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Highlights
Discover the beauty of the Vanoise National Park on this 8-day self-guided trek
Enjoy incredible trekking in Vanoise National Park and put yourself to the test as you navigate lofty ridges and passes.
Admire the glacial domes of the Vanoise and the Grande Casse as you stand in awe of their size and beauty.
Trek wild valleys and reach phenomenal heights as you trek from one cozy mountain hut to the next.
Explore the ruins of Fort de la Turra, an abandoned high mountain fort featuring fascinating fortifications.
The 8-day self-guided Vanoise Loop, in short, is the trek of a lifetime! Starting in the French commune of Pralognan la Vanoise in Savoie, you’ll embark on a remarkable hut-to-hut trek through Vanoise National Park. Climbing thrilling passes to take in remarkable panoramas, you’ll stand in awe of glacial domes and alpine lakes. Ascend Petit Mont Blanc (2,680m) and gaze out towards the snow-capped peaks of Vanoise and the Grande Casse. Explore the ancient fortifications of the La Turra ruins (2,360m) as fascinating history weaves its way into your trekking experience.
Each night you’ll rest your head in cozy, rustic mountain huts filled with authentic character and charm—a true alpine trekking experience! If you’re looking for challenging trekking through one of France’s most beautiful landscapes, the Vanoise Loop is the adventure for you!
The 8-day self-guided Vanoise Loop, in short, is the trek of a lifetime! Starting in the French commune of Pralognan la Vanoise in Savoie, you’ll embark on a remarkable hut-to-hut trek through Vanoise National Park. Climbing thrilling passes to take in remarkable panoramas, you’ll stand in awe of glacial domes and alpine lakes. Ascend Petit Mont Blanc (2,680m) and gaze out towards the snow-capped peaks of Vanoise and the Grande Casse. Explore the ancient fortifications of the La Turra ruins (2,360m) as fascinating history weaves its way into your trekking experience.
Each night you’ll rest your head in cozy, rustic mountain huts filled with authentic character and charm—a true alpine trekking experience! If you’re looking for challenging trekking through one of France’s most beautiful landscapes, the Vanoise Loop is the adventure for you!
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Vanoise Loop Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Pralognan la Vanoise
Arrive in the alpine ski resort town of Pralognan la Vanoise where your tour begins. Soak up the atmosphere of this authentic ski town before setting down for the night in your comfortable hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pralognan la Vanoise
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Trek to Col de la Vanoise Hut
Rise, ready to take on the alps as you first take a bus transfer to the Plan du Lac refuge (2,364 m), in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. From the refuge, climb to the Lanserlia pass (2,774 m). Magnificent panoramas of the Dent Parrachée (3,697 m) and the glacial domes of the Vanoise. Press on to reach the tip of Lanserlia (2,909 m), then descend by the same route or by the wild valley of the Grand Vallon.
Finally, return to the Plan du Lac refuge for the night where you’ll enjoy some much needed rest.
Overnight Location: Dormitory accommodation in Col de la Vanoise Hut
Distance: 4.5hours, 630m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Walk along the legendary GR5 Route
Today’s beautiful route has you following the famous GR5 which leads high up in the valley of the Leisse. At the Croé-Vie bridge (2,099 m), the path branches off towards the Col de la Vanoise (2,517 m). The path along the lakes offers magnificent landscape contrasts and flourishing flora. You pass near the Col de la Vanoise refuge (2,516 m), then you begin the descent to Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
Overnight Location: Dormitory accommodation in Arpont Hut
Distance: 5.5hours, 600m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Ascend Petit Mont Blanc
Today is dedicated to the thrilling ascent of the Petit Mont Blanc (2,680 m), an exceptional belvedere over the glacial domes of the Vanoise and the Grande Casse. It owes its name to the white gypsum of its rounded top. Later, enjoy dinner and an overnight night at the Repoju refuge (1,720 m).
Overnight Location: Dormitory accommodation in Dent Parachée Hut
Distance: 5.5hours, 1240m of ascent with optional extension
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Trek to Orgère Hut
Climb up the Chavière Valley this morning to reach the Péclet-Polset refuge (2,474 m). Then you reach the Col de Chavière (2,796 m), a small indentation in the ridge between the Péclet-Polset area and the Pointe de l’Echelle, glacial peaks. Descend to the Orgère refuge, today’s welcomed destination (1,935 m).
Overnight Location: Dormitory accommodation in Orgère Hut
Distance: 5.5hours, 1100m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 Col du Barbier
Another magical day awaits as you enjoy a beautiful balcony crossing above the Maurienne via the Col du Barbier (2,285 m), under the Aussois rake (3,124 m). Here, you’ll enjoy beautiful panoramas of the peaks bordering Italy. Dig deep, and continue to the Dent Parrachée refuge (2,517 m).
Overnight Location: Dormitory accommodation in Peclet Polset
Distance: 5.5hours, 1300m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7 Final Hike
The last stage of your trek has arrived, completing the tour of the Vanoise glaciers. Set off for a balcony hike from the Dent Parrachée refuge to the Plan Sec refuge (2,316 m), then to the ruins of La Turra (2,360 m) and the Croix de la Loza (2,377 m). Finally, you reach Montafia (2,180 m), the starting point of the final descent to Termignon (1,287 m). Transfer back to Pralognan la Vanoise for your final night of the tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pralognan la Vanoise
Distance: 4hours, no elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 Departure
This morning following breakfast your trekking tour in the Vanoise National Park comes to an end. Pack up and check out for departure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Vanoise Loop Tour Price and Dates
The pricing for this self-guided tour in French Alps depends on the size of your group. You also have an option to opt out of luggage transfers to reduce the tour price. All the prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room where possible (note only dormitory rooms are available in huts) and those who need single rooms will have to pay a supplement.Self-guided Vanoise Loop Tour Price without Luggage Transfers
- Groups of 2-3: EUR905 per person
- Groups of 4+: EUR875 per person
Self-guided Vanoise Loop Tour Price with Luggage Transfers included in the price
- Groups of 2: EUR1550 per person
- Groups of 3: EUR1285 per person
- Groups of 4: EUR1150 per person
- Groups of 5: EUR1065 per person
- Groups of 6+: EUR1025 per person
Accommodation on Vanoise Loop Trek
This tour is based in mountain huts and hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2 and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. The accommodation in mountain huts is based in shared dormitory rooms.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms in the hotel are double and those willing to stay in a single room will have to pay a supplement (please enquire about the pricing). Please note that the single accommodations are not available in dormitory-style mountain huts, where all of the living spaces are shared with other trekkers.
What’s Included in the Vanoise Loop Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes luggage transfers, however, personal transfers are not included and you will be in charge of organizing your own logistics, such as getting to the start of the tour. You can also exclude luggage transfers from your tour package to lower the price.
Also Included
- The roadbook (1 per 4 travellers)
- Support hotline 24/7
- Access to mobile application for GPS guidance
Not included
- Lunches and any other meals not mentioned as ‘included’
- Showers in mountain huts
- Insurance
- Guide services
- Anything not mentioned as ‘included’
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Pralognan la Vanoise before or after the tour
- How hard is the Vanoise Loop Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to France?
- Are meals included on the Vanoise Loop Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Pralognan la Vanoise to start this tour?
- Is the Vanoise Loop Tour in English?
- Where does the Vanoise Loop Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. The distances are moderate; however, the elevation gain is significant, and this tour is not recommended for beginners.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover (activity). Get your Travel Insurance.
The two major airports near Vanoise are Geneva (GVA) and Lyon (LYS). They both take about two to three hours to get to the Vanoise region in the summer. There are a few train and/or bus transfers to get into the park from either Lyon or Geneva and we recommend renting a car.
The closest airport would be Chambéry Airport (CMF), which has much more limited service. In addition, it is sometimes challenging to find cheap transfers from this airport.
This tour is not guided, however, you’ll get all the necessary information provided to you in English.
The tour ends where it starts, in Pralognan la Vanoise.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Allibert Trekking is a Tour Operator based in the French Alps, specializing in incredible trips for the active outdoor enthusiast. They cater to your specific wants to create an unforgettable adventure.
Allibert Trekking specializes in mountain sports adventures throughout the European Alps (France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria). From the Dolomites to the Mediterranean coast, they create and organize hiking, mountaineering, ski touring, snowshoeing, and multi-sport trips throughout the Alps.
With 45 years of experience, Allibert offers both exceptional “ready-made” trip itineraries and customizable plans to make sure your experience is everything you want it to be.
Allibert places great importance on sustainable travel. Because of this, they focus on creating trips that make as little an impact as possible on the natural environment. Ethics, respect, and responsibility represent the cornerstones of their commitment to responsible tourism.
