Nature and landscapes
Northern Alps: 7 stunning panoramas!
In the shadow of legendary peaks or on the banks of a high-altitude lake, the Northern Alps invite you to hike in a jewel box of beauty. Let yourself be seduced by the charms and geographical curiosities of the region… 7 viewpoints to enchant you!
While the mountains reveal all their magic under their white mantle in winter, it’s in an explosion of shimmering colours that they reveal themselves in summer. A panache of emerald greens, turquoise blues and indigo at its peak, it goes from blazing orange to soft pink at the most beautiful sunsets. It’s a palette of tones to be savoured as you take in the panoramic views. Here, 7 magical viewpoints in the heart of the Northern Alps.
Courchevel
#1 – La Dent du Villard
A hike for those looking for a little physical effort with the reward of a magnificent landscape at the finish.
The path is well marked and a little narrow in places. There is a handrail on these sections for those with unsteady feet, but the only difficulty is the climb itself, which is a little steep.
The scenery becomes even more beautiful at sunset, with uninterrupted views over Courchevel, Méribel and Les Ménuires.
Access: Park at the Lac de la Rosière car park (Courchevel Moriond)
Time to summit: 2hrs 30mins – 2hrs 45mins / 750m elevation gain
Méribel
#2 – L’Aiguille du Fruit
The Aiguille du Fruit and the translucent Lac des Fées, in the heart of the Parc de la Vanoise and the Lac de Tueda Nature Reserve.
A 2-hour walk from Méribel Mottaret, towards the Refuge du Saut. An easy and sumptuous walk!
Valloire
#3 – Lac du Grand Ban via the 3 lakes
Easily accessible, this hike from Valloire offers a family-friendly itinerary through 3 stunningly beautiful lakes: Grand Ban, Lac Ron and Lac de la Clarée.
In the background, the Aiguilles d’Arves and the Grand Galibier add to the splendour of this walk.
Access: From Plan-Lachat, follow the signs for the hamlet of Les Mottets.
Duration: Allow a day to get the most out of the walk and enjoy a picnic by one of the 3 lakes.
Arêches Beaufort
#4 – La Roche Parstire
A breathtaking panorama awaits you up here, with the vertiginous cliff on one side and a view of the village of Arêches on the other. On the other, a panoramic view of the Roselend lake and dam, and the famous Roc du Vent where you’ll find the via ferrata du Roc du Vent, renowned for its beauty.
Access: Meet at the Col du Pré car park (by car), cross the road and then on foot, follow the signposted “Roche Parstire” path.
Duration: 1 hour from the Col du Pré.
Valmeinier
#5 – Lac Vert
The walk to Lac Vert is fun and very popular with families.
Access: Start from the Chenalette car park in Valmeinier (1500). The path is signposted and easy to access.
Duration: It takes around 2 hours to get there.
As a reward, you’ll finally discover the turquoise colour of the water and the magnificent panorama before you.
La Rosière
#6 – Fort de la Redoute Ruinée
Incredible views of Mont Blanc and a 360° panorama from this fort dating from 1892.
Access: Take the Roches Noires chairlift, then count on a 25-minute walk.
Pralognan la Vanoise
#7 – Col la Vanoise via Lac des Vaches
Almost walking on water? The effect is sensational! At the foot of the Grande Casse, the highest peak in the Vanoise (3855m), stone slabs wind their way through the Lac des Vaches, leading you to the Col de la Vanoise. A thrilling experience for young and old alike! You then continue on to the Col refuge, with the Grande Casse in all its splendour as your reward.
Access: From the Fontanettes car park, follow signs for the Barmettes refuge and then the Col de la Vanoise.
Duration: Full-day hike, 900m ascent.
