We've selected the most beautiful hikes in the Beaufortain Massif. Although the region's rugged terrain is best suited to challenging, sporty hikes, we've also unearthed a number of medium-level hikes, some of which are even suitable for families. All of them have one thing in common: they offer panoramic views over sublime mountain landscapes.
1. Lac de Saint-Guérin
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 92 m
- Duration: 1 h
- Itinerary
The trail to Lac de Saint-Guérin is not only one of the most beautiful hikes in the Beaufortain massif, it's also one of the easiest! It's perfect for beginners or family outings, and could be counted among the most beautiful hikes in the Alps. And yet, this itinerary is still very generous in terms of panoramic views, allowing you to admire the magnificent Lac de Saint-Guérin, perched at 1,557 m altitude. To reach it, you'll have to cross an 80 m-long suspension bridge, which is great fun for children! But don't panic: the Himalayan footbridge is only suspended 20 m above the water, so it's not very vertiginous.
2. Rocher du Vent from Chalet de la Lauze
- Distance: 6.4 km
- Difference in altitude: 564 m
- Time: 3 hrs
- Itinerary
The Rocher du Vent is a beautiful mountain in the Beaufortain massif, recognizable by its abrupt silhouette. But be warned: when you say steep, you also mean a difficult hike! Even though this hike is fairly short, it does include a significant vertical drop, so you'll have to climb all the way up the first half to the summit, which rises to 2,360 m, before turning back on the same path. But you can still enjoy the superb mountain views that make the Beaufortain an ideal hiking destination, and see Lac de Roselend and even, on a clear day, Mont Blanc.
3. The Beaufortain tour
- Distance: 80 km
- Difference in altitude: 4,680 m
- Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Itinerary
Don't be fooled by its name: there's nothing small about the Petit Tour du Beaufortain. It's a major hike, extending over several days and including a significant vertical drop. One of the most beautiful hikes in the Beaufortain massif, it is therefore reserved for the most experienced hikers! Because of the altitude, this trail can be snow-covered until late in the year, sometimes even until early July. But this is the walk for you if you're looking for a challenging hike with incredible mountain panoramas all along the way. You can sleep in bivouacs or find refuges where you can spend the night.
4. The Grande Berge lookout
- Distance: 7.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 379 m
- Duration: 3 hrs
- Itinerary
This beautiful hike starts from the Plan de la Lai refuge, located at an altitude of 1,818 m and accessible by car. Here you can eat and even spend the night. From here, you'll hike to the Grande Berge lookout at 2089 m altitude. As its name suggests, it offers spectacular views of the mountains, including Mont Blanc, and in particular Lac de Roselend, one of the most beautiful lakes to be seen in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This medium-level trail is well-marked and not overly technical, except that snow is still possible in early summer.
5. Roche Parstire and the Lac de Roselend ridge
- Distance: 9.2 km
- Difference in altitude: 605 m
- Time: 4 hrs
- Itinerary
Between Roche Parstire and the crest of Lac de Roselend lies one of the most beautiful hikes in the Beaufortain massif. From the parking lot at an altitude of 1703 m, you'll begin your ascent of the Roche Parstire, known as the rock with the best panoramic view of Lac de Roselend. Please note that this is a demanding hike, with gradients of up to 25% in the first quarter. Once past this difficult start, the rest of the hike is easier. Again, there's nothing too technical here, apart from the fact that the paths may remain snow-covered well into the summer, due to the altitude.
6. The Beaufortain trek
- Distance: 33.5
- Ascent: 2,376 m
- Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Itinerary
The Beaufortain trek is one of the most challenging and beautiful hikes in the massif. It's a loop hike, passing around the Aiguille du Grand Fond, a summit at 2,920 m, but also lakes like Lac d'Amour, a must-see in Savoie. You'll need to climb slopes of up to 33% and then descend, so good walking shoes and poles are a must, especially as some sections can be slippery. You should also consider using hooks, as some passages can be icy at altitude.
7. Lake of Love
- Distance: 7.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 566 m
- Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
This hike takes you from Treicol and back to Lac d'Amour, a pretty little alpine lake which you'll hike around. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in Savoie, thanks to this pretty little lake surrounded by valleys and perched at 2,248 m altitude. But it's only revealed to those who deserve it, as you'll have to climb to reach it, making it a difficult hike. It is possible to bivouac by the lake in summer, provided you keep your ecological footprint to a minimum, as this high-altitude wetland is particularly fragile. So take along some garbage and don't pick any wild plants.
8. Col du Pré
- Distance: 7.7 km
- Difference in altitude: 707 m
- Duration : 4 h
- Itinerary
This challenging hike takes you along the trails that criss-cross the Col du Pré. You'll be on the heights of the Arêches-Beaufort ski resort, a beautiful mountain destination where you can base yourself or complete this hike. The return section of this loop will take place partly under the woods and will therefore be shaded, but sun cream and a hat are recommended for the first, clearer section.
9. Refuge de la Coire
- Distance: 13.4 km
- Ascent: 638 m
- Time: 5 hrs
- Itinerary
This trail forms a round trip from the Saint-Guérin dam to the Coire refuge, making it one of the most beautiful hikes in the Beaufortain massif. Along the way, you'll be able to admire such wonders as Lac des Fées and Cormet d'Arêche, a mountain pass at 2,109 m altitude. The trail is quite passable, but the hike remains difficult due to the steep gradient in the first half before turning back. You can choose to complete the hike in two days and spend the night in the Coire refuge, which sleeps 44. Please note: reservations are essential.
10. Col du Bonhomme via the Chemin des Curés
- Distance: 14.5 km
- Difference in altitude: 928 m
- Time: 6 h
- Itinerary
From Lac de la Gittaz, start your ascent to the Col du Bonhomme, at 2,329 m, before turning back. This is a difficult hike, due to the steep gradient in the first part. Climbing up, however, will give you access to some absolutely sublime views of this summer mountain destination.
11. The English telephone booth at Plan Mya
- Distance: 2.6 km
- Height difference: 78 m
- Duration: 45 min
- Itinerary
The English telephone booth at Plan Mya, in the heart of the Alpine pastures, stands out from the landscape. It offers superb photo opportunities with a magnificent view, especially of Lac de Roselend below. What's more, it's a particularly easy walk for the whole family.
