Simply Savoie, Walking Holidays in Savoie, France

Tour of the Vanoise

A 6 day "hut to hut" trek exploring one of the most attractive mountain regions in France.
The Vanoise National Park was created in 1963; the first national park in France.
Largest nature reserve in western Europe home to a growing population of ibex (bouquetin).
Alpine pastures and meadows full of a kaleidascope of wild flowers.

The trek crosses beautiful unspoilt mountain pastures which in late June and July are carpeted with a spectacular display of mountain flowers. These same meadows are the summer alpine pastures used for centuries to feed the cows and herds of goats which provide the milk for the cheeses for which the Savoie region is renowned. The tinkling of the bells on the necks of the cows and goats is a sound synonymous with the alps.

Our route follows good paths through the valleys; alongside tumbling mountain streams and crossing mountain passes. Above us are glaciers and permanent snowfields including the Glacier de la Vanoise.

Our first and last nights will be in simple but comfortable hotels with a chance to taste the regional Savoyard specialities. Once on trek we will be staying in the mountain huts (or refuges). The food in the refuges usually consists of a soup, a high energy main course and some of the local cheeses. The huts have a tremendous ambiance and comraderie with walkers exchanging their experiences of the day.

The park is famous for the ibex (bouquetin) which have successfully re-established themselves. There is almost certainly the chance to get close to these magnificent animals. The warning calls of the marmottes will be a familiar sound by the end of the trip as we approach. In the space between the high mountains and the forests and valleys below lie the "alpages"; the traditional summer pastures. Herds of cattle and goats graze peacefully with bells tinkling.

This guided walking tour starts and ends at the village of Pralognan en Vanoise.

Itinerary

D1 - Arrival and settle into your hotel.

D2 - Pralognan-la-Vanoise - Arcelin - Col de la Vanoise.

D3 - Col de la Vanoise - Croe - Vie - Les Lozieres - L'Arpont hut / refuge.

D4 - Arpont Hut - Lacs de plan d'Amont and plan d'Aval - Refuge de la Dent Parrachee.

D5 - Plan d'Aval - col du Barbier - l'Orgere Hut.

D6 -Orgere - Lake de la Partie - col de Chaviere - Peclet-Polset - pont de la Peche.

D7 - Pont de la Peche - Pralognan la Vanoise.

D8 - Depart after breakfast.