french-alps-hikking-vanoise-national-park-loop

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 3
Mon Roadbook App
Mountain Hut
Multi-day hike
Réf : E387
8 days from 1275 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • A hike through the heart of France's first National Park.

  • Forest trails offering superb views of the Vanoise glacier summits.

  • A choice of itinerary with or without luggage transfer.

  • This tour has been awarded the Esprit parc national label for the preservation and promotion of France's national parks.

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

The Vanoise is one of the most famous and accessible national parks of France. It is renowned for its flora and fauna. It is a great location for a walk through the forest to discover some great natural treasures. This itinerary of splendid panoramas, passing through the heart of the massif that overlooks the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys. It offers a great variety of landscapes, from glaciers to high-altitude lakes and rocky meadows to green pastures.

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Itinerary

Level 3: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails and/or 600 to 800 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 15 kilometers.
Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.
Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 8 days
Luggage transfers : With or without luggage transfer
Lodging : Mountain Hut
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid June to Mid September

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome to the national park of Vanoise!

Lodging : hotel.
Arrival in Pralognan-la-Vanoise in the afternoon and settle in your hotel room. Take some time to visit the village and get ready for the adventure starting the following day!
Day 2

Warm up hike to Col de la Vanoise

Distance : 8 km (5 mi) - Ascent : 1000 m (3280 ft). 5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
The first hiking day is mainly ascent. From Pralognan-la-Vanoise you climb up until you reach Les Fontanettes, a small hamlet above the valley and at the foothill of the Vanoise national park. After entering the park, you will hike through several plateaus until the Col de la Vanoise, an ancient trade pass, where you will spend the night in a hut. It is located at the foot of the impressive peak of Grande Casse, with the height of 3,855 m (12,647 ft) which is the highest of the Vanoise.
Day 3

Magnificent balcony view walk to Arpont Hut

Distance : 14 km (9 mi) - Ascent : 400 m (1312 ft). Descent : 600 m (1968 ft). 5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
You walk along a gurgling mountain stream between the peaks of the Mathews and the Réchasse to the ancient Croë-Vie bridge to the lakes of Lozières. You walk on a 'balcony path', where you do not have to ascend or descend too much and you can enjoy the landscape and the view on the imposing Vanoise glaciers. Over a huge field of stone left behind by former glaciers, you reach the recently renovated refuge l'Arpont. (2309 m).
Day 4

Hike around the impressive mountain of Dent Parrachée

Distance : 17 km (10.5 mi) - Ascent : 900 m (2953 ft). Descent : 650 m (2132 ft). 6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
After leaving the refuge, your walk will be mostly flat without much elevation, along with the dams and blue reservoirs of the Aussois, beautifully located high above the Maurienne. You can walk around the Dent Parrachée on a balcony path. The peaks and mountain passes from the Italian border form a magnificent panorama. At the end of the day, you will reach the valley of the Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval lakes and stay overnight in the refuge Dent Parrachée. From the terrace you can enjoy the view on the two lakes.
Day 5

Hike the pastures full of wild flowers to reach Orgère

Distance : 12 km (7.5 mi) - Ascent : 350 m (1148 ft). Descent : 950 m (3117 ft). 5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
To reach the small wild valley where the next hut is located, at the Porte de l'Orgère, go across the Col du Barbier. Today again on a lovely balcony path, you will get beautiful views, high above the Maurienne. A great day to enjoy the flowers and all that the Vanoise National Park has to offer. You might spot an ibex, or a group of grazing chamois. And you can definitely hear the marmots whistling. Enjoy a hot shower, a good meal and a healthy night's sleep in the Porte de l'Orgère mountain hut.
Day 6

Enjoy the splendid glimpse of Mt. Blanc

Distance : 9 km (5.5 mi) - Ascent : 900 m (2953 ft). Descent : 350 m (1148 ft). 5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
The day starts with the climb to the Col de Chavière, which is the highest point of this hut tour at 2796 m. Take a break and enjoy the views of Mont Blanc and the Ecrins massif and the glacier peaks, among other things. During the descent, you walk past numerous cairns that will show the way. You will spend the night in the Péclet-Polset mountain hut, where you can enjoy traditional dishes and a beautiful view on the valley.
Day 7

Leisurely descent back to Pralognan la Vanoise

Distance : 13.5 km (8.5 mi) - Ascent : 50 m (164 ft). Descent : 1050 m (3445 ft)
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
A gentle descent with a view on the majestic Grande Casse to Les Prioux, which is the starting point for many walks in the area. From here you continue downhill to the hotel in Pralognan. You will get a lovely panorama from here as well!
Day 8

Last day in the Vanoise national park

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Enjoy your breakfast before heading back home.
The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.

If you choose the luggage transfer option, the itinerary will start from Termignon as following:
NB: luggage will be available each night except on D6.

D1: Welcome in Termignon!
Accommodation: Hotel. Meals not included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Reach Termignon by afternoon and settle in your hotel. Take time to visit the village and get ready for the adventure starting the next day!

D2: Termignon - Plan du Lac refuge - pointe de Lanserlia
Ascent: 630 m. Descent: 630 m. 4 hrs 30 mins walk.
Accommodation: refuge. Meals included: dinner. Meals not included: breakfast, lunch.

Take the local bus to the Plan du Lac refuge (2364 m), in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. From the refuge, climb to the Col de Lanserlia (2774 m). Magnificent views of the Dent Parrachée (3697 m) and the glacial domes of the Vanoise. Last effort to reach the pointe de Lanserlia (2909 m). Descend by the same route or via the wild combe du Grand Vallon. Return to the Plan du Lac refuge for the night.

D3: Plan du Lac refuge - Col de la Vanoise - Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Ascent: 600 m. Descent: 1400 m. 5 hrs 30 mins walk.
Accommodation: hotel. Meals included: breakfast. Meals not included: lunch, dinner.

Follow the famous GR 5 up the Leisse valley. At the Croé-Vie bridge (2099 m), the path splits in the direction of the Col de la Vanoise (2517 m). The path along the lakes is full of magnificent landscape scenery and flourishing flora. You pass close to the Col de la Vanoise refuge (2516 m), then begin the descent to Pralognan-la-Vanoise.

D4: Pralognan-la-Vanoise - Petit Mont Blanc - Repoju refuge
Ascent: 1240 m. Descent: 940 m. 5 hrs 30 mins walk.
Accommodation: refuge. Meals included: breakfast, dinner. Meals not included: lunch

A day dedicated to climbing the Petit Mont Blanc (2680 m), an exceptional viewpoint over the glacial domes of the Vanoise and the Grande Casse. It gets its name from the white gypsum on its domed summit. Dinner and overnight at the Repoju refuge (1720 m).

D5: Refuge du Repoju - Col de Chavière - Refuge de l'Orgère
Ascent: 1100 m. Descent: 900 m. 5 hrs 30 mins walk.
Accommodation: refuge. Meals included: morning, evening. Meals not included: lunch

Walk up the Chavière valley to the Péclet-Polset hut (2474 m). You then reach the Col de Chavière (2796 m), a small notch in the ridge between the Péclet-Polset area and the Pointe de l'Echelle, glacial peaks. Descend to the Orgère refuge (1935 m).

D6: Orgère refuge - Barbier pass - Dent Parrachée refuge
Ascent: 1300 m. Descent: 700 m. 4 to 5 hrs 30 mins walk.
Accommodation: refuge. Meals included: morning, evening. Meals not included: lunch

Beautiful balcony crossing above the Maurienne via the Col du Barbier (2285 m), below the Râteau d'Aussois (3124 m). Magnificent views of the Italian border peaks. Final ascent to the Dent Parrachée refuge (2517 m). Dinner and night in the refuge.

D7: Refuge de la dent Parrachée - Montafia - Termignon
Ascent: 410 m. Descent: 1630 m. 5 hrs 30 mins walk.
Meals included: breakfast. Meals not included: lunch, dinner.

This is the last stage of the tour of the Vanoise glaciers. A panoramic hike from the Dent Parrachée refuge to the Plan Sec refuge (2316 m), then on to the Turra ruins (2360 m) and the Loza cross (2377 m). Finally, you reach Montafia (2180 m), the starting point for the final descent to Termignon (1287 m).

D8: Termignon
Meals included: breakfast. Meals not included: lunch, dinner.

Enjoy your breakfast before heading back home.

Pricing

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:
— Accommodation as described from D1 to D7.
— Breakfasts from D2 to D8.
— Dinners from D2 to D6.
— Luggage transport, if you have chosen this option.
— Roadbook (and map) for a group up to four people.
— Emergency support 24/7

The price does not include:
— Transport to and from the meeting point.
— Lunches from D 1 to D 8.
— Luggage transport, if you have not chosen this option.
— Dinner on D1 and D7 in Pralognan and Termignon.
— Cancellation/interruption of stay/loss of luggage and assistance insurance.
— For bookings made less than 15 days before departure, priority handling fees.
— Everything that is not indicated in the "Price includes" section.

Other expenses:
— Transfers not included in the programme.
— Shower tokens in refuges (guide price €2 per shower).
— Entrance fees to monuments and museums.
— Drinks.
— Tips

Currencies

France is part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.
Exchange rate

 

Access

Access

Airport:
The closest airports for the Vanoise valley are Lyon and Geneva.

Please note that depending on the chosen option, the tour starts from Termignon or Pralognan la Vanoise:

— With luggage transfer, starting point in Termignon :

By train:
After landing, take the train to reach the Modane TGV station, then bus connection to Termignon (Maison de la Vanoise stop). Schedules to be checked on the SNCF website. It is also possible to arrange a private taxi transfer from the train station upon request.

— Without luggage transfer, starting point in Pralognan-la-Vanoise:

By train:
After landing, take the train to reach the Moûtiers TGV station, connection to Pralognan-la-Vanoise. Timetables to be checked on the SNCF website. It is also possible to arrange a private taxi transfer from the train station upon request.


During your trip

Lodging

Without luggage transfer:

Hotel de la Vanoise in Pralognan: The Hotel is decorated with Savoyard charm and offer all services for a pleasant stay.The hotel has been extended, restored, recently renovated and classified as 3 stars, ideally centred in the village, everythings is accessbile on foot. You will stay in a private room with bathroom.

Refuge du col de la Vanoise: The hut offer a view unique of Grande Casse and his glacier, Arête de la Réchasse, Grande and Petite Glière...
You will share dorms with other travellers. The hut provide blanket and crocs. Shower are available, no WIFI.

Refuge de l'Arpont: From the roof top, enjoy the view of the valley while sharing the stories of the day around a refreshing drinks. Blankets are provided and the shower have to be paid on spot.

Refuge de la Dent Parachée: This refuge, renovated in wood by the hands of its hutkeeper-carpenter, offers a warm and inviting space from which you can't leave without a story to tell. It overlooks the Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval reservoirs. Blankets and shower available.

Refuge de l'Orgère: The warden is running the hut since 10 years, she will welcome you with a simple and authentic cooking. You wil stay in dorms, blankets are provided and shower are to be paid on spot.

Refuge de Peclet Polset In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, the Peclet Polset refuge is set in a restful location near Lac Blanc. It is dominated by the imposing mass of the Peclet and Polset peaks and the Vanoise glaciers. The refuge is new, bright and comfortable.
Blankets are provided, shower to be paid, no WIFI.

With luggage transfer:

Hotel de la Turra in Termignon: Aude, Jacques and Victor Heiries welcome you with pleasure to their family hotel located in Val-Cenis in the Maurienne valley. The hotel have a gastronimic restaurant and offer a sauna and lounge to rest after the effort. You will stay in a private room with bathroom.

Refuge du Plan du Lac: The hut is located at the gate of the parks. Easily accessible from the road, it the perfect entrance to disvoer the national park. The dorms are for 4 to 8 personns. Blankets and shower are available. Only take cash.

Hotel de la Vanoise in Pralognan: The Hotel is decorated with Savoyard charm and offer all services for a pleasant stay.The hotel has been extended, restored, recently renovated and classified as 3 stars, ideally centred in the village, everythings is accessbile on foot. You will stay in a private room with bathroom.

Refuge Repoju: This former alpine chalet in Pralognan la Vanoise has been renovated and converted into a refuge, while preserving its traditional architecture: stone and lime walls, wooden framework, slate roof. You will stay in dorms shared with 6 to 8 personns. Blankets and shower available.

Refuge de l'Orgère: The warden is running the ht since 10 years, she will welcome you with a simple and authentic cooking. You wil stay in dorms, blankets are provided and shower are to be paid on spot.

Refuge de la Dent Parachée: This refuge, renovated in wood by the hands of its hutkeeper-carpenter, offers a warm and inviting space from which you can't leave without a story to tell. It overlooks the Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval reservoirs. Blankets and shower available.

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.

— Dinners (hot meals, very filling) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations. Dinners in Pralognan-La-Vanoise or Termignon are not included.

— Lunches: there is only grocery stores and small shops in Pralognan and Termignon where you will be also able to purchase food supplies. Your accommodations (huts or guest houses) can cater to your needs as well.

Luggage transfer

Depending on the package you choose:

- With luggage transfers included, you will only carry what you need for the day's hike. Your bags are transported to your accommodations by vehicle, and you will have access to them every night. (except day 6)

- Without luggage transfers, plan to carry everything you need for the entire week on your back (pay attention to weight!).

Trails

Well-marked itinerary, previously recognized by our guides. You are in charge of your route and must know how to read a map and use a compass. You also have precise directions in the "Mon Roadbook" app and in the paper roadbook that will be given to you before departure (maps, descriptive plan, specific information...). The "Mon Roadbook" app allows you to centralize all the necessary information for your trip:
  • The identification of service providers operating during your stay
  • GPS guidance on a map background
  • Photos of crossings
  • The various points of interest on the hike: natural or heritage.

This application, included for this trip, must be downloaded before your departure and works offline (without network).
To learn more, feel free to read our article: Mon Roadbook, your digital travel guide.

For each stage, make sure you check the latest information on trail conditions; the manager at your accommodations should also be able to provide you with up-to-date information if you ask.

Itineraries

Our elevation gains are calculated based on altitude differences provided on maps, not by GPS, which, for technical reasons (GPS altitude inaccuracies + statistical dispersion), often give overestimated elevation gains, sometimes by up to 20%.

What you need to know

Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.

Here are some simple tips:

— pick up any litter along the trail.
— burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
— drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
— stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
— ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.

Insurance :
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
— To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
— Respect privacy when taking photographs.
— Your attempts at speaking some French will open hearts and break the ice!
— Protect the natural environment, see above.

This trail has been awarded the Esprit parc national label
The purpose of this accreditation is to highlight the products and services of those involved in preserving and promoting France's national parks. Committed to respecting the environment and protecting the region, and conveying a message of solidarity by promoting the local economy, it is a mark of trust for visitors. This label unites the stakeholders in the national parks, raises visitor awareness and promotes the values of the region and its stakeholders.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 3

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking least once per week (around 15km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (250m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity for 1 to 1.5hrs.

Gear list

What we supply for your trek:

We provide 1 set for every 4 participants, which includes detailed hiking maps of the region, and a roadbook describing your itinerary and trip (a lot of tips and some alternative routes are included).
You will have access to our 24/24 7/7 support hotline to assist you during your trip.
Each participant will have access on his phone to our "Roadbook" app which includes an itinerary descriptions as well GPS guidance.
 
What you need to bring:

If you don't have the luggage transfer option, pack light, remember that you will have to carry all your stuff during the whole trip. We recommend that your backpack doesn't exceed 10 to 15% of your weight. Take only the essentials.

Essentials:

  • Hiking backpack. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight. The size 30 L to 45 L, will depend on whether you have booked a luggage transfer or not.
  • Comfortable and worn in trekking boots.
  • Warm hat.
  • Cap.
  • Sun glasses.
  • Good quality Merino Wool walking socks.
  • Base layer tops - Merino Wool is the best choice.
  • Warm mid-layer tops.
  • A water and windproof layer (jacket and pants) eg. Gore-Tex.
  • 1x Walking trousers.
  • Light gloves.
  • Shorts.
  • Buff or Snood.
  • A natural or synthetic down jacket.
  • Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. One set is enough as you will not wear them for a long time.
  • Nightwear and underwear.
  • Sleeping bag liner - either silk, cotton or fleece (only if you're staying in dormitories in mountain Huts).
  • Sandals or flip flops. 

Essential Accessories:

  • Personal toiletries: shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel (if you're staying in mountains Huts), etc.
  • Toilet roll/tissues.
  • Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage.
  • Sun block and lip balm.
  • Electrical socket adapter.
  • Energy bars/snacks.
  • Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take.
  • Phone, Camera, batteries and charger.
  • Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags' are great for keeping your clothes dry and storing your dirty laundry separate from clean clothes!
  • Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too).
  • Walking poles are highly recommended on Alps paths.
  • Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs).
  • Pocket knives or cutlery can be useful for picnics.
  • WATER - please be able to carry 2 liters of water.
  • Your sense of humor and adventure!

If you've booked the luggage transfer:

  • Duffle bag (soft) and not exceeding 15 kg to carry your extra stuff.

Useful extras:

  • Binoculars.
  • Book to read or Kindle.
  • Notebook and pen.
  • Ear plugs.

Note: All of these items can be purchased there. Please ask us if you'd like some advice about where to go to get any gear.

What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:

  • 2 liters of water.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm.
  • Warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves.
  • Water proof layer.
  • Lunch
  • Head torch.
  • Hand sanitizer/soap and toilet paper.
  • Your camera.
  • Any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail.
Important - take any personal medications you require during the day - you will not see your kit bag until evening.

The rest you can put into your main bag which will be carried to the next accommodation, only if you've subscribed to this option.

What about gear I want to leave before the trek?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes' or anything you don't want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel). If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose. We can also help you organise the storage of a larger suitcase, Please ask us for advice.

First aid kit:
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.