Can I start the Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek from Val d’Isère?

Yes. Val d’Isère is one of the main gateways to the Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek. If you would like to complete the entire trek, you can begin with Stage D or Stage D bis and finish with Stage C.

What level of fitness and experience is required for the Nature Trek?

The Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek offers routes for a range of abilities. Some stages are suitable for confident walkers, while the glacier variants are intended for experienced hikers with good mountain skills. From Val d’Isère, several routes allow you to experience the spirit of the trek without completing the full itinerary.

When is the best time to hike in Vanoise?

The best time to hike the Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek is generally from late June to early September, when the mountain passes are clear of snow and the refuges are open. Around Val d’Isère, summer offers ideal hiking conditions, making it the perfect time to explore the Prariond, Manchet and Fond des Fours valleys.

Can I complete the Nature Trek independently?

Experienced hikers can plan their route using the website, the official Trek Nature app, the webcams along the trail and the waymarked paths. For the more technical sections, particularly the Glacier Route, it is recommended to be accompanied by a qualified mountain guide. The Val d’Isère Mountain Guides Office can provide advice and help you choose the route best suited to your plans.

The Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek

Starting from Val d’Isère, set off on one of the finest long-distance hikes in the Alps. Crossing the border between France and Italy, the Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek takes you through two exceptional national parks and links historic mountain villages along the way. Covering more than 116 km of mountain trails, this unforgettable adventure leads you through unspoilt landscapes of alpine meadows, glaciers, high-altitude mountain huts and remarkable wildlife. Whether you choose the Classic Route, the Glacier Route or just a few stages, the Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek offers a unique immersion in the vast Alpine wilderness and the authentic mountain way of life.

Check out the full itinerary

An adventure between France and Italy through the heart of two National Parks

Dreaming of a multi-day hike through the Alps, combining vast mountain landscapes, high-altitude huts, authentic villages and breathtaking scenery?

The Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek is a unique 116 km adventure linking France and Italy through two exceptional protected areas:Vanoise National Park and Gran Paradiso National Park.

Completed in 5 to 6 days, this long-distance trek takes you through unspoilt landscapes, wild valleys and five iconic Alpine villages: Val d’Isère, Bonneval-sur-Arc, Valsavarenche, Rhêmes-Notre-Dame and Ceresole Reale. It is ideal for both long-distance hiking enthusiasts and experienced mountain walkers, with an optional glacier route for those seeking a more challenging high-mountain adventure.

Explore the route

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Rando Treck Nature in summer with hikers
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Yann ALLEGRE

116 kilometres

2 routes

5-6 days

2 countries

5 mountain villages

2 National Parks

Stages of the Nature Trek through Val d'Isère

Stage C From Prariond refuge to Fond des Fours refuge via Val d'Isère

The stage linking Prariond refuge to Fond des Fours refuget is one of the most accessible sections of the Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek. It is Stage C of the Classic Route.

From the Prariond valley, the scenery alternates between mountain streams, waterfalls and wide-open alpine landscapes. Fully renovated, Prariond refuge is an ideal starting point for spotting wildlife at sunrise or sunset.

Descending towards Val d’Isère, the dramatic Malpasset gorge and its waterfall provide a spectacular stop along the way. The route then passes through the historic village of Val d’Isère, renowned for its mountain heritage, traditional streets and distinctive stone-slab roofs.

The trail then climbs through the Manchet valley towards the entrance to Vanoise National Park. A gourmet stop at L’Arsellaz farm (2,131 m) offers the chance to sample local produce before continuing to Fond des Fours refuge. Nestled in a lush valley beneath the Méan Martin glacier, the refuge provides an exceptional setting for an overnight stay in the mountains.

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Val d'Isère village center with church in summer
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Yann ALLEGRE

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Le Fornet and the waterfall
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Yann ALLEGRE

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Refuge du Prariond in summer
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Yann ALLEGRE

Time: 5 hours
Distance: 15.4 km
Elevation gain/loss: +829 m / -691 m
Difficulty: Moderate

Explore Stage C in detail

Satge D bis From the Fond des Fours refuge to the Carro refuge via Bonneval-sur-Arc

Stage D bis is the alternative version of Stage D. This route has the advantage of passing through the beautiful village of Bonneval-sur-Arc and the authentic hamlet of L’Écot.

From Fond des Fours refuge, the trail climbs steadily towards the Col des Fours at 2,976 metres above sea level. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged, revealing spectacular panoramic views over the Tarentaise and Haute Maurienne mountain ranges.

The descent then leads to Bonneval-sur-Arc, officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). Set at an altitude of 1,850 metres, this remarkable village is renowned for its traditional stone architecture, preserved streets and timeless atmosphere. A few kilometres further on, the hamlet of L’Écot appears almost frozen in time beneath the surrounding peaks.

The hike continues along a scenic balcony trail towards Carro refuge. Marmots are frequently spotted along this section, while the impressive Montet Waterfall accompanies walkers before reaching the refuge. Overlooking both Lac Blanc and Lac Noir, Carro Mountain Hut enjoys outstanding views of the Albaron glacier massif.

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Fountain at the Fond des Fours refuge
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Yann ALLEGRE

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Randonnée Treck Nature - Hikers
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Moussfilms Productions

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21 ️yann Allegre Ete 2023 Val Disere 25
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Yann ALLEGRE

Time: 7 hours
Distance: 21 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1,537 m / -1,319 m
Difficulty : Moderate

Explore Stage D bis in detail

Why choose the Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek?

Long before today’s borders existed, the valleys of Gran Paradiso and Vanoise thrived on exchanges between the communities living on either side of the Alps. Today, the Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek follows the ancient paths once used by travelling merchants, traders, soldiers and explorers who connected these mountain regions. This shared heritage gives the route a truly unique character.

More than just a long-distance hike through the Alps, the Nature Trek offers an immersive journey through a living landscape shaped by people, nature and Alpine traditions.

Unlike some of the Alps’ busiest trekking routes, it provides a quieter, more authentic experience in the heart of unspoilt landscapes stretching across France and Italy.

Each stage reveals a different chapter in Alpine history while offering an unforgettable experience in one of Europe’s finest hiking destinations. Whether you complete the entire Grand Paradis Vanoise Nature Trek or simply explore selected stages from Val d’Isère, this adventure invites you to experience the mountains at walking pace, immersed in nature.