©Randonnee Vallee Du Manchet Esther Vittot 10.08 38 Ok|Esther Vittot

Hiking

Take the time to get back to basics, following our mountain trails through a fascinating natural environment of forests, plains and peaks. From family walks around Ouillette lake to all-day hikes to the summits with a mountain guide, listen to your instincts and take your pick. You’ll enjoy a unique experience, at one with nature, sharing the simple pleasures in life. Here, every road leads not to Rome but to your inner self and a sense of fulfilment. Read on to see our selection of recommended walking and hiking routes, as well as must-see places where you can stop for a break along the way!

Pedestrian map

Our Walks to the summits

Admire the view from the top!

Solaise
Bellevarde
Free lifts
Pedestrian map

Gentle walk on the banks of Ouillette lake

Looking for a peaceful walk – perfect for a picnic? Head to Lake Ouillette, perched over 2500m high on the Solaise summit! You can reach it by car via the Iseran pass or by taking the Solaise gondola.

Set off for a relaxing stroll along the water, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Around the lake, children can enjoy the dedicated play area. Didn’t bring lunch? The mountain restaurant, La Plage de l’Ouillette, will welcome you on site. Lake Ouillette is also a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Allow around 45 minutes to walk around the lake (2.4 km).

©Sunset at Lake Ouillette with dog|Violette Staehle

Pique-Nique / Apéro / Rando au lac de l'ouillette canicule Hike at the Ouillette Lake — ©Pique-Nique / Apéro / Rando au lac de l'ouillette; canicule Hike at the Ouillette Lake|Corentin Valençot

From Ouillette Lake to the Manchet Valley

Escape along the trail linking Lake Ouillette to the Manchet valley, allowing around 1h40 of walking for 6.8 km and 615 m of downhill elevation. Accessible via the Solaise gondola, this family-friendly route leads down into the Manchet valley via the Arsellaz farm – the perfect place for a gourmet break. Please note, the trail is sometimes steep and is not recommended for young children.

On arrival, children can enjoy the Manchet sports park and all its activities. And to end your hike on a relaxing note, settle down on the sunny terrace of the L’Art des Mets restaurant.

The return to the village from the Manchet valley can be done either on foot (about 20 minutes) or with the free shuttle (yellow bus).

Le Rocher de Bellevarde

From the top of the Olympique cable car, you can walk to the top of the Rocher de Bellevarde for a panoramic view that’ll take your breath away. The ascent will take you about 30 minutes.

©Panoramic view from the top of Bellevarde|Yann ALLEGRE

Free lifts

Access the trails easily with free lifts! You can use the free lifts to reach your starting point easily and begin your hiking adventure close to the summits. Here are a few points to bear in mind:

Accessibility: thanks to the lifts, these walks are accessible to all, including families with children and people with mobility issues.
Spectacular scenery: starting your hike from the top offers immediate access to breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Variety of routes: trails vary in length and difficulty, from easy, family-friendly strolls to more demanding hikes for experienced walkers.
Safety: using the lifts helps reduce fatigue and avoid the risks of a steep climb, letting you enjoy your walk in comfort and safety.

Check opening times

©Solaise gondola lift in summer at Val d'Isère|Yann ALLEGRE

Gondola; solaise; summer; ride — ©Valdisere 00031189|Yann ALLEGRE

Mountain guides

A mountain guide will help you discover the natural and cultural heritage of the surrounding alpine environment. Below is a list of guides available directly in Val d’Isère.

Guided Hiking Tour - Evolution 2

Come and discover our outdoor activities! Whether you're an adventurer or just looking for an outdoor activity, you've come to the right place.

Pascal Bertrès

Discover Pascal's hikes in Val d'Isère! Explore the trails of Val d'Isère and the Vanoise Park or hike with donkeys for a unique experience.

Montagne Experiences

Mountain Experiences, summer version of the ESF Val d'Isère, invites you to discover Val d'Isère and its surroundings with our mountain guides.

High mountain guides

The high mountain guides of Val d’Isère invite you to explore our stunning landscapes through a range of activities: classic hiking, glacier trekking, rock climbing, via ferrata, canyoning, and more.

Bureau des Guides de Val d'Isère

Since 1971, the high mountain guides of Val-d'Isère have been sharing their passion for the mountains, emphasizing safety and conviviality.

Our walks Around the village

At Fornet, in the Manchet Valley, at La Daille, or on the 7 Chapels circuit, choose your area!

Fornet
Manchet Valley
La Daille
Sentier Balcon
The 7 chapels
Pedestrian map

©A marmot at Le Fornet in summer|Yann ALLEGRE

©Chalets au Fornet and logs in the foreground|Yann ALLEGRE

©Le Fornet, a house hidden in greenery and a small stream|Val d'Isère Tourisme

Exploring Le Fornet a traditional alpine hamlet

Gourmet walk: from the village of Le Fornet or the St-Charles bridge, count on a 15–20 minute walk to reach Le Boui-Boui, a cosy mountain bistro nestled in the forest. Enjoy homemade cuisine cooked over a wood fire, served daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Fornet waterfall walk: ff you have 30 minutes to spare, follow the Iseran stream descending from the col to a stunning waterfall—a detour well worth taking. Enjoy the breathtaking view and a moment to read and reflect, if you’re not too distracted by the sound of rushing water.

Walk from Fornet to St‑Charles bridges: from the hamlet of Le Fornet, head toward the Col de l’Iseran until you reach the St‑Charles bridge. This 1 h 45 walk, covering approximately **5 km with 210 m of elevation gain**, leads to a beautiful viewpoint over the surrounding mountains. Don’t be surprised if you spot ibex or marmots along the way!

Walk from Fornet through the meadows: starting from the village centre, this scenic walk of about 5.5 km, with 77 m of elevation gain, takes approximately 50 minutes along the Isère river. You’ll pass through the charming hamlet of Le Laisinant before crossing meadows with cows and horses. Enjoy the mountain views as you follow the water until you return to the picturesque hamlet of Le Fornet. A highlight: stop at the old bridge above the Isère gorges for a magical moment.

Unspoilt beauty of the Manchet Valley

The Manchet Valley is one of the must-sees of Val d’Isère and an ideal place for family walks.

Don’t forget to stop for a break at L’Art Des Mets, a restaurant deep in the valley, or take a quick dip in the swimming pool at the Relais.

You can continue your walk to the end of the valley, passing by a small ruined hamlet made up of six chalets and a chapel. Climb a little further to enjoy the panoramic view and a waterfall.

Foodie walk
La Ferme de l’Arsellaz is a lovely daytime stop… but those in the know will tell you the real magic happens in the evening. From the end of the Manchet valley, it’s a 30-minute walk—by moonlight or headlamp—to reach this alpine chalet. Up there, Marie-Pierre and her family serve a hearty braserade, the traditional hot-stone grill of the Tarentaise high pastures, followed by a divine blueberry tart for dessert.

©Vallee Du Manchet walk Esther Vittot 10.08 22|Esther Vittot

©Entrance to a chapel at La Daille with two walkers|Yann ALLEGRE

©Les Sources Violette Staehle 03.08 3|Val d'Isère Tourisme

©Hameau Du Cret En Ete|Val d'Isère Tourisme

La Daille Between springs and forest

Les sources walk
On the left bank of the Isère, between Le Crêt and La Daille, numerous natural springs emerge among meadows and larch trees. It’s a peaceful spot—perfect for wandering, reading a book, or simply enjoying the quiet, without needing to climb into the mountains.

La Daille loop
Starting from either Le Crêt or La Daille, this 3 km family-friendly loop (about 50 minutes) runs along the Isère before crossing fields at the foot of the Picheru slope. It’s an ideal walk for reconnecting with nature—for kids and adults alike—with playful little bridges and streams along the way. And to keep the energy going, head to the La Daille plain, where you’ll find a fitness trail and a pumptrack: the perfect playground to let off steam after your walk.

Sentier Balcon Our favourite hike

Stunning panoramic views over Val d’Isère, Solaise and Bellevarde.

From the Tourist Office square, gain a bit of elevation to reach the balcony path that runs along the mountainside. This 1h30 walk, approximately 5.4 km long with 250 m of elevation gain, offers breathtaking views over the village and the resort’s iconic peaks.
A moderate effort quickly rewarded — but caution: some exposed sections make this walk unsuitable for those with a fear of heights.
You can also start from the hamlet of Le Crêt, La Daille or Le Fornet.

©Le Sentier Des Balcons Maxime Bouclier Juillet 2024 39 Bd

©Le Sentier Des Balcons Maxime Bouclier Juillet 2024 21 Bd

©Le Sentier Des Balcons Maxime Bouclier Juillet 2024 23 Bd

Topoguide Hiking in Val d’Isère

Discover 14 diverse hikes, ranging from easy family walks to more challenging alpine treks, all located around Val d’Isère. These routes offer the perfect opportunity to escape among majestic alpine peaks and explore stunning trails through the heart of the Vanoise National Park.

The proposed hikes cater to all skill levels, allowing everyone to find an adventure suited to their abilities and preferences. Whether you are a beginner looking for a peaceful family walk or an experienced hiker in search of more demanding challenges, this guide has something for you.

It comes in the form of a practical booklet, accompanied by a large detachable map measuring 56 x 62 cm — ideal for planning your excursions in the field!

©Topo guide to summer hiking in Val d'Isère|Esther Vittot

©Nature trekking in summer with beautiful panorama|Yann ALLEGRE

©Randonnée Treck Nature - Hikers|Moussfilms Productions

Rando Treck Nature summer — ©Rando Treck Nature in summer with hikers|Yann ALLEGRE

Trek Nature Grand Paradis Vanoise

Discover spectacular hiking routes that take you into the Vanoise National Park and the Grand Paradis National Park which straddles the border between France and Italy! Unguided or in the company of a mountain guide, you’ll take 5 to 6 days, on average, to complete this 116-km loop itinerary between the French and Italian Alps. Get ready to enjoy superb scenery as you cross the national parks, panoramic views from the summits, and well-earned rests in the mountain refuges.

Trek Nature website

Equipment rental

Find all the gear you need for your nature hikes, without having to fork out for expensive equipment. Whether you’re an occasional hiker or looking to equip the whole family for a mountain adventure, our partners have comfortable, high-quality footwear offering maximum safety for adults and children. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with them directly to enquire about rental options.

Things to do in Val d'Isère in summer

Check out a whole host of summer activities in the heart of the Alps. There’s something to suit every age and preference!