Hiking Trails Near Chalet Pelerin and Chalet Hibou

The French Alps are arguably some of the most magnificent mountains in the world. With such vast and endless possibilities, it’s easy to overlook some of the best hiking trails this expansive area has to offer. To give you a glimpse of some of the trails that you can experience during your visit to Chalet Pelerin and Chalet Hibou, our Lead Guide, Jean Noel Gaidet, has compiled a list of his top five favorite hiking trails in the Tarentaise Valley. Read on to learn more about his favorite hiking adventures in the French Alps!

1. Refuge de l’Archeboc

The Refuge de l’Archeboc is an easy and beautiful hiking trail. As you navigate through traditional old stone chapels and slate roofs, while enjoying views of the Bec de l’Ane (3272M) and Archeboc (3280M) summits in the distance and local cows grazing in the flower-filled pastures nearby, you will be fully immersed in the untouched nature and cultural flair of the local area. The trail starts after a short drive to the hamlet of La Savonne, France. This trail continues to the hamlet of La Motte, and after a break at the Archeboc hut, you will cross to the opposite side to reach the Yaten Lake—a natural swimming pool where you can swim with the alpine newts, orange salamanders, dragonflies, and enjoy the magnificent view of the valley. The trail continues in the form of a path that follows the natural curves of the land and then winds through the larch forest of Gran Follié and returns to the village of Le Miroir where you will be greeted by your home away from home — Chalet Pelerin and Chalet Hibou.

2. Lac Longet and Verdet

The Lac Longet and Verdet hike is a moderate hiking trail with dream-like views of the French Alps. The Lac Longet and Verdet hike begins at the Ruitor Alpage, our private outpost close to Chalet Pelerin and Chalet Hibou. The Ruitor Alpage is located on an old rural road that was originally used by shepherds and their sheep. Panoramic views of the Ruitor and Becca du Lac glaciers and the Mont-Pourri and Sache Mountains will reward your efforts on this stunning hike. Eventually, you will arrive at Lac Longuet, and the Lac Verdet at the foot of the Dents Rouge where you’ll find the perfect spot for a quick dip in a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by the towering peaks of the Alps. To return to the beginning of the trailhead, find the path that goes down to the Ruitor plateau and make your way back to Chalet Pelerin and Chalet Hibou.

Hiking in the French Alps.

3. Lac du Clou / le Monal

The Lac du Clou / le Monal hike is filled with glacier views, green pastures, delicious cheese treats, and the scenery of Italy. After reaching the village of Chenal, France, you will head towards the hamlet of Monal. The villages of La Gurraz and Savinaz, sitting at the base of the Mont-Pourri glacier, offer exceptional glacier views. After crossing a field of flowers at the Combe, a short ascent brings you into the heart of the hamlet of Monal, famed for its architectural beauty with old wooden and stone chalets. Here, we will visit Yvette who makes Persillé, a traditional goat cheese discovered by Charlemagne during his crossing of the Alps. After taking the time to enjoy her delicious, locally produced cheeses, you will climb 2200m through the forest, while taking in the unbelievable views of the Pointe des Mines Glaciers and the ridge that separates France and Italy, to reach the superb alpine valley of Le Clou. After another 200m ascent through the grass, you arrive at the Lac du Clou where you can stop and enjoy the green meadows and the surrounding peaks, and maybe even try your hand at a little fishing or take a swim break before descending back the way you came.

4 . The Red Beak 2515M (“Bec Rouge” in French)

Starting at Chalet Pelerin and Chalet Hibou, this hike takes us in the direction of the hamlet of La Falconnière on the sustained path through the Forest of Miroir. This moderate path leads you to the Plan du Bachal at the top of the forest which provides indescribable views of the Haute Tarentaise valley. You will then continue on to the path that crosses the meadows to reach the summit of Bec Rouge and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views of Mont-Blanc and beyond. There are several descent options to choose from, all of which provide beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

5. Lakes of Bella-Combaz / Ruitor Waterfalls

The Lakes of Bella-Combaz/Ruitor Waterfalls is a beautiful, yet difficult, hiking trail. The beginning of the hike departs from the Ruitor Alpage where you will follow a relatively steep path that crosses the plateau and then heads up towards the Lac du Petit. The trail continues to climb towards the Col du Tachuy, with the last section being quite steep. Your efforts will be rewarded with remarkable views of the whole Mont-Blanc massif, the Ruitor Glaciers, and the valley below. Once you’ve made it to the French-Italian border, you will start your descent to the lakes of Bella-Combaz where you will find a series of magnificent Alpine lakes. As you continue your descent in the direction of the Ruitor waterfalls, where the path will cross many varied and superb landscapes. At the end of your hike, you will cross the border into Italy and indulge in an authentic Italian meal in the small village of La Thuile.

Hiking the Lakes of Bella Combaz hiking trail in the French Alps.

Are you adding hiking in the French Alps to your summer bucket list?

Needless to say, there are many great hiking trails in the Tarentaise Valley, and these are only five options. Are you ready to experience summertime in the French Alps after hearing about our local France team’s favorites? Book your reservation at either Chalet Pelerin or Chalet Hibou today — France is waiting for you.

By: Jean Noel Gaidet

Lead Guide in France