Hotel Edelweiss, Pralognan
Small friendly hotel in a typical alpine chalet close to the centre of the pretty mountain resort of Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Highlights
Trekking through the amazing mountains of the Vanoise National Park in the French Alps (created in 1963)
The Vanoise National Park has a rich fauna and flora including the largest population of Alpine Ibex (bouquetin) in France
relatively quiet and unspoilt region of the French Alps
Stunning limestone peaks, sculpted by ice creating a landscape of amazing natural beauty.
A real alpine trekking experience taking in a number of high cols and 5 nights in high mountain huts (refuges).
Let 's discover the full itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival
Travel to Pralognan en Vanoise. Night in hotel.
Day 2: Pralognan - Col de la Vanoise
This is a great first day's walk which starts by passing the impressive waterfall "Cascade de la Fraiche". Your route then climbs an ancient route used to carry salt, trekking around the base of the stunning rock spire Aiguille de la Vanoise sculpted and polished by ice. At the Col de la Vanoise (2517m), you’ll come face to face with the Grande Casse, a true giant of the French Alps, with its gleaming tongue of ice lapping at the crystal lake at its base. Here you'll find your first night's refuge. (9km, +1100m, 4.5hrs)
Day 3: Col de la Vanoise - Refuge de l'Arpont (2677m)
Your day's walk leaves the Col de la Vanoise and after passing a couple of lakes descends the narrow Valley de la Vanoise. The trek then contours scree slopes below the Pointe de la Rechasse before following the western valley sides of the Doron de Termignon with glaciers above. The landscapes are dramatic and beautiful. You can follow a trail from the hut to the Lac d'Arpont for close-up views of the glacier coming down from the plateau. (14km, +300m, -450m, 5.5hrs)
Day 4: Refuge de l'Arpont - Refuge de la Dent Parrachée
Your day's trek follows alpine meadows covered in wildflowers and rocky slopes below the impressive peak - La Dent Parachée. Keep your eyes open for ibex and marmots. You'll cross numerous streams and small valleys as the path ascends and descends in turn before the trail heads north above the reservoirs Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval. (20km, +770m, -585m, 6hrs)
See below for description of 6 night / 5 day version of this walking holiday in the Vanoise National Park
Day 5: Refuge de la Dent Parrachée - Refuge de l'Orgère
Your day's trek is a relatively easy day and takes a balcony route traversing the mountainsides. Your trek starts by traversing above the reservoirs Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval before reaching the Col du Barbier. A small descent takes you through pasture and brings you into forested slopes before reaching your characterful mountain refuge, located below the Aiguille Doran. (12km, +350m, -860m, 5hrs)
Day 6: Refuge de l'Orgère - Refuge de Peclet Polset
At almost 2800m the Col Chavière is the highest mountain pass on the tour of the Vanoise and early in the season has snow on its slopes. After climbing through the forest, the route ascends to the right of the Tete Noire. Once reached, the col offers great views across the Vanoise peaks as well as the other great alpine ranges. Your route descends to the refuge through screes and small pools. At the Peclet Polset refuge you can enjoy a short excursion to the beautiful Lac Blanc located in a wonderful setting below the Col du Souffre. The mountain hut is in a lovely spot surrounded by beautiful alpine peaks rising on all sides. (9km, +900m, -300m, 5hrs)
Day 7: Refuge de Peclet Polset - Pralognan la Vanoise
Your final day's walking on our tour of the Vanoise descends a lovely valley below the imposing mountain walls of the Pointe de l'Echelle, Point de l'Observatoire and later the Roc de la Valette. You'll pass through alpine meadows as you descend gradually towards civilization and your return to Pralognan la Vanoise. (12km, -1060m, 5hrs)
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast
6 nights / 5 days walking
Day 5: Refuge de la Dent Parrachée - Refuge Roc de la Peche
Today’s trek climbs steeply to Col d’Aussois from where a short walk takes you to Pointe de l’Observatoire at over 3000m in altitude for great views. A long descent brings you down to the beautiful Chavière Valley and the Refuge Roc de la Peche. Roc de la Peche is a great refuge, more like a hotel, in a beautiful setting. (+690m, -1120m, 5hrs 30)
Day 6: Refuge Roc de la Peche - Pralognan la Vanoise
The day starts by climbing away from the Chaviere Valley. After a pleasant traverse into the Cirque des Nants you’ll then climb to the Refuge de la Valette situated by the impressive cliffs of the same name where you can get refreshment. Great views. Afterwards, you have a succession of climbs and descents often looking directly down on Pralognan. There are a number of waterfalls coming down from the plateau along this section. After a final climb to the dramatic Col du Grand Marchet you have a steep descent back down Pralognan. (+990m, -1260m, 6hrs 30)
Day 7: Departure
Departure after breakfast
At a glance
15 June - 15 September
From €810 per person
Self-Guided
7 nights / 6 days walking
Linear Trail
6 hours walking per day
Ascent: 50-1000m per day
Mountain huts on trek and 3 star hotel on night 1 & 7
Full Board on trek
Other self-guided walking holidays in the French Alps
Vanoise Mountains
This self guided walking holiday in the beautiful Vanoise National Park of the French Alps is a trekking tour which circles the Glaciers de la Vanoise - hence its other name - "Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise". This walking tour starts and finishes at Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
The Tour of the Vanoise is a circular trek that allows you to be at close quarters with elegant high mountain peaks and stunning alpine glaciers. Less frequented than the Mont Blanc range, this stunning alpine region in the Savoie (Savoy) known as the Vanoise offers a quieter but no less spectacular alternative. Designated a National Park in France, the Vanoise offers an ideal natural, unspoiled wilderness for walking and trekking holidays where souring alpine peaks with pristine glaciers rise majestically above wild, remote valleys.
The Vanoise National Park is home to a great many alpine peaks over 3400m including a few that rise above the Vanoise glacier, the largest glacial plateau in western Europe. Your week's trekking takes you past some outstanding mountain scenery, including the sheer Aguille de Vanoise, the Grande Casse, and La Dent Parrachée. The highest point of this part of the Alps is the resplendent Grande Casse which sits at the head of the valley from Pralognan, a traditional alpine village, unspoiled by modern development. It’s an amazing location surrounded by immense rock walls which glow pink in the evening sun.
Don’t forget your binoculars, as there are a host of protected species including the famous alpine bouquetin (ibex), chamois, bearded vulture and the golden eagle. Among the nationally protected plants in the Vanoise National Park are about ten species of androsace, the Alpine aquilegia, different sedges, Alpine Bells, Queen of the Alps, various mountain primroses and the last French stronghold of the twinflower.
Holiday Profile
7 nights/8 days: 6 days trekking between mountain huts carrying your own gear
Dates
Every day of week subject to availability from 15 June to 15 September
Walking Profile & Grade
Your day's walking on this independent trekking holiday averages between 500m to 1000m of ascent and about 6 hours of walking. The difficulty of this holiday is increased due to carrying your own gear, which is why it is graded challenging+. The distances on some of the days are quite short meaning that, if conditions are good, then you will have time once you reach the hut to undertake some additional walks up to lakes, glaciers etc without your rucksack. We will supply you with a kit list to ensure that you carry the bare minimum. The holiday is ideal for those with some mountain walking experience and would suit both those looking for a first alpine holiday, as well as those more experienced. You should be reasonably fit before you start the trek.
The paths are generally good although they are mountainous in nature and sometimes exposed. They cross rocky ground and streams where you will need to be sure-footed. Early in the season, you may encounter snowfields when crossing some of the higher cols.
This walking holiday is graded challenging. See more information about walking grades.
Accommodation & Meals
Two nights in comfortable three star hotel in private rooms before and after the trek in Pralognan-la-Vanoise and 5 nights in high mountain huts (dormitory style accommodation). Get to know more about mountain huts in our blog post. Full board whilst on trek and B&B in Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
Where is the Vanoise National Park?
When to Travel
Our independent trekking tour of the Vanoise is available from mid-June to mid-September. Outside of these dates the mountain refuges are not manned and therefore the trek is not possible.
In June you are likely to encounter winter snow on the trail, which can be hard and icy descending from the Col de Chaviere on day 6. From early to mid-July the risk of snow reduces greatly. Fresh snow is unlikely to fall below 2000m and is quite rare in summer. Any snowfall tends to melt rapidly. From the beginning of September onwards, fresh snowfall may rest longer.
The best time to see the wildflowers in the alpine meadows in full bloom is June and July. The busiest time of year on the trails is generally during the middle part of the French school holiday period from 14 July to 15 August.
There is little discernable difference between the different months of the summer period, with the exception of fresher mornings in June and September. Also during these periods, the tourist facilities do not usually run. For example, the cable car from Prolagnon to an altitude of 2000m at the start of the trek runs only during July and August. The same thing is true of the shuttle bus from Le Prioux back to Prolagnon-la-Vanoise at the end of the trek. Although our walking guidebook details these parts of the walk, these services would allow you to take advantage in the case of poor weather.
Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps
This walking holiday follows for the most part two long-distance trails, the GR55 and GR5 which are waymarked with red and white markings. On the whole, the trail is straightforward to follow but because you are in the Alps and the terrain is rocky you may need to pay attention when crossing scree slopes and streams to make sure you follow the best line. In addition, you need to pay particular attention during poor visibility to make sure you stay on the trail.
We provide you with detailed walking guides and maps at a scale of 1:25,000. You should know how to read the map and have some orientation skills.
Travel Options
By Air
There are scheduled flights to Geneva, Turin, Lyon, Chambery and Grenoble. Lyon, Geneva and Turin have the most regular services. The airlines Easy jet, Flybe and British Airways have scheduled flights from the UK - Luton, Birmingham, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Heathrow - to Lyon St Exupery airport.
All have rail links with Modane and Moutiers via Chambery. There are bus services running from Moutiers to Pralognan la Vanoise. You will need to take a taxi from Modane to near the refuge Orgere if you wish to start the tour in the south.
By Train
Eurostar and the TGV provide a relaxing journey from London to Lyon Part Dieu direct and changing at Lille or Paris. Local services then run to Modane or Moutiers via Chambery. Please use Rail Europe's train finder in our travel store to organise your train journey. There are bus services running from Moutiers to Pralognan la Vanoise. You will need to take a taxi from Modane to near the refuge Orgere if you wish to start the tour in the south.
Self Drive
Channel ferry crossings from Dover are provided by several operators including P&O Ferries & DFDS seaways. Crossings are also provided by train with Eurotunnel.
Once in France, the journey from Calais to the Vanoise area takes about 9 hours (excluding long breaks).
Tolls amount to about 60 euros each way. Free parking is available in Pralognan and near the refuge Orgere above Modane.
More information can be provided at the time of booking and we would be happy to help you make your travel arrangements.
7 nights / 6 days walking
- €810
- Prices per person based on 2 sharing a room in Pralognan-la-Vanoise
- Option of adapting the holiday to a 5-day trek or by adding extra nights in Pralognan-la-Vanoise
What's included in the price
- 7 nights' accommodation - 2 nights in a hotel in private room with bathroom and 5 nights in mountain refuges
- Full Board. (with the exception of evening meals in Pralognan and lunch on your first day's walk
- Detailed walking notes and maps, including information about the region and the sites of interest
What's not included in the price
- Travel to and from Pralognan, France
- Cable car or bus shuttle if you decide to use them
- Evening meals in Pralognan and lunch on your first day's walk
- Drinks with evening meals
- Any excursions or entrance fees
- Travel insurance
Payment
- A deposit payment of 30% or at least £250 or 250€ per person must be made to confirm your booking. The balance of payments is due 8 weeks before the holiday date. If the holiday date is less that 8 weeks away at the time of booking, then the full price should be paid.
Your accommodation in Prolagnon-la-Vanoise is a relatively small family-run hotel near the centre of the village where you'll enjoy a warm welcome and a good breakfast. The exact hotel will depend on the availability. All bookings are for private rooms with private ensuite bathrooms. The mountain refuges have small dormitory style rooms and the accommodation is much more basic with a shared bathroom facilities. However, there is a convivial atmosphere and the surroundings are magical. The meals are usually very tasty and filling. The mountain huts also provide you with lunch for your next day's trek. Get to know more about mountain huts in our blog post. An example of a hotel and mountain hut are listed below. Your exact accommodation will depend on availability at the time of booking
Refuge Col de la Vanoise
Typical mountain hut with dormitory style sleeping arrangements in a beautiful setting at the base of the Grande Casse and Aiguille de la Vanoise.
Extra Nights
Extra nights are possible at any of the mountain huts but unless you have a specific walking objective in mind, it would be better to include extra nights at the hotel in Pralognan-la-Vanoise and from there you can do additional day walks or rest.
City Breaks
Lyon: The French city of Lyon is a natural place to arrive and leave in France to access the French Alps. We can organise a stay in Lyon to explore this historic city. Lyon, France’s second city and gastronomic capital, is a lively historic city ideal for those in search of lots to see and do. Classed as a world heritage site, Lyon has it all; roman amphitheatres, medieval streets, renaissance architecture and modern art. We can book a city break for you and provide you with all the information you need for a great stay.
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.
Tailor-made trips
If you want to enjoy a longer trip in France and in the Alps you could combine the trekking tour of the Vanoise with some ideas from our selection of tailor-made adventures in the Alps. Here are some holiday suggestions for ideas.
Rendez-vous Between Culture, Nature, Paris, Alps Provence, Riviera
Starting in Paris, a city brimming with hidden treasures, the journey continues through Lyon's culinary wonders. Then, a stop in Annecy, the 'Pearl of the French Alps,' precedes the breathtaking landscapes of Chamonix. Balancing urban discovery with serene nature, the itinerary caters to all tastes, concluding with the vineyards of Provence and the allure of the French Riviera.
Explore hidden gems in the mountains while walking along majestic Alpine trails and discovering charming Alpine towns.