From the picturesque village of Pralognan, this tour offers an insight into the natural wonders of the Vanoise massif. From the iconic 'Lac des Vaches' to the spectacular 'Dent Parrachée'; from the Beaufort cheese-making process to the rare Bearded Vulture, the Vanoise hides countless treasures that you will discover as you walk. 7 days at an altitude of 2,000 metres, enjoying all that France's 1st National Park has to offer.
You will like
The wild, unspoilt landscape of France's first national park
An exclusive tour of the 'Dômes de la Vanoise' glaciers
A wildlife paradise that's easy to spot
Visit the traditional village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Meet on Sunday at 1:30pm at Pralognan-la-Vanoise tourist point. Plan to have lunch before.
PRALOGNAN-LA-VANOISE - LES BARMETTES
Starting from the centre of Pralognan for a relatively short first day immersing you in the mountains. Passing through the waterfall and under the 'Grand Marchet', the goal is to reach the top of the Pralogan-la-Vanoise ski area for a cosy first night in the mountains. Night in a refuge. 2.5 hour walk / Elevation: +650m -50m / 4,5 km
Day 2
COL DE LA VANOISE - ARPONT REFUGE
From the refuge, climb to the 'Col de la Vanoise' (2517m). Stunning views of the 'Aiguille de la Vanoise' and the 'Grande Casse' (3855m), the highest peak in the massif. Cross 'Lac des Vaches' and its famous ford, then 'Lac Long' and 'Lac Rond' to reach the 'Vallon de la Leisse'. Below the 'Dômes de la Vanoise', after a final gentle ascent, the cosy Arpont refuge welcomes the group for an evening cut off of the world! Night in refuge, without lugggage transfer. 7 hour walk / Elevation: +950m -650m / 19km
Day 3
THE GENEPY BALCONY TRAIL - UNDER THE DENT PARRACHEE
Today, the path leads beneath the foothills of the 'Dent Parrachée'. After a long day, this third stage offers a peaceful view over the Maurienne valley and the Arc torrent. Night in a refuge. 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +650m -800m / 15km
Day 4
THE DISCOVERY TRAIL SENTIER DU BARBIER - ORGERE REFUGE
Above the impressive dam lakes of 'Plan d'Amont' and 'Plan d'Aval', cross the Aussois valley. Today's agenda includes a balcony walk along the 'Parc de la Vanoise' nature trail to the 'Col du Barbier'. Next comes a beautiful forest downhill to the Orgère refuge. Depending on the group's fitness level and the weather conditions, an alternative route may be via the 'Col Alpin de la Masse' (2923m). Night in refuge. 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +600m -850m / 14km (through the Barbier pass) 6 hour walk / Elevation: +950m -1200m / 13km (through the Masse pass)
Day 5
COL DE CHAVIERE AND COL DU SOUFRE - LE SAUT
This is the big stage of the week! A truly memorable and mineral stage! First up to the ‘lunar’ Col de Chavière (2896m), then in a colourful atmosphere to the Col du Soufre (2817m) and along the Gébroulaz glacier. This is a unique stage that will live long in the memory. Overnight in a refuge, without luggage transfer. 8 hour walk / Elevation: +1350m -1150m / 17km
Day 6
COL DE CHANROUGE AND COL DES SAULCES - PRALOGNAN-LA-VANOISE
Starting with the ascent of the 'Col de Chanrouge' (2529m), before heading under the 'Aiguille du Rateau' and finally reaching the 'Col des Saulces' (2456m). The 'Petit Mont Blanc' dominates the view, offering a perfect panorama over the Pralognan valley. A long descent takes you back to Pralognan and its lively village centre. Night in a cosy mountain hotel. 7 hour walk / Elevation: +700m -1400m / 16km
Day 7
THE CRESTS OF MONT CHARVET (2362m) - PRALOGNAN-LA-VANOISE
A looping route from Pralognan to discover one of the valley's most famous hikes and the unusual atmosphere of a gypsum mountain. A variety of landscapes, 360° panoramas and a colourful array of colours are on the agenda for this magnificent day. 6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1050m -1050m / 14km
The programme has been prepared on the basis of the latest information available at the time of writing; imponderables are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter its course.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Elevation: +/- 900m approximately per day. Walking time: 5 to 7 hours per day.
Type of trek: mountain route on marked, often rocky paths.
You need to be in a good overall physical condition. Regularly practise an endurance sport such as walking, running, swimming or cycling, 3 to 4 hours a week. Your fitness training will make your walk easier and make it all the more enjoyable. Click here for a description of the different levels: level of difficulty
GUIDING
Group between 6 and 14 people supervised by a qualified mountain leader. It's customary to tip your guide at the end of the tour, based on your level of satisfaction. This is not compulsory, but it is very much appreciated.
ACCOMMODATION
CLASSIC: 5 nights in refuge, in dormitory and 1 nigth in hotel, in a 2 to 3-person bedroom.
All accommodation offers hot showers. However, due to increasingly recurrent periods of drought, access to showers is not guaranteed.
MEALS
Breakfasts and dinners are provided in each accommodation. Picnics are carefully and daily prepared by your mountain leader, comprising a variety of a healthy salads and local products (except day 1). We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian etc.), but we ask you to bring extra food for your picnic lunches. Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
MAPS
IGN maps 1:25000 : Tignes-Val d'Isère 3633ET, Les Trois Vallées 3534OT.
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meet Monday at 1:30pm in front of Aussois tourist office. Plan to have lunch before meeting.
BY TRAIN
Departure: from Paris-Gare de Lyon to Moûtiers in the morning
Return journey: Departure from Moûtiers to Paris-Gare de Lyon in the late afternoon Timetables must be checked on www.oui.sncf
Bus Moûtiers - Pralognan-la-Vanoise / Pralognan - Moûtiers ; timetables must be checked on vente.cars-region-savoie.fr
BY CAR Take the A6 motorway to Lyon, then the A43 direction Chambery and Albertville. Then Moûtiers by the N90 and Pralognan-la-Vanoise by the D915. Free 'Bouquetin' car park: just off the main street, parking is free and unrestricted. However, if you are leaving your car for several days, check the events programme to see when the car park is closed.
Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
1 change of clothes for the evening
A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toilet bag
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Head torch or hand torch
Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
LUGGAGE TRANSFER
You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of 10kg maximum per person. Your baggage will be transported daily, except day 1 and 5) between accommodation by our logistics vehicle where access is not always easy. Baggage which is too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs!
BACKPACK FOR THE NIGHT WITHOUT LUGGAGE TRANSFER
On nights 1 and 5, your luggage won't be delivered at your accommodation (you will get it back the day after). Here are the things to bring with you (about 2 kilos are enough!):
Small toiletries bag
Sleeping bag liner sheet
Change of clothes for the day after (bare necessities!) and comfortable for the evening
7 Days
Guided / with a guide
With baggage transportation
Classic (dormitory)
Level *** 
From 995 €
Next departure on 22/06/25
