Multi-Day Hikes

Here, you'll find suggestions for itineraries starting from the refuge, including all practical information. On the programme:

      1. The Vallaisonnay Tour: Explore at vanoisrando.fr

      2. Crossings to Nearby Refuges

      3. Try Something New... Hike with a Donkey!

1. The Vallaisonnay Tour

The Refuge de Plaisance is a must-stop along the Vallaisonnay Tour. This untamed yet well-marked route will take you through the heart of the Vanoise National Park, showcasing its wonders. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the warm hospitality of cozy, human-scale refuges. With around ten refuges scattered along the trail, tailor your trek to suit your desires! Venture out for a weekend or several days, whether solo, with friends, or with family.

The services provided by the refuges, such as meals, packed lunches, bedding, and even lounge chairs, allow you to hike light. This is what makes mountain trekking so special.

Find out more at:  https://www.vanoiserando.fr/

         Example Itineraries for the Vallaisonnay Tour

☛ For Sporty Trekkers: A 3-Day Circuit starting from Rosuel

Escape for the weekend!

• Day 1: Refuge-porte de Rosuel → Refuge du Col du Palet
  • Hiking Time: 5h
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Ascent: +1000 m
  • Descent: -10 m
• Day 2: Refuge du Col du Palet → Refuge de Plaisance
  • Hiking Time: 5h
  • Distance: 13 km
  • Ascent: +700 m
  • Descent: -1080 m
• Day 3: Refuge de Plaisance → Return to Rosuel
  • Hiking Time: 4h30
  • Distance: 12 km
  • Ascent: +450 m
  • Descent: -1100 m
     

☛ For Beginners: An Easy 3-Day Tour Starting from Champagny

A 3-day trek into the heart of Vanoise, ideal for beginners or those new to multi-day hiking.

• Day 1: Parking at Laisonnay → Refuge de Plaisance
  • Hiking Time: 2h
  • Distance: 3 km
  • Ascent: +600 m
  • Descent: 0 m
• Day 2: Refuge de Plaisance → Refuge du Col du Palet
  • Hiking Time: 4h
  • Distance: 9 km
  • Ascent: +720 m
  • Descent: -350 m

• Day 3: Refuge du Col du Palet → Return to Laisonnay Parking

  • Hiking Time: 3h30
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Ascent: +100 m
  • Descent: -1100 m

  Optional: Stay at Refuge de la Glière (1-hour walk before Laisonnay) for extra relaxation time in the beautiful valley!

☛ For Families: A 5-Day Tour from Champagny

Take your time exploring the Vallaisonnay Tour with family, savoring the warm ambiance of the refuges.

• Day 1: Parking at Laisonnay → Refuge de Plaisance
  • Hiking Time: 2h
  • Distance: 3 km
  • Ascent: +600 m
  • Descent: 0 m
• Day 2: Refuge de Plaisance → Refuge d’Entre-le-Lac
  • Hiking Time: 2h30
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Ascent: +450 m
  • Descent: -450 m
• Day 3: Refuge d’Entre-le-Lac → Refuge du Col du Palet
  • Hiking Time: 2h
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Ascent: +420 m
  • Descent: 0 m
• Day 4: Refuge du Col du Palet → Refuge de la Glière
  • Hiking Time: 2h30
  • Distance: 6.5 km
  • Ascent: +100 m
  • Descent: -660 m
• Day 5: Refuge de la Glière → Return to Laisonnay Parking
  • Hiking Time: 1h30
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Ascent: 0 m
  • Descent: -460 m

☛ The Complete Tour: The Grand 5-Day Circuit Starting from Les Arcs

Are you an experienced hiker with a week to spare? This itinerary combines the Tour de la Vallaisonnay and the Tour du Mont Pourri for a rewarding alpine adventure.

• Day 1: Les Arcs 2000 → Refuge de la Martin (via Refuge de Turia)

  • Hiking Time: 6h30
  • Distance: 15 km
  • Ascent: +1250 m
  • Descent: -1180 m

  Day 2: Refuge de la Martin → Refuge du Col du Palet (via Col de la Sachette)

  • Hiking Time: 6h30
  • Distance: 15 km
  • Ascent: +1220 m
  • Descent: -800 m
  • Option: Shorten the stage by passing through Tignes-le-Lac.

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  Day 3: Refuge du Col du Palet → Refuge de Plaisance (via Refuge de la Glière and Laisonnay du Bas)

  • Hiking Time: 5h
  • Distance: 13 km
  • Ascent: +700 m
  • Descent: -1080 m

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  Day 4: Refuge de Plaisance → Refuge du Mont Pourri (via Col de Plan Séry)

  • Hiking Time: 5h30
  • Distance: 14 km
  • Ascent: +1000 m
  • Descent: -770 m

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  Day 5: Refuge du Mont Pourri → Return to Les Arcs

  • Hiking Time: 2h30
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Ascent: +270 m
  • Descent: -500 m

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  Embark on this epic journey through stunning alpine landscapes, challenging climbs, and welcoming refuges for a truly unforgettable experience.

2. Crossings to Nearby Refuges

◉ Itinerary: Climb to Col de Plan Séry, then begin the descent towards Lac de la Plagne. Turn right onto the balcony trail heading toward Col du Palet / Col de la Grassaz. The trail joins the GR5. Follow the GR5 uphill for a few hundred meters, then take the path towards Chalet des Aimes / Col de la Grassaz. From Col de la Grassaz, follow the trail toward the Plan du Sel alpine pasture until you reach Refuge de la Glière.

3. Hiking with a donkey - a new adventure

Numerous trails are accessible. Two mule services are available to assist you. Contact them for more information:

• Au Baudet Malin: Visit Website
• Ânes en Vanoise: Visit Website

☛ Important: The ascent or descent between the refuge and the valley can be challenging. Be sure to inquire with the mule handlers and carefully follow the safety instructions they provide.

Do you want to change the way you travel? Are you looking to hike light? Would you like to add a fun and unique twist to your family hike?

Donkeys will be there to accompany you during your vacation! These friendly companions will lighten your load, making your hike more enjoyable. For some of you, it may fulfill a long-standing dream, while others will discover the diverse joys of hiking. It’s also a great opportunity for children, big and small, to care for a donkey and put their best foot forward on the trail.