Valloire walks

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

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).

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

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).

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).

A classic of the upper Clarée Valley with a magnificent panorama of the Cerces and Ecrins massifs.

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.

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).

The Lac d'Arsine, which has been split in two for several years, nestles in the cirque formed by the Agneaux and Neige Cordier mountains and is a real gem.

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.

The Briançonnais region had several hundred peasant-mines each operated by 2 to 3 people. This route lets you access two of these sites in the Guisane valley. Here you can still find remnants of these operations. It also offers stunning panoramic views of the Guisane valley and the Les Agneaux mountain. You can enjoy this in both summer and winter, with snowshoes (the southern exposure allows for rapid stabilisation of the snowpack).

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 family hike starting from the Col du Granon, which allows you to discover a beautiful lake and, on the way back, magnificent views of the Ecrins.

In the Crête des Grangettes cirque, there is a particularly famous mountain lake at 2,514 metres, called the Eychauda.

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.

A good hike in the crystalline Belledonne massif, the Combe Madame refuge is not very high up, but it provides access to areas for experienced and hardy mountaineers. Water is everywhere, lakes are nearby, wildlife inhabits the vertiginous slopes and hikers are treated to breathtaking views.

Lovely loop above Val-des-Prés providing a bird's eye view of the famous Clarée Valley.

Starting from the village of Gleysin, from the Bourgeat Noire car park, this beautiful loop in Belledonne connects several iconic sites in the Haut Bréda valley.The route passes by the Chalet du Bout, then climbs up to the Croix du Léat, before descending to the peaceful Lac du Léat, ideal for a quiet bivouac with views of the Chartreuse and the Bauges. The route continues to the Refuge de l'Oule, a small, friendly alpine lodge where you can also spend the night, then descends back to the starting point. We did this hike over two days with a night at the lake, but it can also be done in a day for the more experienced. A beautiful and varied loop, between forests, alpine pastures, open ridges and wild waterways.

The Lac du Lauvitel and its integral reserve (the first in France, created in 1995).

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.

Loop starting from Pierre Feu. This circuit will take you to the chapels and hamlets around Puy-Saint-André, sundials and the "Décoiffées" fairy chimneys. An easy circuit, except for the descent to Pierre Feu, which has a few sections where you need to take care not to slip.

Circuit opposite the magnificent peak of Rochebrune with an exceptional view of the road of the Col d'Izoard. And besides, there are chamois here!