The Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek

The Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek is a great way to escape into the wilderness of the Vanoise and Grand Paradis National Parks (in France and Italy respectively). This cross-border itinerary, an ancient route for travellers, showcases the heritage and resources of these protected regions. The Trek features standard and glacier sections and comprises several stages, so hikers can choose their route. We have tested for you part of the standard Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek, on the French part of the itinerary.

Check out the full itinerary

From the Prariond refuge to the Fond des Fours refuge - Stage C

Stage C of the standard itinerary is the easiest stage of the Nature Trek. From the Pariond valley to the Fond des Fours refuge, via the authentic village of Val d’Isère, this hike offers a wide diversity of landscapes, between waterfalls, forests, villages and mountain pastures. The Prariond refuge, which was fully renovated before the summer of 2020, offers a majestic setting and an opportunity to stay overnight and observe the fauna and flora at sunset or at dawn. On your way down through the Prariond valley, it’s well worth making a little detour to see the Malpasset gorges and waterfall.

See this stage

Duration: 5 h
Distance: 15.4 km
Elevation gain / drop: +829 / -691
Level of difficulty: Average

©Val d'Isère village center with church in summer|Yann ALLEGRE

©Le Fornet and the waterfall|Yann ALLEGRE

©Refuge du Prariond in summer|Yann ALLEGRE

How to do this hike via the village of Val d’Isère

After crossing the St Charles bridge, head down towards Val d’Isère. Take the time to stroll along the narrow streets of this authentic village with stone-slate roofs. The itinerary then takes you up through the Manchet valley before entering the Vanoise National Park. It is a steady climb but does contain a few steeper sections. You can stop for a break and a bite to eat at the Arsellaz farm (2,131m). From there, it’ll take you an hour to reach the Fond des Fours refuge, a picturesque site in a green valley of mountain grassland with a view of the Méan Martin glacier.

The route in detail

©A marmot at Le Fornet in summer|Yann ALLEGRE

©Refuge De Fond Des Fours in summer|Yann ALLEGRE

From the Fond des Fours refuge to the Carro refuge - Stage D

Stage D bis of the Nature Trek is an alternative to stage D. This itinerary has the advantage of crossing the beautiful village of Bonneval-sur-Arc, and exploring the authentic hamlet of L’Ecot. From the Fond des Fours refuge, to reach the Fours pass at an altitude of 2,976 metres, you’ll follow the winding Fours stream that flows from the Méan Martin glacier, near the Rocheur pass. At the top, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view over the western side of the Tarentaise peaks and the eastern side of the Haute Maurienne peaks. The descent via the GR5 itinerary takes you around the Lenta gorges, to reach the typical little village of Bonneval-sur-Arc, 730 metres below. At an elevation of 1,850 metres, this is the highest village in France. Its unique and authentic mineral architecture have earned it a well-deserved recognition as one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’ (and listed national heritage feature), not forgetting the authenteic hamlet of L’Ecot, a few kilometres away.

See this stage

Duration: 7 h
Distance: 21 km
Elevation drop/gain: +1537 / -1319
Level of difficulty: Average

©Fountain at the Fond des Fours refuge|Yann ALLEGRE

©Nature trekking in summer with beautiful panorama|Yann ALLEGRE

©Randonnée Treck Nature - Hikers|Moussfilms Productions

Rando Treck Nature summer — ©Rando Treck Nature in summer with hikers|Yann ALLEGRE

The adventure continues to the Carro refuge

Finally, once past L’Ecot, you’ll climb via a balcony trail. Along the way you’ll come across an abundance of marmots and ungulates, as well as the impressive Montet waterfall. Just before you reach the Carro refuge, the grasslands yield to a mineral landscape. Tucked between the Lac Blanc and the Lac Noir (white lake and black lake), the refuge overlooks the glaciers of Albaron.

Tip from the team: Overall, the stage covers a distance of 21 km with an accumulated 1,537 metres of climb and a descent of 1,319 metres. Our team of guides recommends splitting the stage into 2 sections and staying overnight in Bonneval-sur-Arc.