Vallée de la Maurienne walks

This is a lovely, easy hike in the Vanoise. It is also a lake circuit dominated by the Vanoise glaciers between the Dent Parrachée and the Grande Casse. From Lac Blanc to the Plan du Lac refuge, the route is neither mapped nor marked.

A fantastic hike which, when the weather is fine, allows you to contemplate magnificent landscapes dotted with lakes in infinite shades of blue.

A hike in the Cirque des Évettes, with the Grand Méan glacial lake at the foot of the glacier of the same name in your sights. At an altitude of 2,876 metres, the lake and glacier offer a fantastic view of a well-hidden glacial cirque. A real treat!

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.

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.

A beautiful hike that leads to the foot of the Evettes glacier. The climb through the Gorges de la Reculaz allows you to make a loop and discover the Roman bridge.

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.

This is a pleasant hike where you can encounter chamois and marmots and enjoy breathtaking views of the main peaks of the Vanoise from the summit. On one side: Grande Motte, Grande Casse, Dôme de Chasseforêt, Dent Parachée, Méan Martin. On the other: Charbonnel, Albaron, Grande Chiamarella. In the background, Mont Blanc, of course.

Near the Grand Galibier, another beautiful peak in the Cerces massif with an exceptional 360° panorama of the Ecrins, the Thabor, the Aiguilles d'Arves, Mont Blanc, the Viso, etc. A summit that takes effort to reach but is definitely worth the detour. An absolutely magnificent hike with a surprise at the summit that encourages meditation.

Route following the hypothetical passage of Hannibal and his elephants across the Alps. At the end of the wild and long valley lies the superb and large Lake Savine, at the foot of the Dents D'Ambin. A little further on, the Clapier border pass offers a magnificent view. On the way back, take a short detour to the Perrin Lakes.

A lovely day's hike with breathtaking views of the Aiguilles de l'Argentière, offering plenty of refreshment thanks to a myriad of lakes and, in the background, the Aiguilles d'Arves and La Meije.

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.

Loop via the Avérole refuge above the hamlet of the same name, then an excursion in the fairly wild Lombarde valley to the Pas de la Mule. From the Cabane des Bergers, the return via the balcony offers a beautiful view of the valley and the refuge.

Circuit above Aussois between pine trees and snowfields.

A superb hike in a magnificent setting at the foot of the Aiguilles d'Arves. The coolness of the torrent, the landscape ravaged by erosion, flower-filled mountain pastures, the whistling of marmots and shy chamois complete the picture. A comfortable walk has been created passing through (1) and (2).

A good hike with an uphill route along the Povaret torrent, away from the usual trails. The uphill trail is well marked but there are hardly any signposts.

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.

This hike takes you to the Grand Perron des Encombres, starting from La Saussaz. The access road is narrow but paved all the way to the start of the hike. The view from the summit is extraordinary. An exceptional 360° panorama with Mont Blanc dominating the scene and, above all, the near certainty of encountering ibex.

An easy hike above 2,000 metres. It starts near the Col du Mont-Cenis, a pass known since ancient times for crossing the Alps. Starting from the superb Lac du Mont-Cenis, it leads to the modest Lac Clair at the foot of what remains of the Lamet Glacier.

A short circuit accessible to children. You cross streams where they can play. The part in the forest is very pleasant, especially when it's hot. What's more, they can find wild strawberries and raspberries. The route is dotted with information panels about village life.

A half-day hike for intermediate walkers. You'll walk through different settings that offer a large range of Vanoise flora, while benefiting from an extraordinary view over the summits of Maurienne and the Ecrins national park.

This hike consists of two loops that meet at the Terre Rouge refuge. The lower loop allows you to admire the Neuvache valley from a balcony trail as you climb. On the descent, the route often runs alongside the torrent itself. The upper loop takes place in a more mineral environment at the base of the western slope of Mont Thabor. The markings for these loops are varied.

This legendary summit offers spectacular views of the Écrins mountains dominated by La Barre and La Meije, Goléon, the Aiguilles d'Arves, Mont Blanc, Viso, Queyras and the Swiss Valais, where Liskamm and Monte Rosa rise up. It is also a popular area for ibex.

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.

This short hike is the starting point for a magnificent three-day trek between Haute Maurienne and Val de Suze (Italy), with beautiful lakes and numerous small glaciers.But the setting and the welcome at the Refuge de Bramanette are such that they alone justify spending the night there and descending back down to the valley the next day!

This circular, which starts at the Col de la Croix de Fer and passes by the Refuge de l'Étendard, gives you a taste of the high mountain atmosphere. Snow cover persists for quite a long time after winter. This hike is best done in late August or September. This hike can be easy in summer or difficult when there is snow (winter or spring). I did it when there was a lot of snow, which is why I consider it to be quite difficult.

This is a short, easy and pleasant hike, ideal for a family outing. At the start, the village of Villaron is typical and well worth a visit, and at the end, the Cirque du Vallon is very bucolic. Along the way, you may see some wild animals (marmots, chamois, vultures, sparrowhawks, etc.).

A classic hike around the Valloire ski resort. This is a circular starting and ending in Valloire. comment from a hiker on 02/08/2023 A sign after the hamlet of Poingt Ravier indicates that the return route from Albanette to Valloire is closed. At (10), only a pedestrian crossing remains. On arrival in Valloire, a municipal decree is displayed indicating that traffic on this road is prohibited, particularly for pedestrians, and that failure to comply with this decree may result in a fine.

A lovely, easy hike through the mountain pastures at high altitude, between two legendary Tour de France passes.

First stage of the Petit tour du Mont Thabor hike

From the Col de la Croix de Fer, often used by the Tour de France, enjoy a peaceful short hike on a little-used slope. Beautiful views of the surrounding area, particularly the Aiguilles d'Arves.

From Plan Lachat, a circular takes you over three passes (La Ponsonnière, Cerces and Rochilles) and past five lakes (Ponsonnière, Grand Lac, Cerces, Grand Ban and Rond). The view of Lautaret and the Aiguilles d'Arves is splendid, and the rocks of Pic de la Moulinière and Pointe des Cerces are impressive.

The Prairie de Montaimont is a vast, easy area that is ideal for snowshoeing. This route quickly offers magnificent panoramic views (Belledonne, Cheval Noir, the Col de la Madeleine, the Maurienne Massif, the Aiguilles d'Arves in the distance, etc.).

A splendid route, partly off-trail, offering views of the north face of the Aiguilles de l'Argentière and its reflections in the emerald lakes of Sambuis and La Croix: panoramic views. Many ibex frequent the rocky outcrops above the lakes. This hike presents no difficulty apart from the elevation gain and finding the route (4km without markings).

Courte randonnée pour accéder à un 3000 m, assez facile en l'absence de neige (comme pour sa voisine l'Aiguille Pers), et dans un environnement très vite minéral. Elle peut être très fréquentée du fait de son accès aisé, mais le panorama au sommet en vaut le détour.

A lovely hike from Lake Mont Cenis to the small clear lake. The route offers beautiful views of Lac de Mont-Cenis (although it was cloudy the day we did it). A fairly family-friendly hike.

The Lacs Sainte-Marguerite are two pretty lakes a stone's throw from the Mont Thabor refuge. The Lac Rond and Lac Long are set in a very mineral environment at the foot of the Cheval Blanc.

This hike takes you on a lovely tour of several lakes in the Cerces massif. Most of the route is above 2,000 metres in altitude.

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!

A pleasant route using the stream and Diable footbridges to access Fort Victor-Emmanuel, Fort Charles-Felix and Fort Marie-Christine. On the way back, visit the pretty Saint-Benoit waterfall.

Une jolie randonnée dans la montagne à vaches (celles qui font le Beaufort). Belle vue sur la vallée de l'Arc et le massif des Grandes Rousses. Presque tout le parcours est au soleil.

The unmissable hike in Saint-Jean-d'Arves.

Family hike to the Col de Monjoie (but it's still uphill) then a short off-trail exploration towards the peaks that border it.

This loop, with a reasonable elevation gain for the region, will take you along paths to discover the magnificent landscapes of Valloire.This hike is offered as a trail run by the Valloire Tourist Office.The Devil's Bridge is broken. However, a replacement footbridge has been put in place, allowing you to follow the original route.

A superb hike on the border between Savoie and the Hautes Alpes, almost in Italy. Tormented landscapes, high mountains, a chapel at over 3,150 metres, lakes, snowfields, and a bit of contemporary history, as a large part of the route has only been French territory since 1947.

Departure from L'Écot, a hamlet in Bonneval that is definitely worth visiting on your return from the hike. There is a magnificent chapel and many houses that have been renovated in recent years. It is the highest inhabited village in France, except in winter.

This circular route, which is mostly above 2,000 m, takes you to both French and Italian military heritage sites. It also offers beautiful views, particularly of the Vanoise and Lac du Mont Cenis. Marked by directional signs but also by numerous paint marks of all shapes and colours. However, look out for the blue stars on a white background. From (3) to (6), the route is not very busy.

A wild hike is possible in Vanoise: the first part, which leads to the lakes and the Pointe de Lanserlia, is well marked, even if it is not signposted. The rest of the route to the Plateau du Turc is away from the main paths that criss-cross the massif and includes a tricky section between (8) and (9), which is why it is classified as difficult.

A beautiful hike in a wild area of Belledonne. With a bit of luck, you may encounter streams, lakes and trout, blueberries, marmots and chamois.

Close to the Aiguilles d'Arves, starting from the Relais 1900 above Chalmieu (Montrond), there is a climb to reach a point slightly above Basse du Gerbier. The climb is beautiful and requires some effort to warm up. The descent can be made via the same route or via the Gros Crey and Bon Ventre ridges (caution: tricky section), which is longer and more exposed.