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Hiking in the Vanoise, the oldest of the French parks
Created in 1963, the Vanoise National Park is the oldest of the French national parks and is located on the edge of the high valleys of the Maurienne and Tarentaise regions.
With around a hundred summits exceeding 3,000 m in altitude, the Vanoise National Park is definitely a must-see.
Nestled in the heart of Savoie, this authentic "green diamond in the rough" is also home to one of the most important animal populations in France.
The most beautiful landscapes of the Vanoise
The HexaTrek itinerary crosses the entire park using the GR®55 as its main route.
On the trail, you can admire the glaciers from the heart of the Vanoise.
The Grande Casse
The highest summit of the first French national park, the Vanoise, the Grande Casse is a paradise for hikers and mountaineers.
The Lac des Vaches
A beautiful lake surrounded by the highest peaks of the Vanoise National Park. situated at an altitude of 2,318 metres, a pretty and historic flat stone path allows for an unforgettable crossing.
The Vallon de la Leisse
A wild valley in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, which from the foot of the pass of the same name leads the hiker to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area.
Where to sleep in the Vanoise, Huts and Refuges
It is totally forbidden to camp in the heart of the Vanoise National Park.
However, almost all the refuges crossed by the hexatrek offer hikers the possibility to pitch their tents in front of the refuge.
For a fee of 5€ per night, you can spend a little more to enjoy the delicious food prepared by the hosts!
The Col de la Vanoise refuge
In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, facing the Grande Casse, the Col de la Vanoise refuge is a historic refuge for hikers and mountaineers. It has been completely renovated in recent years.
The Refuge de la Leisse
Perched at 2487 m, its small lake, its mountain pastures and its wildlife make it the ideal place for a restful stopover.
The Peclet-Posette refuge
In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, the Peclet-Posette refuge is located in a restful site, close to the Lac Blanc. It is dominated by the imposing mass of the Peclet and Polset peaks and the Vanoise glaciers. The refuge is new, bright and comfortable.
The Valette refuge
Glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, chamois and sometimes ptarmigan are the things to see and do around this refuge.
Don't miss a visit to the Lac de la Valette, set between meadows and cliffs, and to the remains of the architecturally stunning "refuge des lacs".
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