Tour du Vanoise
A spectacular GR de Pays circuit around the Vanoise National Park in the French Alps, passing glaciers, high mountain passes, and chamois and ibex habitats.
Route overview
The Tour du Vanoise is a GR de Pays long-distance trail of approximately 150 kilometres that circuits the Vanoise National Park, France's oldest national park, in the Savoie department of the French Alps. The route is a classic alpine circuit, passing through high mountain passes, glacier viewpoints, and the habitats of chamois, ibex, and golden eagles. The trail typically starts and finishes at Modane or Termignon and can be walked in either direction. It passes through the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, crossing several cols above 2,500 metres including the Col de la Vanoise and the Col du Palet. The route uses a network of mountain refuges operated by the French Alpine Club and private gîtes. The landscape is dominated by the Grande Casse, the highest peak in the Vanoise at 3,855 metres, and the glaciers of the Pralognan sector. The trail offers some of the most accessible high-alpine walking in France, with good waymarking and a well-established refuge system.
Trail facts
- Country
- France
- Region
- French Alps
- Distance
- c. 150 km
- Typical duration
- 6–8 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- c. 8,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- June–September
- Trail type
- Alpine circuit
Safety context
High passes are exposed to alpine weather including snow in summer. Glacier moraine is unstable — keep to the marked path. Lightning risk on exposed ridges in afternoon thunderstorms.
Some refuge sections require advance booking in July and August. The circuit includes several long days with significant ascent. Some road walking connects the mountain sectors.
Highlights
Modane and the Maurienne valley Col de la Vanoise glacier views Lac des Vaches and Lac de l'Eychauda Pralognan mountain village Grand Bec and Grande Casse views Termignon and the Tarentaise valley Refuge du Col du Palet Chamois and ibex sightings
Why find a buddy
A demanding alpine circuit with high passes and refuge-to-refuge walking — sharing the challenge and the glacier views with a partner makes this a memorable alpine experience.
Primary source
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Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.