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Vallorcine walks
The Emosson lakes in the footsteps of the dinosaurs
Visorando Member
14.03 mi
+5,886 ft
-5,869 ft
12 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
A superb circular French-Swiss for experienced walkers.The beauty of the landscapes in absolute silence will make you forget everything.Add to that a leap back in time several million years and you'll feel like you're walking on air.
⚠️ 16/12/2025: closure of a section of the Barberine forest (between (S/E) and (1)). See decree. Detour possible.
Couteray - Refuge du Vieux Emosson
7.45 mi
+3,753 ft
-1,053 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
A pretty route, with views of the Tour and Argentière glaciers, which passes through the Refuge de Loriaz to reach the Barrage d'Emosson via a balcony path and finishes at the Refuge du Vieux Emosson.
Tour of the Dents Blanches massif, Ruan, Tenneverge
75.55 mi
+33,983 ft
-33,875 ft
8 days
Very difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
Straddling the Franco-Swiss border, the Dents Blanches, Dents du Midi, Tenneverge, Mont Ruan and Aiguilles Rouges. An area strongly shaped by the folding of the Alps, with surprising landscapes ranging from lunar deserts to high-altitude lakes, waterfalls and forgotten mountain pastures. A wild and unspoilt nature that only hikers can discover. Alpine valleys, often isolated by "pas", technical and cabled paths opening the doors to this universe of raw and grandiose nature...
Col de Salenton, via the waterfall and the Bérard valley
8.80 mi
+3,944 ft
-3,930 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
A lovely mountain walk, easy at first, at the bottom of a wooded and green valley, then difficult, on the mountainside, exposed to the sun. Interesting waterfall. Panoramic view from the pass.
⚠️ This route crosses the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Please respect the regulations in force. See practical information.
Tré-les-Eaux - Col de la Terrasse - Loriaz
11.24 mi
+4,747 ft
-4,747 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
A superb circular at the edge of the high mountains (2,700 metres) with a very significant elevation gain.
This hike should only be attempted at the beginning of summer (as snow may still be present and obscure the markings).
Pointe de la Terrasse from the Buet station
9.57 mi
+4,760 ft
-4,767 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
A loop via the magnificent and wild Trè-les-Eaux valley on the way there and via the Col de la Terrasse and the Refuge de Loriaz on the way back. Exceptional 360° panorama from the summit!Trè-les-Eaux is one of the few places in the Chamonix valley that is still untouched by mass tourism.
In the forests and mountain pastures around Vallorcine
11.74 mi
+4,396 ft
-4,396 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
Loop through forests and mountain pastures.From the Col des Posettes via the Croix des Posettes or from the Col de Balme via the Catogne chalets, you will have a complete view of the surrounding Vallorcine landscapes.It's like a balcony overlooking Mont Blanc.
⚠️ This route crosses the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Please respect the regulations in force. See practical information.
The Mont Buet loop
14.75 mi
+7,238 ft
-7,257 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
Starting from Buet, this is a large loop in a very rocky landscape. After the Refuge de la Pierre in Bérard, the ascent of Mont Buet and the Cheval Blanc pass, the circuit makes a short detour into Switzerland to visit the dinosaur site. The return journey is via the Col de la Terrasse, the Refuge de Loriaz and the hamlet of Couteray
⚠️ This route crosses the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Please respect the regulations in force. See practical information.
Le Buet from Vallorcine
11.66 mi
+5,922 ft
-5,892 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
At an altitude of over 3,000 metres, there is a magnificent viewpoint over the Aiguilles Rouges and the Mont Blanc massif. This is a long and demanding hike in a wild setting offering superb panoramic views.
This hike can be done in a single day (Very Difficult) or over two days with a night in a refuge (Difficult).
Col de Balme - Champex-Lac
10.94 mi
+4,327 ft
-6,673 ft
8h 50
Very difficult
Departure from Haute-Savoie
This second stage begins with a pleasant trail towards the "Des Grands" mountain pasture. Once you reach this chalet, the trail descends to the torrent, which you must cross at the Chalet du Glacier (1583 m). The view of the nearby Trient Glacier is magnificent. The long climb to the Fenêtre d'Arpette begins just after the Chalet Buvette. The landscape is chaotic at the pass and in the Arpette valley. The landscape becomes greener again from the Arpette refuge. The path then follows a bisse (irrigation channel) to Champex.
Refuge Albert 1er - Glacier du Tour
5.15 mi
+1,939 ft
-3,048 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Located above the Tour glacier, on its right bank, it is the only refuge managed by the Chamonix CAF that can be reached without crossing a glacier in summer. Its location is ideal, with views over a wide range of peaks: Aiguille du Tour, Chardonnet, Aiguille d'Argentière, la Verte and les Drus, les Aiguilles Rouges. It was named after Albert 1st, King of the Belgians. Considered the only high-mountain refuge accessible to families.
Col de Balme - Source de l'Arve - Col des Posettes from Le Tour
2.88 mi
+82 ft
-1,204 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
A short summer hike with exceptional panoramic views over the Chamonix valley and its massifs. There are several ways to approach it from Le Tour: the one shown is from the East, using the Charamillon cable car and the Autannes chairlift. The return journey is via the Charamillon cable car.
Les Sources de l'Arve
6.75 mi
+2,615 ft
-2,585 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
With a group of senior hikers from the Arve Valley, we set off down the Arve River from its source at La Jonction, Geneva, to its confluence with the Rhône.
A short one-day circuit, ascending via the balconies and descending as close as possible to the river, the SM3A path.
Péclerey mountain from the Tour village
4.59 mi
+1,844 ft
-1,844 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
This modest hike takes us to the Péclerey mountain overlooking the village of Le Tour, at the northern end of the Chamonix valley. This small, unassuming mountain offers superb views of the surrounding peaks (Aiguilles Rouges, Mont-Blanc), the Chamonix valley and the Tour glacier.
Ascending journey to the heights of Vallorcine
5.59 mi
+961 ft
-2,986 ft
3h 25
Difficult
Departure from Finhaut (Valais)
An easy hike overlooking the Trient and Vallorcine valleys, with superb views of the surrounding mountains such as the Mont Blanc massif and the 4,000-metre peaks of Valais. Caution for those prone to vertigo or fear of heights: there is a section with handrails, which is not dangerous but requires particular attention
Loop between the lakes of Emosson and Salanfe.
17.42 mi
+9,701 ft
-9,688 ft
2 days
Difficult
Departure from Finhaut (Valais)
Lac de Salanfe is located in a large cirque, which is most easily accessed from the east via the Vallon de Van d'En Haut. From the Emosson dam, two passes offer access to this magnificent lake.
In a high mountain setting, you can admire the Ruan massif to the south-west and the Dents du Midi massif to the north-west. During these two days, you will cross the Barberine, Emaney and Fenestral passes.
Emosson Dam - Auberge de Salanfe
8.25 mi
+4,167 ft
-4,711 ft
7h 25
Difficult
Departure from Finhaut (Valais)
For this first stage, after skirting Lake Emosson opposite the Mont Ruan massif, the Col de Barberine and Col d'Emaney passes will take you to the shores of Lake Salanfe. You will appreciate the contrast between the Ruan massif and the Dents du Midi massif.
Cabane du Vieux Emosson - Couteray
7.16 mi
+2,067 ft
-4,728 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from Finhaut (Valais)
This route begins with a detour off the beaten track, suggested to us by the refuge warden, to reach the Col de la Terrasse. An alpine route with the Emosson dam in the background and a chance to discover the lakes at the Col du Corbeaux. After a long descent at the foot of Mont Buet in the Tré les Eaux valley, cross a long ledge equipped with cables and ladders to finally reach the Chalets des Granges and arrive at the Couteray car park.
Vieux Emosson Refuge - Refuge de la Pierre à Bérard
7.85 mi
+3,921 ft
-4,715 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Finhaut (Valais)
Pass through the listed site of dinosaur footprints, then climb up to Cheval Blanc and reach the summit of Buet via the ridges. A difficult alpine route classified as T4 with breathtaking views of the Aiguilles Rouges.
Lac Blanc via Lacs de Chéserys from Col des Montets
6.72 mi
+3,104 ft
-3,074 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
A must-do hike through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve in the Chamonix Valley.
Lac Blanc culminates at 2352 m, offering an unforgettable panorama of the Mont Blanc range.
The route described here is much more bucolic and wild than the variant via La Flégère, which has become far too touristy.
Lac de la Remuaz loop
5.35 mi
+2,726 ft
-2,710 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Magnificent hike, facing the Mont Blanc Massif all the way! While the whole route is quite busy, Lac de la Remuaz is off the trail and therefore isolated: a little forgotten gem.
Loop: Posettes ridge and Vallorcine valley
8.45 mi
+3,123 ft
-3,117 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Loop close to the Franco-Swiss border with a variety of exposures in a Nature Reserve (forest to the East, long ridge, alpine pasture, forest to the west), with a beautiful 360° panoramic view and a belvedere ideal for picnics.
Refuge la Boerne - Refuge du Lac Blanc
2.87 mi
+3,261 ft
-0 ft
4h 10
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
8th stage from the Boerne refuge (Tré Le Champ) to the Lac Blanc refuge via the Aiguillettes d'Argentière.Stopover at the refuge to admire the magnificent panorama of the Mont Blanc.
Chéserys, Blanc and Persévérance lakes circuit
7.28 mi
+3,766 ft
-3,766 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
A long loop taking in the various lakes in the eastern part of the Aiguilles Rouges Massif, with magnificent views of the Mont Blanc Massif just opposite, reflected in the waters of the lakes.
⚠️ The itinerary includes two tricky sections equipped with ladders and metal ramps.
Tré-le-Champ to Lac Blanc - Tour Mont Blanc
Association / Club / Walk leader2.73 mi
+3,228 ft
-62 ft
4h 05
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
This 10th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) normally runs along the high ground above the L'Arve valley to La Flègere but here's the description of the variant to Lac Blanc. A shorter stage but full of excitement and challenges. Let's do it!
The TMB is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France.
Tête Noire
1.88 mi
+1,404 ft
-1,434 ft
2h 05
Moderate
Departure from Valais
Short loop to visit the Grotte aux Nymphes.
Well-equipped and mainly shaded trail.
The descent to the Grotte aux Nymphes is steep. The climb back up is gentler. You can do this hike in the opposite direction if you prefer a slow descent and a steep climb.
Please note: in summer 2025, the Grotte aux Nymphes was not accessible due to construction work.
Trient to Tré-le-Champ - Tour Monte Blanc
8.54 mi
+3,760 ft
-3,392 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Valais
This 9th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) offers three options, the North-West one that climbs up almost to the summit of Carraye (t 2,132m) and drops down to Valorcine, the South-West past Col de Balme (at 2,191m) then drops to Le Tour or the middle option that goes over Col de Balme and Aiguilette des Posettes (at 2,210m) to drop down to Tré-le-Champ. Here's the description of the classic middle option. Let's do it!
The TMB is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France.
Refuge de la Pierre à Bérard - Refuge des Fonts
11.24 mi
+3,527 ft
-5,331 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
A lovely hike passing through the Col de Salenton, descend to take the balcony path through the mountain pastures of the Vallée de la Diosaz. Continue on to the Refuge de Moede-Anterne, then the Col d'Anterne and descend to the magnificent Lac d'Anterne. Then reach the Refuge des Fonts via a pretty path passing through the Petit Col d'Anterne.
⚠️ This route crosses the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Please respect the regulations in force. See practical information.
Tour des Aiguilles Rouges : Refuge Pierre à Bérard - Refuge Flégère
8.88 mi
+2,664 ft
-2,851 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Vallorcine (Haute-Savoie)
Third stage of the Tour des Aiguilles Rouges.
This stage is on the GRP® Tour du Pays du Mont Blanc itinerary. Descend through the Vallon de Bérard nature reserve with its waterfall to the Col des Montets, then climb back up to the Refuge de la Flègère to take in the panoramic view of the Mont Blanc mountain range and its glaciers.
More walks in Vallorcine
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