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
Walking 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
A relatively quiet and unspoiled region of the French Alps
Stunning limestone peaks, sculpted by ice creating a landscape of amazing natural beauty.
Comfortable accommodation in a pretty historic village.
Let 's discover the full itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival
Travel to Pralognan en Vanoise. Night in hotel.
Days 2-7: Choice of walking holidays
Below is a selection of the walks included in the walking guidebook
Col de la Vanoise & Grande Casse
Take the Mont Bochor cable car to 2000m before traversing below cliffs to Refuge des Barmettes. Re-join the GR55 following an ancient path that crosses the Vanoise, used down the centuries to transport salt. The trail then crosses the beautiful Lac Vache by a series of stepping stones before 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. Return by the same way or take a longer circular trail all the way down to Pralognan-la-Vanoise. +550m, 13.5km,-550m (or -1100m if walking back to Pralognan).
Lake Blanc
Take the shuttle bus to Les Prioux and climb to Refuge du Roc de la Peche before following a beautiful glaciated valley as the path slowly rises towards the high mountains. After passing the refuge Peclet Polcet, you’ll arrive at the stunning Lac Blanc with its turquoise blue waters. There are superb views of the surrounding mountains especially the peak de l’Echelle. Return by the same trail. +790m, 18.5km
Crete du Mont Charvet
Climbing to the west of Pralognan this walk takes you on a ridge walk through a fascinating landscape of sink holes and other bizarre geological forms. Exceptional views from the ridge. 14km, +1050m
Col de Naprement
Perched directly above Pralognan, this walk and summit offers magnificent views. The walk zig-zags up through wooded slopes before emerging onto a small summit at 2185m directly above cliffs plunging towards the resort. Your return trail takes you back to Pralognan via a different route. 8km, +740m
Petit Mont Blanc
The trail rises through rich alpine meadows before climbing onto the rounded summit of the Petit Mont Blanc, so called due to its white appearance due to the gypsum rocks that make up its summit. The views from the summit of the surrounding alpine peaks of the Vanoise are outstanding.10km,+940m
Chalets de Nants
Take the shuttle bus to Les Prioux. High altitude pastures in a decor of high mountains. Wonderful views of the Grande Casse and the roc de la Valette from the refuge de la Valette. Getting close to the hanging glaciers tumbling from the plateau. 5km, +490m You can extend your walk to reach Refuge de la Valette where you can get refreshment. The hut is situated in a superb location overlooking the Chaviere Valley.
Le Moriand
Take the cable car to Mont Bochor at 2000m before traversing below cliffs to Refuge des Barmettes. Then climb over the whale-backed summit of Le Moriand where you get close up views of the pointed summit of Aiguille de la Vanoise. Descend via the Cirque de l’Arcelin below huge cliffs. The last part of your walk passes under the spectacular Cascade de la Fraiche. 9km, +300m, -900m
Mont Chevrier
A beautiful itinerary, varied and little frequented, whose interest lies in its different experiences and views rather than a summit. The walk ends at a great viewpoint. 6km, +560m
Day 8: Departure
Walking holiday ends after breakfast
At a glance
15 June - 15 September
From €1435 per person
Self-Guided
7 nights / 6 days walking
Day walks
4-6 hours walking per day
Ascent: 300-1050m per day
3 star hotel in Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Half Board
Other centre-based self-guided walking holidays in the mountains of France
Vanoise Mountains
This self-guided walking holiday in the beautiful Vanoise National Park of the French Alps is a centre-based trip which allows you to combine the high mountains with the comfort of a 3 or 4-star hotel in the pretty village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise. The holiday includes walks of varying lengths and difficulties with the majority of hikes situated around grades 3 or 4 on a scale of 5. This equates to day walks with altitude gains of 500m - 1000m. As you are based in a hotel you can choose to have rest days when you wish.
This independent alpine walking holiday 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, the Vanoise offers an ideal natural, unspoilt 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. The walks take you past some outstanding mountain scenery, including the sheer Aguille de Vanoise, the Grande Casse, and La Dent Parrachée. The highest mountain in this part of the Alps is the resplendent Grande Casse which sits at the head of the valley from Pralognan, a traditional alpine village, unspoilt 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), chamoix, 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 day walks
Dates
Every day of week subject to availability from 15 June to 15 September
Walking Profile & Grade
The majority of the walks on this walking holiday average between 500m to 1000m of ascent and about 5-6 hours of walking. There will also be the odd easier and harder walk in the guidebook to maximise the experience. The paths are generally good although they are mountainous in nature and sometimes exposed so you should have experience of walking in the mountains and be sure-footed. Early in the season there may be snow left on some of the paths at altitude. The holiday would be ideal for those looking for a first alpine holiday, as well as those more experienced.
This walking holiday is graded challenging. See more information about walking grades.
Accommodation & Meals
Seven nights in a comfortable hotel in the centre of the pretty alpine village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise The exact hotel will vary according to availability but will be 3 or 4 star quality. Traditional meals will be served in the hotel restaurant. Your holiday is on a half-board basis. There are shops and bakers in the village to buy lunch or you can order from your hotel.
Where is the Vanoise National Park?
When to Travel
Our independent centre-based walking holiday in 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. 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 only operates during July and August. The same thing is true of the shuttle bus from back to Prolagnon-la-Vanoise to Le Prioux. These services allow you to access a greater variety of walks without the extra hike from the village.
Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps
This walking holiday has trails following a mixture of long-distance trails, which are waymarked with red and white markings and other trails marked in yellow. On the whole, the trail are easy to follow and signposted 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
- €1435
- Prices per person based on 2 sharing a room in Pralognan-la-Vanoise
- Option of choosing the number of nights to suit your wishes
What's included in the price
- 7 nights' accommodation in private room with bathroom
- Full Board.
- 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
- Lunches
- 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. An example of a hotel is listed below. Your exact accommodation will depend on availability at the time of booking.
Extra Nights
Extra nights are possible at your hotel in Pralognan-la-Vanoise. Your walking guide will have additional day walks to enjoy extra nights.
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 this walking holiday in the Vanoise with some ideas from our selection of tailor-made adventures in the Alps. Here are some holiday suggestions for ideas.
Explore hidden gems in the mountains while walking along majestic Alpine trails and discovering charming Alpine towns.
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.
Testimonials
My first time in the Alps. It was spectacular. Also loved the little booklet, made everything very easy. Also great to have a map as back up. Very good instructions.
A Quick
I have been to all sorts of places in the world and the general feel and hospitality of the various Refuges was tops. I am still in awe of the fine food they all served up and the lunches seemed at times as if the various refuges were competing with each other to excel. Your service and the trip was everything I expected and could ask for.
G Morris