Hiking in the Vanoise National Park
In short
Ten hikes are worth the trip in the Vanoise National Park, from the family-friendly Plan de Tueda reserve to demanding routes such as the Petit Mont Blanc or the Refuge de Péclet, via the Bellecombe, Sat and Sassière lakes.
Key takeaways
- Bellecombe lakes: 10.25 km, 4h15, easy, view of the Vanoise glaciers.
- Lac du Sat and Lac de la Sassière: 6.9 km, 2h, easy, Grande Sassière valley.
- Lac du Génépy (from Aussois): 15 km, 7h, the area's lakes and dams.
- Plan de Tueda nature reserve: 2.1 km, about 1h, easy, family-friendly.
- Pas de la Tovière (from Tignes): 8.7 km, 2h30, moderate.
- Rosuel waterfalls: 4.8 km, 2h, moderate, quiet and little-visited site.
- Bois de Laye: 7.2 km, 2h, easy, waterfalls and stream.
- Col de la Vanoise (from Les Fontanettes): 12.2 km, 4h30, difficult, 2,517 m altitude.
- Refuge de Péclet and Lac Blanc: 16.4 km, 6h, difficult.
- Petit Mont Blanc (Pralognan-la-Vanoise): 12.24 km, 6h45, difficult.
How about a hike in the Vanoise National Park? Before heading off, book your stay at our campsite in Savoie. It is just two minutes from the Vanoise National Park. Now for our top 10 hikes in the area.
Hike to the Bellecombe lakes
This easy circuit covers 10.25 km (4h15). The hike takes you past several must-see sites in the park, such as the Vanoise glaciers.
Hike near Lac du Sat and Lac de la Sassière
Another route accessible to all hikers. You will cover 6.9 km in 2 hours. Along the way, you will discover the Grande Sassière valley. It is one of the must-do circuits of the Vanoise massif.
Hike to Lac du Génépy in the Vanoise National Park
This walk covers 15 km and takes 7 hours. The circuit starts in Aussois and heads towards the area's lakes and dams.
The Plan de Tueda nature reserve
This 2.1 km hike (about one hour) is easy and pleasant to share with the whole family. The nature reserve stretches from Lac de Tueda to the Gébroulaz glacier.
Pas de la Tovière hike
The Pas de la Tovière hike is a bit tricky for beginners. This moderate route will suit you perfectly if you are in good physical shape. It covers 8.7 km and takes about 2h30.
The starting point is the Tignes resort. The circuit passes through the hamlet of Tignes-Le-Lac. On a clear day, the view stretches as far as Mont Blanc.
Hike to the Rosuel waterfalls
Of moderate difficulty, this route is also accessible to people in reasonable shape. It covers 4.8 km and takes about 2 hours.
The Rosuel waterfalls are certainly less well known than other natural sites in the park and the region, but they are no less appealing. It is a calm place with a soothing silence, easy to explore.
Hike in the Bois de Laye
Here again, you can enjoy this circuit without much difficulty. The Bois de Laye route covers 7.2 km (2 hours). It is an excellent opportunity to discover the Vanoise massif and its surroundings, such as the Bois de Laye trail with its waterfalls and stream.
The Col de la Vanoise
With this route, things step up a gear (difficult). It covers 12.2 km and takes 4h30. The Col de la Vanoise lies at an altitude of 2,517 metres. It offers picture-postcard scenery. The starting point is the village of Les Fontanettes.
The Refuge de Péclet and Lac Blanc
Allow 6 hours to cover the 16.4 km of this difficult route. It immerses you in the high-mountain atmosphere of the Vanoise massif.
The Petit Mont Blanc
Here too, you will need excellent fitness to cover the 12.24 km of the Petit Mont Blanc (6h45). The hike takes you to the municipality of Pralognan-la-Vanoise and its magnificent natural landscapes. Fancy a less demanding but equally invigorating activity? Discover our Nordic walking spots in Savoie.
Sébastien’s tipWith ten routes of very different levels, start with an easy circuit such as Plan de Tueda if you rarely hike in the mountains, before tackling a difficult route like the Petit Mont Blanc or the Col de la Vanoise. Always set off early in the morning on hikes of more than six hours: mountain weather often turns in the early afternoon.