6 lakeside hikes to do in Val d’Isère

This beautiful itinerary takes you peacefully along the banks of the Isère to the spectacular gorges of La Daille. The flat, well-maintained path offers a pleasant walk, but is not recommended for walkers with a fear of heights, as certain sections are rather exposed. The climb then continues in the cool shade of woodland, up to the top where you’ll find a picnic table, a viewpoint finder and an uninterrupted view of Mont Blanc. This is the ideal spot to take a break and enjoy the panorama. You’ll then cross mountain pastures and the picturesque, unspoilt wilderness of the lost valley, on your way back to the hamlet of La Daille where this beautiful loop itinerary ends. Starting point: hamlet of La Daille at the entrance to Val d’Isère.

At the source of the river Isère, this lovely hike in the Vanoise region has everything you could hope for: a wealth of fauna and flora, summits you can almost touch and the glacier of the Isère sources. Look carefully as you walk, as it isn’t rare to see ibex, charmois and marmots here. This physically challenging hike starts by following the Malpasset gorges and offers the option of stopping after 6 km at the Prariond Refuge (330 metre elevation gain). When you reach the pass, Col de la Lose, you’ll be rewarded with a sublime view over Serrù Lake in Italy. Starting point: Saint Charles Bridge

The short climb and magnificent panoramic view make this the ideal itinerary when time is short or the weather uncertain, as you have the choice of including one, two or three summits. During this pleasant hike you may come across chamois or marmots and you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the main Vanoise peaks: Grande Motte, Grande Casse, Dôme de Chasseforêt, Dent Parachée and Méan Martin from one side of the mountain, and Charbonnel, Albaron and Grande Chiamarella from the other. All against the majestic backdrop of Mont Blanc. You can also stop for the night and some great food at the Fond des Fours Refuge situated midway along the itinerary. The itinerary starts at the Pont des Neiges car park, just before the top of the Val d’Isère side of the Iseran Pass (2530 m). The highest point, at 3,074 metres, reveals breathtaking scenery. Another possible starting point is Le Manchet.   NB: Take a good-quality windproof jacket as you’ll be walking at elevations of 2,500 to 3,000 metres!

If it’s a gentle walk you’re looking for, with the ideal picnic spot, then head for Ouillette Lake at the top of Solaise. You can reach it in just a few minutes by taking the gondola lift. There you’ll enjoy a lakeside walk with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. If you haven’t brought a packed lunch, simply take a seat on the sunny terrace of the restaurant La Plage de l’Ouillette and treat yourself to a delicious meal of grilled food. Ouillette Lake is also a popular spot among fishing enthusiasts.