01.08
2017
Discovery
Whether you’re surrounded by legendary summits, or at the edge of a mountain lake, the Northern Alps invite you to walk through the most beautiful of natural settings. Succumb to the mountains’ charm and their geographical curiosities... with these 9 spellbinding viewpoints!
This hike is perfect for those who are happy to make a little physical effort in return for stunning views from the top. The path is well marked, although a little narrow in places (there’s a handrail in these areas for the less sure-footed) and quite steep, but not difficult. At sunset the scenery is even more beautiful… with clear views over Courchevel, Méribel and Les Menuires.
Access: Park in the Lac de la Rosière car park (Courchevel Moriond)
Time needed to get to the top: 2½hrs - 2¾ hrs / 750 metre vertical climb
Set at the heart of the Vanoise National Park and the Lac de Tueda Nature Reserve, you’ll find the Aiguille du Fruit and the crystal clear waters of the Lac des Fées. Just 2 hours on foot from Méribel Mottaret, heading towards the Refuge du Saut mountain hut, this is an easy walk with stunning views!
This easily accessible hike starts out from Valloire, along a family-friendly route that takes in 3 stunningly beautiful lakes: Grand Ban, Lac Ron and Lac de la Clarée. The Aiguilles d’Arves and Grand Galibier offer an amazing backdrop to this glorious walk.
Access: From Plan-Lachat, walk towards the hamlet of Les Mottets. Allow a whole day to really make the most of it, and picnic by one of the 3 lakes.
Culminating at an altitude of 1,970 metres, this is one of the most beautiful summits in the region, thanks to the panorama it boasts from the top. The 360° views stretch as far as the Swiss Alps in the distance, with Mont Blanc often clearly visible. During your walk, you’ll see the Abondance Valley and the Chablais mountaintops on the French side. At the top of Le Morclan you’ll find an orientation table that names all of the surrounding French and Swiss mountains.
There are two ways to get there from the resort centre:
Footpaths: Approx 4hrs 10min walk following signs for «Tour des Portes du Soleil».
Ski lifts: take the Super-Châtel gondola lift, then the Morclan chairlift; journey time: 30 mins
Breath-taking landscapes await you up on high, with a dizzingly high cliff face on one side, (boasting views over the village of Arêches) and a panorama over Roselend lake-dam, with the famous Roc du Vent, (where you’ll find the stunning Roc du Vent via ferrata) on the other.
Easily accessible. Head to the Col du Pré car park (travelling by car), cross the road then follow the footpath signposted to "Roche Parstire". Duration: 1 hour from the Col du Pré.
The walk to Lac Vert is fun and much appreciated by families. Start out from la Chenalette car park in Valmeinier (1500) and follow the easily accessible marked footpath. It will take approximately 2 hours to walk there, but when you arrive you’ll be treated to turquoise waters and stunning views.
Dating back to 1892, this fort boasts incredible views over Mont Blanc and a 360° panorama. Access via the Roches Noires chairlift, followed by a 25 minute walk.
Access: from Les Fontanettes car park, follow signs for the Refuge des Barmettes, then Col de la Vanoise. Day hike, 900 metre vertical climb.
Facing Mont Blanc, this limestone plateau is one of the largest Lapiaz formations in Europe.
This geographical feature will fill you with wonder thanks to its desert-like, even lunar landscape. Some say it’s like «walking on a stone glacier», or «like being on the moon»….
Access: via the GR 96, hiking at a sustained pace, covering a vertical climb of 900 metres, or via the Grandes Platières cable car from Flaine.
