Walking Routes in La Plagne — 4 of Our Favourites

It can be hard to know which route to pick as there are so many different trails and options in La Plagne with varying difficulty, so you can pick and choose whichever one suits you the best. 

Browse our gentle walking routes if you fancy an easier stroll or have a go at the harder hikes for something more challenging.

If you're looking to get a map for La Plagne then the one to get is the IGN 3532ET map which covers La Plagne and Les Arcs.

Before you head out on any of the hiking routes head over to our hiking and walking page for more information on what to do before setting off on your hike.

Some of the trails in La Plagne are even designed to be accessible for buggies and prams, so everyone can get out and enjoy the fresh air. 

The walks suggested in the gentle walks section are also great for families with young children, and with many of the trails within walking distance, or a short bus journey, from the La Plagne villages you can head for a stroll around any number of them.

It's always worth noting that for younger children back packs with water and snacks are a great idea as some of the routes may have no refreshment stops during the walk.

Below are some of the routes that are family friendly. There are plenty more, so head over to our maps page where you will find the lift maps and some routes maps and head to a local shop or information point to pick up a trail guide and map.

Walk 1 - Nature Trail

Starting point: Place de l'Etoile, Montchavin
Distance: 5.8km
The forest walk allows you to explore the north side of the valley, from where you'll enjoy incredible views of Mont Blanc and the Beaufortain massif. 
The trail you will follow is dotted with information boards along the route describing the environment. 
Starting from Montchavin walk up behind the washing trough. At the top of the village turn off to the right and walk alongside the buildings until you reach a wide path. 
Take this path and then turn off to the right, cross the road and carry in a westerly direction on a good path.
The path gets wider, gradually climbing to a large junction.
Turn left and carry on along the wide path to a chalet, go round this and continue to Les Coches. 
Return to Montchavin via the small tunnel, and once under the chairlift cable, turn left to go down to the village.

Starting point: Les Coches
You can do the same walk from the opposite direction. 
When you leave take the path opposite the Intersport shop, go right until you come to a chalet, walk around it and enter the forest. 
The path is very wide, when you come to a junction turn right and carry on in an easterly direction for about 1km before turning right. 
The path crosses over the road and then carries on to the village of Montchavin.

Walk 2 - La Route Balcon

Starting point: Belle Plagne
Distance: 7.5km
Duration: 3h20 round trip
A perfect walk for discovering the high-altitude resorts of La Plagne and accessible with a 4x4 type stroller. Starting just below the tennis courts, follow the path then the old road in the direction of Dou du Praz plateau. 
The panoramic view of the Beaufortain range and Mont Blanc is great. Follow as far as the fruit garden, where the famous Beaufort cheese is made. 
Continue along the route, passing the protected area of La Cembraie sur Gypse. At the end of the route, you reach the Lovatière reservoir, where they make artificial snow.
Next you arrive at Plagne Aime 2000 on the level of the main building (classified a 20th-century architectural heritage building). 
Throughout the walk you will discover mountain flowers and maybe see a Marmot or two, they are hard to spot but much easier to hear. 
Return is by free interstation links to Belle Plagne.

There are various mountain guides who will lead you on your hike or you can choose to tackle the trail or route on your own but just make sure you are fully equipped, prepared and have all the full details before setting off.

Below are a couple of suggested hiking routes in La Plagne. There are many more to choose from so head to our maps page for lift maps or pick up a guide or map from a shop or information point to explore some of the other routes.

Hike 1 - Presset lake and refuge

Starting point: St Guerin chapel car park
Distance: 14km
Set off from the car park and follow signs to Refuge de la Balme. 
Once there take the path to the left in the direction of Refuge de Presset and the lake. The elevation gain is 900m, and you can take your dog with you as animals are permitted here. 
There is the possibility of continuing to Col du Grand Fond, which offers and additional 100m elevation gain. 
You can then return via the same route back to the car park. 
This route is rated as red (hard), so is for experienced hikers only.

Hike 2 - Glacier trail

Starting point: Laisonnay car park
Distance: 15km
Duration: 4h
From the car park take the road for about 300m, and after the bridge turn left onto the track which then goes right towards the Glière refuge (1,996m). 
From the refuge, retrace your steps to get back on the track that climbs to the chapel and the lake, on the left a fairly steep path rises up to join the track higher up. 
You will quickly reach the Plagne mountain pasture, passing below the Plan du Sel chalet where the mountain Beaufort cheese is made, the 'Prince of Gruyeres', with a registered designation of origin. 
Continue up the path that crosses under the Grand Plan chalet, the path continues to rise slowly up the Combe du Grand Plan (East) and goes straight under the Col de la Croix des Frêtes. 
This route is level blue, so it's suitable for beginners and hiking novices. 
With an elevation gain of 810m, the route is considered suitable for families hiking with children.

Using the lifts with your summer passes shortens walking time and will allow for a more gentle stroll at high altitude without having to go through the big hike to gain altitude. The lift system also allows for you to be easily transported back down to the resort, whizzing you down in cases of bad weather, tiredness or injury.

Below are a few suggestions for some gentle walks and hikes. There are many more to choose from so head to our maps page for summer lift maps and pick up a walking route or guide from a local shop or information point.

Hike 1 - Sentier de Cyprien

Starting point: Mairie de Valezan Chef-lieu Valezan
Distance: 5km
Gentle family walk crossing villages and streams with an altitude gain of only 350m. Simply follow sign for "Sentier de Cyprien". 
At Le Villard de Bellentre go through the village and follow signs to "Le Rocheray", then follow the GR5 trail. Animals are allowed, so you can take the dog with you if you like.

Hike 2 - Lac Vert

Starting point: Plagne Centre
Distance: 3.4km
A family-friendly walk with young children with an alternative start point if you wish to avoid the steep path at the beginning.
Starting from the Parachute Memorial shuttle bus stop, take the path down to Lac Vert (this is steep, so if you wish to avoid it see the note* below). Once you reach Lac Vert you'll find magnificent views of Mont Blanc, plus picnic tables if you've bought a packed lunch, but please note swimming is not allowed. After a break, continue on the path towards Plagne Aime 2000, follow the road to the tracked vehicle garage and join the road that passed under Club Med 4 tridents. 
Head back down towards the slalom stadium and return to the Plagne Centre main square.
*A possible alternate start if you wish to avoid the steep path is to take the road along the bottom of Plagne Centre. The path starts after 100m past the biomass boiler (the last building).