Hike from Savoie to Vanoise – Hexatrek in France’s Northern Alps

This first stage of the “Northern Alps” section of the Hexatrek will be charming and gentle. It begins in the medieval town of Yvoire and leads you, after a 10 km flat journey, to La Renouillère where there are many campsites.



On paper, this day seems to predict a monotonous walk, from one municipality… read more

After the first step, very quiet, I suggest you begin to get to the heart of the matter. The idea of this second day is to take a little rhythm and project yourself as quickly as possible towards the mountains and the great outdoors. So I planned this hike over a little less than 30 kilometers for 900… read more

The roller coaster can begin. That's it, the Alps are under your feet and within reach of your eyes, with the first views of the Mont Blanc massif.



This third stage on the Chablais massif is a real bath in nature and puts you in contact with the mountains: passes, peaks, teeth, all mountain toponymy is… read more

After two intense days, this fourth stage promises you a slower pace: less distance and less elevation.



In this Tour, you are familiar with the 2,000 meters, cross alpine landscapes, and as a result, you will find fruit trees on the road. The perfect opportunity to continue your journey with a piece of… read more

A new quiet stage: 13 kilometers and 500 meters of elevation gain. Almost enough to stroll while walking. Maybe I feel a little guilty for having imposed a fast pace from the first days.



In any case, enjoy this beautiful Tour with a rolling profile, where the alpine charms are more and more present: coniferous… read more

Most of this leg of the Hexatrek comes out of Hexagon. From the Chésery refuge to the Col de Coux, you will be in Switzerland. The markup being different from the one we have in France, remember to follow the direction signs and look at your route on komoot.



The superb chain of the Dents du Midi will… read more

Departing from the Bostan refuge, you begin a beautiful climb towards a more mineral universe with a small incursion around the 2,300 meters of altitude. The green pastures gradually dissipate while the atmosphere and the terrain take on the appearance of high mountains. The terrain is more bumpy and… read more

An eighth stage short in distance but generous in elevation. You are going to attack the Giffre massif, sanctuary by the Sixt-Passy nature reserve.



In this privileged environment, you will go from forests to alpine lawns. You will step over a few torrents and can let your eyes wander over the glaciers… read more

From the Grenairon refuge, head towards Les Frêtes du Grenier. The trail transports you directly to another universe, at more than 2,500 meters above sea level. Alpine lawns give way to rock. This section on the edges requires to remain attentive to the place where one puts the feet. It's no small feat… read more

You've glimpsed it several times in the previous steps, but this time it's the right one. You will be able to admire it in wide angle, and not only on a piece of panorama. I am of course talking about Mont Blanc and its majestic massif.



From the Loriaz refuge, you first descend into the valley, near Argenti… read more

This step is like a hidden song on a CD. You think you have seen everything and finally not. Leaving Lac Blanc, you take the balcony path again and the 4,000 of the Mont-Blanc massif continue to set to music: Aiguilles du Midi and Bionnassay, Dôme du Goûter, Mont Blanc du Tacul and so many more. . The… read more

This stage starts with a beautiful descent towards Les Houches. This is a key passage. You can do some shopping there, take a day or two off, or even get off the trail easily. Many buses pass there.



From Les Houches, you cross the official start line of the TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc). Walk quietly to the… read more

This step follows the first variant of the TMB. It takes you to the foot of the Nid d'Aigle, but also to the Bionnassay glacier, or even Mont Truc.



You will also pass by the Miage refuge which can be used as a stopover if you wish to make a loop via the Miage glacier. Please note that this option is mainly… read more

Departing from Les Contamines, you start with three kilometers of flat, along the Bonnant river, to calmly warm up. On this portion, the path is dotted with small bridges and platforms allowing you to admire the waterfalls of the torrent.



You then take the old Roman road which marks the beginning of the… read more

This stage marks the end of your foray into the Mont-Blanc massif. The path from the Croix du Bonhomme refuge leads you straight into Beaufortain.



The day begins with a superb ridge single, clear on both sides. Panoramas as far as the eye can see. Remember to watch where you are stepping from time to… read more

This stage is a 17 kilometer long slide. Once is not custom, the program of this day of mountain will be made only of descent. Barely 50 meters of elevation gain for 1,760 meters of downward slope. You descend the trails of the Beaufortain massif to the banks of the Isère. And here you are in Tarentaise… read more

During this day, you make a first foray into the Vanoise National Park. Either overhanging or along the banks, you will follow the course of the Ponturin river until the end of the stage.



On this route, the mountain shows itself to be generous by lining up around you a beautiful collection of peaks approaching… read more

Get ready to take on one of the more physical stages of the Collection. Its 23 kilometers and 1,690 meters of elevation gain suggest a cool start to avoid chasing the weather all day.



The idea is to finish at the Leisse refuge to spend a night in the heart of the Vanoise, in the most preserved part of… read more

This step is a continuation of the previous one, but much less physical. Thus, you continue your adventure in the heart of the Vanoise but at a slower pace. You will then be able to enjoy nature more, contemplate the landscapes more serenely and take the time to observe the sky and its inhabitants. Perhaps… read more

After two days spent in the heart of the Vanoise, you will be able to admire the massif from below. This stage, with a more descending profile, takes you to the village resort of Pralognan-la-Vanoise. Take the opportunity to make a stop at the pit: toilets, access to drinking water, shops, cafes... Everything… read more