4 unforgettable hikes in the Beaufortain

Le Beaufortain, with its alpine pastures, wooden chalets, forests, lakes and magnificent landscapes of Mont Blanc or Vanoise.

Hiking in the Beaufortain means traversing one of the few wild areas of the French Alps. Here, ski resorts are relatively small, the urbanization of the mountains in the 70s has not spread, and traditions have been preserved.

Ce a little green corner of Savoy is a universe unto itself, especially as it communicates with other magnificent regions, the upper Val d'Arly and the Haute Tarentaise which, like a magnet, attract crowds while preserving the Beaufortain.

That said, there are the hard-to-access mountains that require spending nights in mountain huts to be able to hike for several days at altitude, and then there are those easy panoramic hikes that leave indelible memories.

I chose four of these hikes in the BeaufortainTheir choice was dictated by the desire to take you away from the crowds without necessarily exhausting you with walking and above all to allow you to admire the most beautiful landscapes of the Savoy mountains.

Here are the four hikes:

From the Les Saisies resort to Mont de Vorès
From the Col du Joly to the Aiguille Croche
From the Col du Joly to the Lacs Jovet or the loop via the Col de la Fenêtre
From the Col du Pré (Roselend dam) to the Col du Couvercle

All these routes are also starting points for multi-day hikes. It's up to you!

From the Saisies resort to the Croix de Pierre refuge

The resort of Les Saisies It's a very pretty village with modern architecture that respects the authentic mountain style. The buildings here are large, multi-story chalets that blend well into the gentle natural landscape surrounding Les Saisies. The terrain doesn't exceed 2000 meters in altitude, and forests cover a large part of the slopes. In winter, downhill ski runs occupy the open areas, and the forest trails are used for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. A few forest roads lead to the ridges, and it's one of these that we'll be taking.

The starting point is the large car park at the entrance to the resort (1658 m), head towards the Col de la Lézette (1787 m) via the ridge road, then follow the path to the Legette pass (1776 m) along a fairly flat path. While the initial landscape unfolded primarily towards the resort, Mont Bisanne, the mountains of the upper Val d'Arly, and the Bauges range, now the view turns towards the Beaufortain mountains and, above all, Mont Blanc. You then take the GRP Tour du Beaufortain to reach the Belvedere viewpoint of Mont Clocher (1976 m)The landscape over the Beaufortain valleys is breathtaking. It looks like an aerial view from a plane. Mont Blanc dominates the landscape to the north, and it is in this direction that the hike continues, with little elevation gain. We pass the small Bellastat refuge (approximately 1900 m) before reaching the Croix de Pierre refuge near the Col du Véry (1964 m), at the foot of the Aiguille Croche. The Aravis mountain range appears above the Megève valley to the northeast. To enjoy a clear, 360-degree view of the Val d'Arly, the Aravis range, Mont Blanc, the Beaufortain massif, and beyond it towards the Vanoise massif, we must climb to the nearby summit of Mont de Vorès at 2067 meters. The Beaufortain lakes shimmer brilliantly in the sunlight.

The distance to Mount Vorès It's about 9 km from Les Saisies. Allow 6 hours for the round trip. This hike can also be done in winter with snowshoes. However, caution is advised in winter conditions.

The trail continues between the Croix de Pierre refuge and the Col du Joly. Ideal for continuing towards the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve.

hiking trails with views of Mont Blanc near Les Saisies — Mont Blanc seen from the heights of Les Saisies

From the Col du Joly to the Aiguille Croche

The only difficulty on this very short hike is the slope. Joly pass It is located at 1989 meters at the bottom of the Hauteluce valley, in the heart of the Beaufortain region. The road climbs quickly from the hydroelectric plant located just below the Girotte dam. You pass through alpine pastures and farms before leaving civilization behind and finding yourself on the grassy slopes of the Choton. The arrival at the pass is spectacular, as the view of the glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif (its southern part) suddenly takes the traveler by surprise. This pass was an important crossing point between Albertville and the Aosta Valley The next stages were the Col du Bonhomme and the Col de la Seigne before descending back towards Val Vény. These passes are part of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) route.

You could stop at the pass and admire the scenery, but no, you're here to hike. The first objective is the Aiguille Croche. And we'll discover that in this paragraph. The second is the loop around the Col de la Fenêtre, and that will be the subject of the next paragraph.

Looking at the Mont Blanc massifTurn your head to the left. Just above you, you'll see a peak that rises to 2487 meters. If you look closely, you'll also see a small path climbing straight up the slope. That's the one you'll take to enjoy the breathtaking view. As you climb, you'll notice the Hauteluce valley deepening and deepening. Behind you, the lakes of the Beaufortain reflect the light. To your right, the glaciers of Tré la Tête, Mont Tendu, the Dômes de Miage, and the summit cap of Mont Blanc seem to rise towards the sky. You're overlooking the landscape. It's almost dizzying. You reach the first plateau. This is the upper station of the highest peak. Contamines-Montjoie ski liftYou are at 2414 meters. There are only 70 meters left to climb. The path is well-marked. But be careful, it is very steep and slippery because it is very rocky. In less than 2 hours from the pass you will be at the summit of theAiguille Croche at 2487 meters altitude and you dominate the Val d'Arly, the BeaufortainThe Mont Blanc massif, the Vanoise and the Aravis… a magnificent landscape.

For the return journey, you can change routes and descend via a path that passes under the ski lift, then under the Tierces chairlift. At Tierces, at an altitude of 2000 meters, turn right towards the Chalets du Joly. The route is completely flat. From the chalets, you can see the Col du Joly below, which you can easily reach via the same path you took on the way up.

The appeal of this hike? A summit, a bit of cardio to climb up, a feeling of an aerial route and a sublime landscape.

From the Col du Joly to the Lacs Jovet or the loop via the Col de la Fenêtre

If you like them nature reserves You'll love this hike! It takes you into the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve. The scenery is breathtaking, the flora extraordinary, and the crowds are kept away by the remote and wild nature of the area.

The route to reach the Col du Joly was described in the previous paragraph. To help you find your way, this time with your back to the Hauteluce valley and facing the glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif, you'll begin your hike on a path that heads off to the right below. The direction to follow is the Signal (but you don't actually go there). Your first stop will be the magnificent little Roselette lake (1900m)Magical. The glaciers are reflected in its surface. It's up to you to find the best angle depending on the time of day. The place is calm and peaceful.

Then you continue towards the Roselette chalets. You've lost altitude. You're at approximately 1850 meters. The rest of the route will be uphill…

What are the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Alps? — Rosette Lake

Continuing along the path, you enter a very wild, narrow section. You'll see the path climbing back up to your right. If it's hot, this stretch (about 500 meters) can be quite strenuous. Focus on the scenery. Suddenly, the landscape opens up and becomes idyllic. You're near the Chalets des Prés (1803 meters), overlooked on the opposite slope by Mont Jovet.

This is where you must make your choice. Continue to the Jovet lakes, Allow 3 hours extra time including breaks compared to the simple loop via the Col de la Fenêtre.

The path remains on the same plateau, passing the Refuge des Prés. At the next two junctions, in a typical Alpine landscape at 2000 meters altitude, a jumble of meadows and rocks, continue towards the Col du Bonhomme pass, then take the path towards the Lacs Jovet on your left as soon as it appears. The path climbs through a fairly dry and rocky environment for 160 meters of elevation gain before reaching a narrow valley, carved by a glacier, at the bottom of which lie two small lakes, one overlooking the other. This is a popular destination for hikers because the place exudes serenity and calm, far from the main trails.

The return journey follows the same route, back to the sign indicating the Window Pass.

The ascent to the pass, whether via the first route (before continuing to the Jovet lakes) or the second (returning from the Jovet lakes), begins on the slopes of the Pâturage de la Balme and then climbs to the Plan de la Fenêtre, a vast plateau at approximately 2050 meters altitude. A rocky barrier appears to make the mountain impassable, but in reality, a notch in the terrain, the Col de la Fenêtre at 2245 meters altitude, allows one to rediscover the boundless expanse of the gentler Beaufortain landscape.

Le Girotte lake In the foreground, the Hauteluce and Doron valleys; below, the peaks of the upper Val d'Arly and the Bauges mountains frame the landscape. It's breathtaking. A view already interrupted by the climb.

Following the path overlooked by the Aiguille de Roselette, you reach a ridge which descends towards the Col du Joly, which you keep in sight throughout this passage.

The Window Pass Loop measures approximately 10 kmThe scenery is magnificent. There's a bit of effort and adrenaline involved, giving it a little taste of adventure: I absolutely recommend it.

Col de la Fenêtre towards the Beaufortain

Around Lake Roselend: from the Col du Pré (dam) to the Col du Couvercle

This is a very scenic out-and-back hike I'm suggesting. Nothing too strenuous. Ideal for walking with children, with the aim of having a picnic in the alpine meadows overlooking Lake Roselend with Mont Blanc as a backdrop.

Does that sound good to you?

The starting point is the Col du Pré pass or the parking area between the Col du Pré and L'Entrus (there is a small oratory). Leaving the paved departmental road, on your left, with your back to the lake, you will see a dirt track that climbs into the alpine pastures, between the Roche Parstire and Lake Roselend. The famous silhouette of the Pierre Menta accompanies you on the other side of the lake. Behind you, Mont Blanc rises above the ridges like a white patch in the sky. You pass several farms before reaching the ridgeline just before the Passage de la Charmette at 2058 meters. The well-marked road ends here. You have practically reached the end of the lake. Roselend dam is clearly visible and one can appreciate the work.

This is an opportunity to take a break and admire the typical Beaufortain landscape. Everything is green. On one side, the Roselend lake on one side turquoise blue, on the other the valley of Arêches with the lake of Saint Guérin.

You continue along the ridge towards Mont des Acrays and the Miraillet pass, which provides access below to Lake of Saint Guérin via a more direct and steeper variant than the previous one. At approximately 2200 meters, you can see the lake in its entirety. The remaining 500 meters take you to 2300 meters without significantly changing the perspective, but the Col du Couvercle is the last point from which you can admire Lake Roselend before the trail descends towards the mountains and plateaus of southern Beaufortain.

It's about ten kilometers round trip, but honestly, you don't feel it. The scenery is so inspiring that you feel like you're flying over the lake.

A hike to do if you want to see Lake Roselend from above!

The Beaufortain, land of cheese, but also a land of hiking. Vast landscapes, easy hikes possible… A small territory of boundless beauty and light, in every season.