7 hikes to do on the lakeside in Val d'Isère

A grand hike that is an integral part of the 6-day Traversée Maurienne – Vanoise circuit, from Bonneval-sur-Arc to Modane.

This hike offers very varied landscapes and terrain. The difficulty is mainly due to the number of km because the differences in altitude are not too important and the trails are good.

Beautiful hike committed from the hamlet of Fornet, the balcony trail can also be taken from the center of the village. The ascent is intense with 925 m of positive difference in altitude for 4km of ascent to the pass from which we discover the Tsanteleina on one side and its lake, the glacier of the Isere sources on the other with the summits of Val d’Isere. On this ridge live the ibex that you can see by arriving early and discreetly. On the way back down you can enjoy the view of the Bailletta lake and its green tones.

Little plus: thanks to the educational trail, you can discover the names of the flowers and plants at the beginning of this trail located in the Bailletta nature reserve

Variant: for the return trip you can switch to the Sassière lake if you think of leaving a car at the parking lot of the Saut dam. The descent to Val d’Isere by the Picheru is not recommended.

At the source of the Isère, here is a nice hike in the Vanoise, with all that it implies: richness of the Fauna and the Flora, proximity of the summits and here of the glacier of the sources of the Isère. Keep your eyes open on your way, it is not uncommon to see ibex, chamois or marmots. The hike is quite sporty but for those who wish it, it is possible to stop at the Prariond refuge, 6km (330m of difference in height round trip).

Short ascent presenting a magnificent panorama. Ideal when you have a short time slot or uncertain weather since you can do one, two or three summits…

A pleasant hike allowing you to meet chamois and marmots and to enjoy a breathtaking view of the main summits of the Vanoise at the top. On one side: Grande Motte, Grande Casse, Dôme de Chasseforêt, Dent Parachée, Méan Martin. On the other : Charbonnel, Albaron, Grande Chiamarella. In the background, the majestic Mont Blanc.

The departure is from the Parking du Pont de la Neige, almost at the top of the Col de l’Iseran on the Val d’Isere side (2530 m). The highest point of the walk at 3,074m offers a breathtaking landscape.

Note: Provide good windbreakers, we are between 2500 and 3000m!!

A family hike, with no particular difficulty, bypassing the peaceful Lake Sassière, perfect for picnicking or bivouacking (an area is set up on the lake shore). A real little paradise on earth!

Sustained by a dam, the Lac de la Sassière is located at 2,264m above sea level, in the heart of the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve, in the Tarentaise region. Accessible by a wide hiking trail where you walk in a nice valley, along a stream. This hike is handicapped accessible (two reserved parking spaces on the upper platform, as well as two footbridges with access ramps (width 1 m) over the Louie Sabota and Sassière streams).

For experienced hikers, it is also possible to start from La Daille and go up through Picheru (image 4).

Are you looking for a quiet walk, ideal for a picnic? Head for the Ouillette lake at the top of Solaise, reachable in just a few minutes via the gondola. Let’s go for a walk along the water, with a magnificent panorama on the surrounding summits. Around the lake, children enjoy the playground dedicated to them.

Didn’t have anything planned for lunch? Settle down on the sunny terrace of the Ouillette restaurant and let yourself be tempted by its grilled meats. The lake of Ouillette, it is also the meeting point of the passionate persons of fishing.

A delightful hike along the Isère River to the Lac du Chevril dam. Passage through the gorges of La Daille (very well equipped and flat path but not recommended for people prone to vertigo), then into the undergrowth, and easy descent into the mountain pastures. Picnic area and orientation table facing Mont Blanc.

Start from the hamlet of La Daille, at the entrance to Val d’Isère: several parking lots available, in July and August take the free village shuttle and stop at La Daille.