Hiking Alpes

Exploring the majesty of the mountains along hiking trails is an incomparable joy! Equip yourself with sturdy shoes and a detailed map, and embark on an adventure along the trails. The vastness of the La Plagne ski area offers a variety of routes to suit all levels, from families to sports enthusiasts. A trail guide is available from the tourist office for a fee. Take time to contemplate nature, the panorama from the summit, and the sight of a marmot along the way.

As its name indicates, this Green Lane evolves north of Chambéry. It connects precisely the city at the superb Lac du Bourget in Aix-les-Bains. If the final destination is to be reached, the journey itself is already a good show. You are in a privileged setting, under the gentle gaze of the surrounding mountains. In order to waste nothing, the smooth coating is also of excellent quality; fans of roller and skateboard quick. Finally note that the most motivated can continue north on 11 km of track along the shores of the lake, or to the south on the 3,5 kilometres crossing the city before joining the southern portion of the Green Avenue Chambéry.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 17 km.

Difficulty: .

In summer and winter alike, Christophe Lebreton and his team will guide you through the high-altitude trails of the Hautes-Alpes, in the Écrins and Queyras parks, for half-day, full-day or longer excursions, depending on your preferences. Themed itineraries include fauna, flora, lakes and the most majestic 3,000-meter peaks in the Hautes-Alpes. Accessible to all, whether you're a hiking enthusiast or an experienced hiker!

The Vallée des Avals in Courchevel Moriond offers a pleasant family stroll, with a natural site designed for visitors looking for an ideal spot for a picnic or a stroll. The cool forest, torrent and sunny lawns make this short hike very attractive. On the way back, the chalet-buvette serves crêpes or organic specialties, and activity options include canoeing, via ferrata, fishing or forest adventure courses.

If you come from Chambéry, you can reach the Porte de Bush-Rond, starting point of this Green Avenue, through the 3,5 km cycle path that runs through the city. Are you there? Your journey will take you to Saint-Jeoire-Priory via the towns of Barberaz, La Ravoire and Challes-Les-Eaux. And there, beautiful views over the mountains and valley are your journey. Arriving at the destination, a roundabout route will take you to the lake of Saint-André through small roads, but attention: If the Green Avenue is feasible on foot or by bike, this second portion is more like a bike ride, accessible only to the two wheels.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 7 km.

Difficulty: average (a few differences are to be mentioned).

This very easy walk on the Monts de Chambéry, in the heart of the Parc Piot which dominates the city, is an opportunity to escape a little from the city and to enjoy a little greenery to relax better. The Monts site offers a wide view overlooking the city of the Dukes of Savoy and a panoramic view of the Chartreuse massif. The itinerary alternates meadows and wooded areas and follows a health trail. The reward is twofold since two belvederes overlook the cluse of Chambéry. Good plan: enjoy the magic of sunset from up there....

To reach the summit of the Grandes Platières and hike up to the Désert de Platé, simply take the DMC gondola, which lifts you up to 2,480 meters in twelve minutes. As you exit the gondola, a memorable panorama awaits you: the Fiz chain in the foreground, followed by the highest peaks of the Mont-Blanc massif. On a clear day, you can also admire the Aravis massif, the Dents Blanches, Belledonne, Vercors and Jura, but it's important to note that the cable car may close in the event of unfavorable weather conditions, so check before you come if in doubt.

In summer, the possible presence of snow requires adequate preparation. Experienced hikers will find numerous marked trails in the heart of the magnificent Désert de Platé, a limestone plateau dotted with lapiaz, fissures and potholes sculpted by glacial meltwater. This lunar landscape offers breathtaking views, but it's essential to be well equipped, as some of the rocks can be sharp.

To take the family back down to Flaine from the cable car, simply follow the signs for Tête Pelouse and skirt the slopes of Balacha. If you're lucky, a few chamois and marmots may turn up. In winter, the Cascades trail offers a tempting option: a 14-kilometer blue run to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval!

Explore the mountain in a different way by following its many hiking trails, such as the Seven Chapels circuit or the Malpasset gorges. Spend a night in a refuge to admire the sunset and sunrise, offering magnificent panoramic views from the heights. With two-thirds of its territory located in the Vanoise National Park, this region offers a multitude of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, via ferrata, ski mountaineering and mountain biking. Guides are available for outings tailored to your preferences.

A superb hike with the Rochers des Fiz in the background. Forests and rivers, as well as a few roped passages, accompany you along the way to Lac de Pormenaz. The oldest traces of pastoralism on this mountain date back to the 12th century, when shepherds and their flocks were already occupying the area for summer pasture. This tradition has been perpetuated ever since, with some 600 sheep making their way up to Pormenaz every spring to graze on the tender grass. This complete hike is suitable for experienced walkers.

The tourist office in Veynes will be pleased to inform you of the contact details of the. Ask them specifically about the extension of a fairly practical flat-rate formula, called «Retrouvance»: for several days, luggage transportation, meals and home-inn accommodation. Probably the best way to discover the whole country in summer… or even in winter with a "Retrouvance" version snowshoes. In any case, climate data here are such that walking can be almost permanent, even if one is not a fanatic of this activity.

Courchevel is not only shown on glossy paper. It is also a real resort in the heart of the mountain, an exciting natural environment that Yann Couillard, a mountain Attendant, offers us to discover. In his company, the fauna and flora can be found in a safe and safe way on hiking paths adapted to our level. As the ambassador of the Vanoise Park, he offers us a moment of pure happiness with the observation of ibex, marmots, but also with a passion for pastoralism. In winter, we take a Canadian trapper and we learn all the secrets of the snowy mantle. Another way, smart, to discover the mountain.

Pleasant hiking that leads us to three lakes located northwest of the Chamrousse Cross. You can leave from the corner station. You can also go through the Achard Lake (see above) and the Infernet and Boot passes.

The Col des Annes is a must-see for any visitor to the Aravis. Here you'll discover a new kind of landscape, like a piece of Scotland in the Alps, and architecture very different from the rest of the massif. The journey begins long before the walk we propose. As you climb the small road that winds from the Bouchet valley to the pass, only accessible by car in summer, you marvel at the beautiful farmhouses and the almost awe-inspiring mountains. A few ski lifts allow you to imagine what life is like in winter, when everything is covered in snow and skiers happily hurtle down the slopes. We recommend a very simple, almost flat hike starting from the pass, perfect for families. It gives you a 360° view of the Aravis chain and the village of Le Grand-Bornand, just on the other side of the mountain. Park your car and, just left of the road, follow signs for "K'ro de la Mi Our", then "Clef des Annes" and "Col du Vacheret". When you reach the Col du Vacheret, you'll discover another view. Turn left and follow the path along the ridge until you reach Terre Rouge, at the top of the chairlifts, where there are several picnic tables for lunch or a rest. The walk is an out-and-back; once you've reached the Col des Annes again, take advantage of one of the restaurants on site to feast on excellent potato fritters or buy farmhouse cheeses. And you're recharged with happiness!

A lovely walk accessible to all, a must-see in the valley! Lac Bénit and its turquoise waters nestling at the foot of the imposing Bargy cliffs. Access is well signposted: once you've parked at Le Bété, in the Malacquis parking lot, follow the signs to Lac Bénit. The ascent takes about 1h15, the descent 45 minutes. On the way up, take a good look at the cliffs: can you see the mountain's eyes? Once at the top, enjoy the surroundings and the refreshment bar, open in season. Please note that you cannot swim in the lake.

One of the park's emblematic hikes, called the "Chemin des Crêtes", starts in Aillon-le-Jeune. It's a 14 km loop, offering around 4 hours' walking with a 600 m vertical drop. Following rocky slopes and grassy paths, hikers traverse this varied landscape until they reach the crests. At this point, the climb offers magnificent panoramic views. The route is relatively easy and leads all the way to the Carthusian monastery.

Our guides lead nature outings all year round, for a few hours or a few days. In winter, it's off for ski touring on the Aravis mountain range or ski raids all over Europe. Trained in off-piste risk management, they also offer snowshoe treks, icefall climbing and even heliskiing. Summer activities are just as attractive: hiking, via ferrata, canyoning... Some of our original outings introduce visitors to mountain culinary and medicinal plants, astronomy and more.

It is not common to combine contemporary art with ski resort! Flaine has been successful since its inception. This cultural centre welcomes throughout the year exhibitions of modern artists and each week offers a free visit of the station to discover a unique architecture and works of art signed by the largest: Picasso, Dubuffet, Vasarely…

At Montagnes d'Ubaye, there is something for all tastes, all ages and all budgets, in all seasons, with many activities in the respect of the environment. Let's remember that Montagnes d'Ubaye, headed by the friendly Renaud, a qualified and passionate mountain guide, is a local agency specialized in hiking, trekking and nature activities in the magnificent surroundings of the Ubaye valley, the Southern Alps and the Mercantour National Park.

This structure, created by Bernard Vissoud, a mountain attendant and a graduate in viticulture and wine-growing, offers us the opportunity to discover the Savoyard vineyard through a wide range of conviviality. In particular, we recommend an evening'on the ground'for a tasting of all the treasures, some rare, of our vineyards. An original exit from friends, leading us to discover the landscapes, history and best wines of the region to the people of the country.

You can't leave Annecy without climbing Mont Veyrier! It's one of the most popular mountains with locals and tourists alike, for its superb views of the lake, surrounding mountains and town. Once you've parked at the Col du Pré Vernet, follow the signs for Mont Veyrier/Mont Baron. You'll start with a steep 40-minute ascent before reaching the top of the cliffs and taking in the view! The descent is via the same route. To prolong the pleasure, continue on to Mont Baron. You can start the hike from Petit Port.