Best day hikes in the Three Valleys

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When thinking of the Alps you’ll likely picture snow capped mountains and wintry vistas. However the lure of the Alps is not simply limited to the winter months. The spring and summer seasons offer visitors incredible and varied hiking opportunities with jaw dropping views and impressive flora and fauna. So whether you’re an avid mountain hiker or prefer a more leisurely ramble we’ve picked a selection of our favourite day hikes in the Three Valleys.

Easy hike: Lac Tueda, Méribel 

Situated just above Méribel Mottaret is the Tueda Nature Reserve, where the Glacier de Gebroulaz sits above pine forests and Lac Tueda. Setting off from the car park, a walking trail follows the river with a very gentle ascent over about 500m up to Lac Tueda. Along the way are exploratory nature trails off to the side where info boards will advise on the flora and fauna you can spot along the route. Once you arrive at Lac Tueda you can lap the lake, taking a break at the restaurant on the lakeside which serves the usual Savoie fare. The path is suitable for prams and wheelchairs, making it accessible for all. 

1hr, 1.8km (including lap of the lake), 25m ascent

NB. If you’d like to make it a bit more challenging and go further afield take the path at the end of the lake in the direction of Refuge du Saut.  The path will take you to the La Plagne plateau at an altitude of 2,000m on the cusp of the Vanoise National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for marmottes, eagles, chamois and bouquetin. 

 

Moderate hike: Courchevel villages and hamlets

Take in the charm of the Three Valley villages and hamlets with a circuit following forest tracks, ideal for sunny days when you need respite from the heat. Setting off from La Tania lift station, take the footpath which descends steadily to Le Praz, passing the Le Praz ski jump enroute. After passing through the village of Le Praz you’ll follow the signposts across the fields and down the slope to Saint Bon. After meandering through this quaint village you’ll ascend up the other side, through steep narrow streets with tightly packed houses before taking the Chemin du Paradis which will lead you into the forest. The paths in the forest are well signposted taking you up through the hamlets of Le Freney then Le Nouvaz before ascending back to La Tania. The route is documented in more detail here.

3hrs, 10.2km, 626m ascent 

Challenging hike: Lac Rosiere – Dent du Villard loop

If you’ve skied in Courchevel 1650 you’ve likely noticed the stunning ridge with tree lined spines that overlooks it from skiers right. Sitting at 2,284m, the Dent du Villard offers incredible panoramic views of the Three Valleys and the Vanoise National Park with the blue glacial front. What makes it even more special however is the landscape at the top. Made from gypsum rock it’s like walking on the moon, with craters and gullies that make for an original and memorable hike. 

The walk begins at Lac de la Rosiere – which is a site to behold of its own. The stunning turquoise waters are surrounded with pine forests and picturesque picnic and BBQ spots. With aerial high ropes course and a via ferrata route if you’re feeling more adventurous.

From Lac Rosiere there is a circular route which is best tackled by taking the route up to the Col de la Chat. The path is steep and encompasses the sentier des 1000 marches – a series of wooden steps designed to assist with the steep ascent. Make sure you take plenty of water and snacks as you’ll need both to reach the top. It’s about 2 hours to the summit, where you’ll be greeted by the luna landscape and breathtaking views. From there you’ll follow the path along the ridge before descending back to the lake via a number of slightly exposed switchbacks. If you don’t have a head for heights you can always opt to return the way you came. 

3.5hrs, 10km, 754m ascent

5 Reasons to visit the Alps this summer

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Here’s five reasons why a holiday in the Alps should be top of your agenda:

1. After a forced closure this winter the resorts are pulling out all the stops to make the Alps an attractive destination this summer. This includes organised events such as wellness festivals, summer fȇtes, and food tasting; alongside a wide array of activities to suit people of all ages. Fancy tubing in Le Praz lake? Want to explore the summer meadows and mountain peaks on foot? How about navigating the myriad of mountain bike trails or road biking routes? Or, why not enjoy something a little more relaxing, like languishing in the spa at Aquamotion in Courchevel? After 15 months of restrictions, it’s time to let loose, get into the big outdoors and enjoy the fresh Alpine air.

2. If the Tour de France has had you gripped in the last couple of weeks then why not clip in and test your endurance on some of the iconic Alpine stages? You could tackle the climb to Tignes featured in this year’s Tour. Or, how about riding up our very own Col de la Loze? Created specifically for last year’s event, it encompasses some challenging steep sections, maxing out at 12% at one point on the Méribel side. And the best bit? It’s totally road-traffic free. If the climb sounds a bit of a challenge, fret not, there are plenty of e-bike options locally to give you a helping hand to the top.

3. Sandwiched between two national parks – the Vanoise and Tueda Nature Reserve – Courchevel is a stunning setting for nature lovers, with extensive flora and fauna to stimulate the senses. As well as alpine meadows and wild berry bushes, Alpine walkers are rewarded with wildlife sightings including bouquetin, golden eagles, marmottes and mountain goats. You might even be lucky enough to spot wolves, with sightings increasing in the Three Valleys in recent years. Or, if you really want to get away from it all, you can spend a night or two at a mountain refuge, linking day walks for a longer adventure. And with well-manned huts serviced by friendly teams you needn’t worry about lugging heavy gear to eat like a king.

4. Missed your fondue fix this winter? The good news is that with France opened up, all of the local restaurants will be serving up generous portions of Alpine goodness. Think tartiflette, beaufort tart and goats cheese salad, washed down with a glass of Apremont. Think the terraces are good in the winter? Well, they’re even better in the summer, with longer days, warmer temperatures and stunning sunsets.

5. And most importantly, you’re once again free to travel, with the French welcoming fully vaccinated travellers from the UK. You’ll just need to show proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel (or antigen test within 48 hours). It’s that easy. All you’ll need to worry about is what factor sun cream to bring.

So there you have it – five great reasons to visit the Alps this summer. What’s more, our two stunning 14-person chalets in La Tania provide a perfect location for exploring the area and reconnecting with family or friends. Complete with a free gondola, a great selection of bars and restaurants and easy access to the wider Courchevel area, La Tania makes a great base for a summer break in the Alps. Contact us today to discuss availability in one of our self-catered properties and make this summer one to remember.