Vanoise 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.

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.

Lac de la Plagne is a classic day hike in the Peisey Valley. It takes you right into the heart of the Vanoise National Park in a very mountainous setting. The normal route can be done without a map, as it is entirely on theGR®5, which is why I am suggesting a wilder route here, but also more challenging due to numerous stream crossings and some off-trail sections.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Chapelle des Vernettes is a highlight of Baroque religious art in the Tarentaise region and a must-see hike in the Peisey Valley. Its main advantage is its accessibility, which can become a problem in the height of summer when many cars make the trip.

A family hike on trails in the Tuéda Nature Reserve on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. A route where you can see marmots running along the path, with a stop at Lac des Fées, ideal for a long break. Finally, pass by the Refuge du Saut and then Lac de Tuéda and its plateau.

A beautiful loop on the trails of the Belleville Valley. Between mountain pastures, forests and ridges, you will discover magnificent panoramic views that unfold throughout the route. This hike is suitable for families with young hikers. There are numerous signs along the route to guide you.

Circuit above Aussois between pine trees and snowfields.

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.

This hike explores a wild area starting from the lively resort of Les Ménuires. There are lakes to discover, of course, but also a multitude of streams and rhododendron beds. Marmots and chamois watch over your progress.

Le Moriond is a small peak located on the Aiguille de la Vanoise ridge. This summit is an easily accessible viewpoint from Pralognan, offering views of the Aiguille de la Vanoise and the Grande Casse. Marmots are never far away. Etymology of Moriond: round mountain. Seen from Pralognan, this name is entirely justified!

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.

This hike offers a beautiful excursion into the Vanoise National Park, where you can discover a glacial lake and enjoy splendid views of several glaciers, the Dômes de la Vanoise and Peclet Polset.

A lovely hike starting from Tignes-le Lac. Significant elevation gain, with a continuous climb to Aiguille Percée. From the top, there is a beautiful view of the surrounding peaks. Mont Blanc can be seen if the sky is clear!

A must-do hike in the commune of Pralognan-la-Vanoise. Bucolic setting, magnificent views. Grande Casse and Mont Blanc, among others.

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.

Discover a peak with a 360° view of the Savoie mountains.

A beautiful hike that will make you want to come back for several days.

Starting from Pralin, the hike to the Merlet lakes takes you to a superb, peaceful site on the edge of the Vanoise National Park, dominated by the Aiguille du Fuit. Markings are present but not everywhere.

A short circuit allowing you to discover the Morel Waterfall and the educational trail on the history of the torrent. The circuit follows the thematic trail in reverse, but the information panels explain the history of this torrent: the Morel devastated the Bellecombe plain for several centuries and was finally tamed at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to a dam, a large 80-metre waterfall and a series of small cascades.

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.

A short family hike to discover a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Belleville Valley. There are two other beautiful viewpoints with orientation tables, as well as the Coche reservoir. This well-marked circular trail is a discovery trail dotted with information panels and quizzes on mountain flora and fauna. At the summit, you can enjoy two orientation tables and a well-equipped area, as well as a small notebook where you can leave a few words.

Several descriptions on Visorando already pass through the Col de la Vanoise. This one offers an itinerary that strays from the beaten track, seeking out wild and little-used passages. Whether on well-trodden paths or not, the scenery is spectacular throughout.

A walk that deviates from the balcony path, with a section off-trail, but no risk of getting lost.

Another classic route from Pralognan with the very distinctive ridges of Mont Charvet. Magnificent views both towards Pralognan and its glacial domes and towards Courchevel. The path is exposed, sometimes narrow, and should not be used in wet weather. Schist peaks and dissolution cones dot this long ridge trail. Easy return via the mountain pastures.

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.).

Beautiful promontory facing Pralognan, with stunning views of the entire area, including the Portetta breach and the Aiguille d'Août, which dominate the route. Unfortunately, this is now a round trip since the path (still shown on the map) through the Bois de Chollière is closed. (2008, order renewed every year since then, given the danger).

Another classic in the Peisey valley, with a bird's eye view of the village and a beautiful panorama of Mont Pourri. The route is steep and somewhat exposed, but it is possible to make a round trip via the descent route.

A route starting from the Thermes de la Léchère-les-Bains on a pretty path along the Isère river and up the banks of the Torrent du Morel with its waterfalls, once the scourge of the Aigueblanches valleys, now tamed by humans who have turned it into a peaceful mountain stream. After crossing the village of Saint-Oyen and returning with a view of the valley, you will reach the Thermes de la Léchère spa.

A very pleasant hike with a vast panorama from the Rosset Pass opening onto the Grande Casse and the Vanoise glaciers. The final point of the climb is the lake and its feeding glacier, which you will discover in the last few steps. See § practical information

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.

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.

Courte randonnée pour accéder à un 3000 m assez facile avec un superbe panorama sur tous les hauts sommets du département. Idéale quand on a un timing serré pour faire une randonnée.

A beautiful walk in the Montaimont cirque. The walk is described in a clockwise direction, but can also be done in the opposite direction.The markings, when visible, are those for the summer period. The route sometimes deviates from the official trail.The entire loop is well cleared, offering a vast panorama. Due to its orientation and modest altitude at the start, this hike is best enjoyed at the beginning of the season.There is no risk of snow slides on this route.

Hike suitable for families (but with a significant elevation gain), starting from Tignes Lavachet, to see the magnificent Salin Waterfalls with a detour via the Gouille de Salin. There are a few wooden footbridges and several places where walking shoes are required.

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.

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.

This hike is not technically difficult and can be completed in half a day. It offers beautiful views, including two lookout points. The trails are sometimes difficult to see, so a GPS device may be useful, although the terrain is clear and the waypoints are visible from a distance at all times.You will pass through mountain pastures where cows may be present in season.

A lovely hike that allows you to enjoy very different terrains: forest, alpine pastures, rocks. Beautiful view of the Beaufortain, especially the Pierra Menta, and allows you to approach the menacing north face of Bellecôte. As a bonus, an easy 3000-metre peak.

A beautiful circular to do from Pralognan-la-Vanoise. The route is suitable for experienced hikers. The climb to the Col de Leschaux offers a magnificent view of the Mont-Charvet ridges and the Dents de la Portetta. The Grand Bec cirque is wild and the return trip allows you to admire the Vuzelle waterfall.

This hike takes you to the Lacs du Mont Coua and Lac Blanc, passing through the Col Rouge and Col du Soufre. Please note that at the start of the season there may still be a lot of snow, and some sections may be tricky.

Alpine hike for experienced walkers on the wild left bank of the Doron de Champagny, with views of the chain of glaciers and rock faces stretching from the Grand Bec to the Grande Motte via the Grande Casse.

Discover the Paradis mountain pastures, above Saint-François-Longchamp, the bells of the cattle herds in the green summer pastures, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, the passage through the hamlet of La Perrière, then a return via the path through the Pézières Forest, with its complicated passages through muddy waterways or a tiny, vertiginous path. Beautiful emotions await you.

If you enjoy the atmosphere of green mountains, the countryside, walking along small, often shaded paths that are very pleasant in hot weather, and discovering the charm of numerous hamlets with magnificent views of the surrounding area, then this is the right hike for you. Of course, you can also discover the flora and fauna, such as crocuses in August.

High-altitude hike beneath the imposing Dent Parrachée. The climb to 3,100 m is very pleasant, and there are several flat sections where you can rest. Things get tougher beyond that, after crossing the remains of the Labby Glacier, due to loose and unstable schist. Access to Pointe de la Gorma (3,396 m) is via an easy ridge.

The proposed route allows you to climb Mont de la Guerre from Champagny-en-Vanoise and descend via the ski area. The route passes by the Champagny cable cars for those who wish to shorten the descent (please note that they are not operational on Saturdays). There are many alternatives for the descent; I have suggested this version to create a loop. Instead of going through the Bois des Génévriers, it is possible to descend via the forest track.