The most beautiful hikes in Savoie will provide you with a superb mountain vacation. In fact, as part of the Alps, the département is the ideal hiking destination in France, offering magnificent scenery and walks for all levels. Here are our 11 favorites!
1. Tour du Mont Blanc (GR® TMB)
- Distance: 165 km
- Difference in altitude: 10,400 m
- Duration: 10 to 15 days
- Itinerary
The TMB, for Tour du Mont Blanc, has to top this list of the best hikes in Savoie. Not only does it set out to conquer Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc, at 4,810 m, but it is also a mythical GR, a long-distance hiking trail that takes several days to complete. In fact, as well as crossing Savoie, the GR® TMB also passes through Italy and Switzerland on its way around Mont Blanc. Of course, because of its length and cumulative altitude difference, this hike is particularly challenging. There are plenty of places to stay or bivouac along the way.
2. La Croix du Nivolet via le Sire
- Distance: 6.3 km
- Difference in altitude : 250 m
- Time : 2 h 30
- Itinerary
The Croix du Nivolet is a metal cross on the summit of the same name in the Bauges massif, overlooking Chambéry from an altitude of 1,550 m. Despite this height, the hike to reach it is easy, and can even be done with the whole family. So you can try it even if you're a beginner, provided you've got good shoes, as the path is pretty muddy, especially after rainy weather. You can easily find good second-hand hiking boots in the region, at one of the equipment fairs or flea markets. The start is at the Sire parking lot, which unfortunately has to be reached by car rather than by soft mobility.
3. Col de la Vanoise
- Distance: 12 km
- Ascent: 880 m
- Time : 4 hrs
- Itinerary
The Vanoise National Park offers some of the finest hiking in Savoie. On this challenging hike, which climbs a lot, you'll be able to admire high-mountain landscapes, and you're sure to come across some marmots! Ideally, start early to take advantage of the morning freshness, but also to avoid the crowds, as this trail can be particularly busy in summer. To limit the pressure of these crowds on these superb natural landscapes, be sure to adopt eco-responsible gestures, such as bringing a bag to collect your garbage.
4. The waterfalls of the Saint-Même cirque
- Distance: 2.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 220 m
- Duration : 1 h 15
- Itinerary
This is a great hike to do in Savoie, with a medium level of difficulty, which allows you to explore the magnificent mountain scenery of this beautiful nature destination. Although it's a short hike, it's quite steep! This hike is particularly recommended in summer, as you'll be following the course of a torrent, which cools the air nicely. You'll then arrive at the superb waterfalls of the cirque de Saint-Même at an altitude of 900 m. To be precise, there are 4 cascades, dominated by a sheer cliff 500 m high. A typical Savoyard landscape that's perfect for the whole family!
5. Lac des Fées by the Saint-Guérin dam
- Distance: 8 km
- Difference in altitude: 400 m
- Duration : 3 hrs
- Itinerary
In the heart of the Beaufortain massif lies one of the most beautiful hikes in Savoie. Because of its steepness over a short distance, it is considered a medium-level hike. It starts at the Barrage de Saint-Guérin, a superb mountain structure at over 1,500 m altitude. You then climb up to Lac des Fées, a superb mountain lake at an altitude of almost 1,896 m. But be warned: you won't be the only one to enjoy these superb landscapes, and the trail can be quite busy in summer, so it's far from being an off-the-beaten-track destination.
6. The summit of the Dent du Chat
- Distance: 7 km
- Difference in altitude: 750 m
- Time : 4 h 30
- Itinerary
Starting from the Col du Chat, this challenging hike takes you up to the summit of the Dent du Chat. The slopes are particularly steep! But these efforts will give you access to some of the best views of any hike in Savoie. Some sections at the top of the ridges can even be vertiginous. In fact, at the end of the route, you'll even have to climb some cliffside ladders. In these unspoilt landscapes, remember to take simple steps to protect the environment.
7. The Aiguille Percée from Lac de Tignes
- Distance: 7.5 km
- Height difference: 640 m
- Duration : 3 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
In the heart of the Vanoise National Park, this hike starts from the ski resort of Tignes, more precisely at Lac de Tignes. You'll then climb to the summit of the Aiguille Percée, on a difficult trail due to its steep gradient. At 2,278 m, this mountain owes its name to the presence of a natural arch. From up there, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mont Blanc!
8. Lac Blanc from the Grand Balcon Sud
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 585 m
- Duration : 4 h
- Itinerary
This hike is part of another protected area, the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, so visitors are asked to take particular care to protect the environment. After a challenging hike, you'll reach Lac Blanc, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. This glacial lake, at an altitude of 2,350 m, offers prime views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, particularly Mont Blanc. Note, however, that this is not an off-the-beaten-track destination, as this hike is quite popular in summer.
9. Bois de Laye
- Distance: 7.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 370 m
- Time : 3 hrs
- Itinerary
This hike in Savoie starts at the Tignes ski resort, which you can reach by bus or hitchhiking from nearby villages, before forming a loop in the forest. The trail is mostly shaded, which is perfect for hot weather. Along the way, you can admire the Gouille de Salin, a pretty little lake with turquoise waters, as well as a number of waterfalls. In short, this medium-level hike promises superb scenery, without too much effort.
10. Lac du Saut and Lac de la Sassière
- Distance: 7 km
- Difference in altitude: 200 m
- Duration : 2 h
- Itinerary
Here's a hike to do in Savoie that doesn 't require too much effort: just 200 m of ascent to link two superb mountain lakes on this loop itinerary. Start at Lac du Saut and climb to Lac de la Sassière, at 2,460 m.
11. Lac du Grand Méan via Roc des Pareis
- Distance: 13.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 1,025
- Time : 6 h
- Itinerary
Warning: this is a very difficult hike, as it includes more than a kilometer of positive ascent! But it's well worth the effort: you'll hike through sublime mid-mountain landscapes until you reach the glacial lake of Grand Méan. On the way, you're likely to come across marmots and ibex, so don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars. Ideally, set off early in the morning, so you have plenty of time to enjoy this superb route.
For more mountain hikes, take a look at our articles on the most beautiful hikes in the Alps, Pyrenees and Auvergne.
