaz valley, dominated by some of the beautiful peaks of the Bauges.The colours of autumn are beginning to set the landscape ablaze.
Route de l'Armène
A hike in the heart of the Bauges Massif towards one of its most beautiful peaks.
The ascent to the Col de l'Armène offers opportunities to spot chamois and enjoy varied panoramic views of the Northern Alps.
On the descent, be sure to visit the ruined village of La Chapelle and the Notre-Dame de Bellevaux Chapel.
The Pecloz and Armenaz mountains
A beautiful, challenging circular route that takes you to two of the 14 2,000-metre peaks in the Bauges massif, Mont Pécloz and Mont d'Armenaz. The climb up to the pass separating the two peaks is quite steep, but you'll be accompanied by chamois. Once you reach the summit, Mont Pécloz offers a 360° view of the Alps. The descent is popular with ski tourers in winter.
Mont Pécloz and Mont d'Arménaz loop
The most beautiful of the Baujus peaks! Loop hike Mont Pecloz 2197m and Mont d'Armenaz 2158m.
Please note: The descent from Mont Pécloz is rather tricky (exposure to rockfalls + some passages requiring the use of your hands).
Le Grand Arc from Tioulévé
With clear skies and no clouds on the horizon, on the morning of 27 August 2018, I decide to discover a superb viewpoint over the Alps. Perched between Belledonne and Lauzière, just above the confluence of the Isère and Arc rivers, the Grand Arc massif is exceptional in its domain. High mountains less than an hour from Chambéry!
The Lac Noir du Grand Arc via the Char de la Turche
A beautiful loop on the southern slope of the Grand Arc, passing by the dark Lac Noir.
At the start, a discovery trail allows hikers to step back in time.
Directional signs and yellow markings.
The Balconies of Saint-Thomas (Lé lôzè dè Saint Thomas)
A route that will take you through the remote hamlets of the village of Saint-Thomas, overlooking the valley with magnificent views, a route alternating between footpaths, tracks and roads.
A sunny route early in the morning with very little traffic – enjoy it to your heart’s content.
Col de l’Arc – Refuge du Logis des Fées
It’s hard to say much about this section, as we completed the whole of it in driving rain and cloud. The route is challenging and stony, with numerous herds of livestock and detours… But it remains so beautiful despite everything. The climb up the Bellachat is less difficult than it looks. The landscape is actually very varied: there’s a lot of rocky terrain on the ascent of the Bellachat, with steep cirques all the way to the Lacs du Loup, where the mountain pastures take over before giving way to the Cirque du Colomban, only to return near the Refuge du Logis des Fées.
The Palatieux Balconies (Lè lôzè du Palatchu)
A lovely path running along a ridge overlooking the Tarentaise valley with stunning views of Tours-en-Savoie.
Dent de Cons from Allondaz
Here is a circular route that allows you to prolong the pleasure of walking along a very narrow ridge with vertiginous slopes.
La Belle Étoile from Les Combes
La Belle Étoile is a very popular destination for walkers and trail runners, with most people setting off from the “Les Teppes” car park at a place called La Ramaz. The route I’m suggesting, however, is much less well-trodden. You may not come across a single person for three-quarters of this route, which runs largely through woodland. On the higher ground, you’ll need to use your hands for certain sections.
The charms of Seythenex
Explore the Tamié valley and the famous Seythenex bridge in a peaceful, bucolic setting.
Route around Césarches via the Col de Montessuit
A lovely, peaceful walk alternating between roads and paths, suitable for all seasons, with lovely views of the surrounding mountains. An ideal route in early spring to get back into the swing of things.
Belt of redoubts and batteries around Fort de Montgilbert
Circular forest path starting from Fort de Montgilbert, following the belt of redoubts and batteries built along a ridge to defend the entrance to the Maurienne valley and passing through a sensitive peat bog site.
La Pointe de la Sambuy circular starting from Seythenex
Hike offering a superb 360° view at Pointe de la Sambuy over Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc.
From the Baraque de l'Abbaye to the Chalet de l'Alpettaz
This hike takes you to the heart of the Faverges-Seythenex valley, following the Lac d'Annecy with the Torrent de Saint-Ruph, which is the lake's main source of water, ending with a view of Albertville and Mont Blanc at the Col de l'Alpettaz (alt. 1,580 m).
The Pointières Discovery Trail in Queige:
Whether you do it alone or with your family, this hike will allow you to discover how people lived around 60 years ago. It is a pleasant walk through a hundred hectares of forest and small plains. Along the way, you will find barns furnished with tools from the period and numerous photos.
A very interesting route that will take you back to your starting point, where a guest book awaits you.
The Pissus and Lac du Loup circular loop
Circular route through the Lauzière massif, which gives this area its distinctive rugged, rocky character.
Circular Pissus - Lakes and Col du Loup
A lovely hike in the Lauzière massif, with views of the peaks and glaciers of the Vanoise, not to mention the inevitable Mont Blanc.
You will also recognise the characteristic silhouette of the Cheval Noir along the way.
Pointe des Arangles loop via La Roche Brisée
A beautiful, wild hike at the start of the season, with no one else on the route. Beautiful views of the western ridge of Comborsier, the Grand Mont d'Arêches and even Mont Blanc. Be careful to keep quiet, as this is black grouse territory.
More walks in Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère
Select a point of interest below: