Spending a night in a mountain refuge is a unique opportunity to recharge, enjoy time with family, as a couple, or with friends, meet new people, take in the beauty and serenity of the surroundings, or simply relax on the terrace for an afternoon of leisure or board games. The refuge also serves as the perfect base camp for wonderful hikes. Are your hiking boots calling? Here are some suggested hikes starting from the refuge:

 

1. Cul du Nant Walk

A short and easy walk from the refuge, this trail takes you to the stunning and fragile Cul du Nant cirque, a wild and beautiful area.

Trail Directions:
From the refuge, take the path heading north. Pass the footbridge crossing the Py stream on your right and continue deeper into the valley. Follow the winding stream through the magnificent landscape. You'll come across the Plaisance stream, which deposits white gypsum formations along its course. The trail ends at the base of the Cul du Nant cirque, and you’ll return along the same path.

Note: The environment you traverse during this walk is a fragile wetland. Be mindful of the flora, and avoid disturbing local wildlife. The area is a favored spot for ibex, a protected species that needs to feed undisturbed to prepare for the harsh winter ahead. To protect them, observe from a distance!

 

 

 

  • Distance: 3 km round trip
     
  • Elevation Gain: 125 m
     
  • Starting Altitude: 2170 m
     
  • Ending Altitude: 2300 m
     
  • Max Altitude: 2300 m
     
  • Walking Time: 1 hour
     
  • Difficulty: Very easy
  • Distance: 6 km round trip from the refuge
     
  • Elevation Gain: 440 m
     
  • Starting Altitude: 2170 m
     
  • Ending Altitude: 2609 m
     
  • Max Altitude: 2609 m
     
  • Walking Time: 2h30 round trip
     
  • Difficulty: Fairly easy

2. Hike to Plan Séry PASS

This easy out-and-back hike is accessible directly from the refuge. Explore the beautiful surroundings during your stay! 

The Col de Plan Séry is easily reached from the Refuge de Plaisance. This hike offers a spectacular view of the glacial peaks of Mont Pourri and the Dôme de la Sache. Towering above you is the Grand Tuf de Plan Séry, an impressive ochre-colored cargneule formation.

 

Trail Directions:
The trail starts behind the refuge, heading northeast. It crosses the Py stream and ascends toward the pass. After climbing above a rocky ledge, the trail enters the core zone of the Vanoise National Park. You’ll then traverse a flat stretch of lush alpine meadows to reach the Col de Plan Séry. Return by the same route.

 

Important Note: This trail enters the core zone of the Vanoise National Park (PNV), a protected and regulated area. Dogs, even on a leash, and mountain bikes are strictly prohibited. For more details on park regulations, visit the PNV website: Vanoise National Park Regulations.

 

 

 

3. la Plagne lake and Entre-le-Lac mountain hut

This out-and-back hike leads to the scenic valley of Lac de la Plagne. 

After 2.5 hours of walking, you’ll arrive at our neighbors: the Refuge d’Entre-le-Lac, located on the shores of Lac de la Plagne. Take the opportunity to enjoy a delicious break on their terrace or spend the night there!

 

Trail Directions:
The trail begins behind the refuge and ascends toward the Col de Plan Séry (see section above: “Hike to Col de Plan Séry”). Once past the rocky ledge, the trail crosses an expanse of damp alpine meadows to reach the Col de Plan Séry. From the col, follow the trail toward Lac de la Plagne / Refuge d’Entre-le-Lac. Return via the same route.

 

 

  • Distance: 13 km round trip
     
  • Total Elevation Gain: 900 m
     
  • Starting Altitude: 2170 m
     
  • Ending Altitude: 2150 m
     
  • Max Altitude: 2609 m
     
  • Hiking Time: 4h30–5h round trip
     
  • Difficulty: Moderate to easy
  • Distance: 20 km
     
  • Total Elevation Gain: 950 m
     
  • Total Elevation Loss: 1550 m
     
  • Starting Elevation: 2170 m
     
  • Ending Elevation: 1560 m
     
  • Maximum Elevation: 2637 m
     
  • Hiking Time: Approximately 6h30
     
  • Difficulty: Difficult (for experienced hikers or trail runners)

4. Return to Laisonnay d’en Bas via the Col de la Grassaz

For experienced hikers or trail runners, this wild itinerary above 2200 m offers breathtaking panoramas!

This route takes you to the parking lot at Laisonnay d’en Bas by skirting the Pointe de la Vallaisonnay from the east and passing through the magnificent Col de la Grassaz.

Trail Directions:
From behind the refuge, follow the trail to the Col de Plan Séry (see section bellow: “Hike to Col de Plan Séry”). From the col, descend toward Refuge d’Entre-le-Lac / Refuge du Col du Palet. At the intersection, take the right-hand trail east toward Refuge du Col du Palet. Join the GR5 trail for about 500 m, then head toward Chalet des Aimes and Col de la Grassaz. From the Col, descend to the Refuge de la Glière. After a well-deserved break on their terrace, continue to the parking lot at Laisonnay d’en Bas.

 

 

5. Return to Laisonnay via Pointe des Chardes and Chalets du Lécheron

Warnings:
This hike partially follows unmarked trails. It is challenging and requires good physical fitness and autonomy on mountainous terrain. Avoid this route in foggy or bad weather. When hiking in the mountains, you are responsible for your safety. Consider hiring a mountain professional if necessary. Check with the refuge staff about potential snow conditions.

 

Trail Directions:
From the refuge, take the path toward the Cul du Nant, heading north along the right bank of the Py stream. The trail climbs westward into Creux de la Laisille, shaped by the Plaisance stream, reaching a sloping plateau often snow-covered early in the season. From here, ascend west/southwest toward Golet de la Vallaisonnay (2796 m), crossing steep sections before reaching the pass. 

Descent: Descend southwest toward a small unnamed lake. There is no clear signage or cairns—navigate using a map. Continue to Froide Fontaine. From here, the trail to the Chalets du Lécheron crosses steep, slippery slopes in wet weather. Afterward, an easy trail descends to the valley, ending at the road between Refuge du Bois and Friburge hamlet.

  • Distance: 11 km round trip
     
  • Total Elevation Gain: 720 m
     
  • Total Elevation Loss: 1310 m
     
  • Starting Altitude: 2170 m
     
  • Ending Altitude: 1560 m
     
  • Max Altitude: 2796 m
     
  • Hiking Time: ~4h30
     
  • Difficulty: Very difficult (for experienced hikers)

Descent: Descend southwest toward a small unnamed lake. There is no clear signage or cairns—navigate using a map. Continue to Froide Fontaine. From here, the trail to the Chalets du Lécheron crosses steep, slippery slopes in wet weather. Afterward, an easy trail descends to the valley, ending at the road between Refuge du Bois and Friburge hamlet.

You can also return via the same route. 

  • Distance: 6 km round trip
     
  • Total Elevation Gain: 850 m
     
  • Total Elevation Loss: 850 m (1450 m total if returning to the Laisonnay parking lot)
     
  • Starting Altitude: 2170 m
     
  • Ending Altitude: 3020 m
     
  • Max Altitude: 3020 m
     
  • Hiking Time: 6h30
     
  • Difficulty: Very difficult (for experienced hikers)

6. POINTE DE LA VALlAISONNAY

Round trip from Plaisance mountain hut.

Warnings:
Partially unmarked route—requires excellent fitness and mountain navigation skills. Avoid in bad weather or fog. You are responsible for your safety; seek a guide if unsure. Check snow conditions with the refuge staff.

Trail Directions:
From behind the refuge, follow the trail to Col de Plan Séry (2609 m). Beyond the col, navigate off-trail via Traverse des Aimes. Head south toward the large scree field below Tuf de la Grassaz, crossing northward to find cairns marking a faint path leading to Col de la Traverse des Aimes. From here, climb the ridge to Pointe de la Vallaisonnay (3020 m). The final ridge is exposed, so you can stop at the sub-peak (3003 m).

Descent Options:
Return via the same route or descend via Col de Roche Noire (off-trail route).