LOCATION - STARTING POINT - ACCESS
Information
- Parking:
Laisonnay-d'en-Bas - Municipality : Champagny-en-Vanoise (Savoie, 73)
- Hiking time:
- Outbound: 1h45 - 2h
- Return: 1h
- Elevation gain:
600 m - Total distance:
7 km round trip - Starting elevation:
1 560 m - Ending elevation:
2 176 m - Map:
IGN TOP25 3532 ET Les Arcs - La Plagne
The Refuge de Plaisance (2,176m) is located in the Vanoise mountain range. This route, situated in the commune of Champagny-en-Vanoise, Savoie, offers the chance to discover some of the wonders of the Vanoise National Park.
By Public Transport:
Trains arrive daily at the SNCF station in Moutiers (book your ticket here). Buses run between Moutiers and Champagny-en-Vanoise (schedule and reservations). To reach the Laisonnay-d'en-Bas parking area in summer, you will need to rely on hitchhiking or a taxi.
By Car:
From Albertville, follow signs toward "Moutiers." In Moutiers, turn toward Bozel, and continue on to Champagny-en-Vanoise. Proceed in the direction of Champagny-le-Haut, drive further along the road, and park at the Laisonnay-d'en-Bas parking area.
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- Regulation: From the refuge onwards, you enter the core zone of the Vanoise National Park, a protected natural area with specific regulations. You are allowed to hike to the refuge with your dog (it is recommended to keep it on a leash at the refuge due to the presence of wild and domestic animals such as chickens and donkeys), but you cannot proceed beyond the refuge with your dog.
ITINERARY
The trail is well-marked and starts between the hamlets of Laisonnay-d'en-Bas and Laisonnay-d'en-Haut. At the beginning, the ascent is quite steep as the trail zigzags along the Py waterfall. You will quickly gain altitude; take a moment to enjoy the stunning views of the Champagny-le-Haut valley and the north face of the Grande Casse!
After passing the waterfall, the trail winds along the Mollard corridor and leads to a grassy plateau. The peaceful Plaisance valley offers a bucolic respite.
In the distance, the Refuge de Plaisance comes into view! A little more effort, and you'll be rewarded with a well-deserved gourmet or refreshing break. From the terrace, take in the breathtaking panorama of the Grand Bec, Bellecôte Massif (3,381m), Pointe des Chardes, and the Cul du Nant glaciers.
For the more adventurous, the trail continues towards the Plan Séry pass.
The return journey follows the same route.
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Refuge du Laisonnay - Hameau du Laisonnay-d'en-haut - départ de la randonnée
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Début de la randonnée - Cascade du Py
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Refuge du Laisonnay - Hameau du Laisonnay-d'en-haut - départ de la randonnée
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Début de la randonnée - Cascade du Py
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ACCess from nearby refuges
For information on multi-day hikes, find all the practical details on the "Multi-Day Hikes" page: hiking times, elevation gains, distances, itinerary suggestions, and more. You can also contact us by phone for further information!
☛ Visit the "Multi-Day Hikes" page by clicking HERE.