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What are the hiking trails to do in Les Arcs this summer?
This summer, come with family or friends to discover hiking in Les Arcs, in Savoie. Follow our advice and prepare your backpack for your best vacation!
200 KM OF MARKED TRAILS FOR ALL LEVELS
Les Arcs in the summer is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. Marked trails offering exceptional views of the valley, Mont Blanc and Pierra Menta. Particularly rich fauna and flora and privileged access to the nearby Vanoise National Park. A real balcony resort where you will enjoy hiking. Varied trails between forests, alpine meadows and dizzying slopes thanks to a resort spread over 4 villages with a different atmosphere and panorama at each station level.
Still haven't found accommodation to spend your summer vacation in Les Arcs? Discover all our accommodations here!
OUR FAVORITE HIKING TRAILS IN LES ARCS
THE SPANISH PATH FROM ARC 1800 TO PEISEY VALLANDRY - A NICE FAMILY WALK
A lovely walk from Chantel in Arc 1800. Take the free Dahu cable car to access Chantel, then descend a few meters along the road and take the track on your right, "Chemin des Espagnols". A forest path with dizzying panoramas over the whole valley. An easy and pleasant path in all weather conditions and for all hikers.
NOTRE DAME DES VERNETTES - AN UNMISSABLE HIKE WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS
A medium difficulty hike of about 3.5 hours round trip. To be done with the family if you are all good hikers. For the departure, go to Charmettoger in Arc 1800 and then take the "Tour du Golf" trail. Then follow the signs towards Notre Dame des Vernettes.
Throughout your hike, you will alternate between passages in the forest and balcony trails with a breathtaking view of the Vallée des Lanches and the Bellecôte range. Arriving at Notre Dame des Vernettes, you can contemplate the Aiguille Rousse and the Aiguille Grive just above you.
Notre Dame des Vernettes, a listed historical monument, has dominated the valley for over 300 years. Remember to bring your water bottle that you can fill with beneficial water from the Vernettes source located below the chapel.
Bonus for experienced hikers: after the Vernettes, you can continue your hike to the Col de l'Entreporte and finally to the summit of the Aiguille Grive, which peaks at 2733m above sea level. The elevation gain is 1137 meters and the trail is very steep, reserved for seasoned hikers. The walking time is 1.5 hours from the Vernettes. The reward once you reach the top is impressive with a splendid view of all the surrounding massifs. Plan your return time to Arc 1800 well.
THE PATH OF THE LAKES - MEET MARMOTS AND COWS!
Starting from Arc 2000, follow the signs for "Sentier des Lacs" (Path of the Lakes). You will wind your way through the mountains and discover the lakes along your hike: Lac de l'Homme, Lac Saint Jacques, Lac Marlou, and Lac des Moutons. Each lake offers stunning scenery and a magnificent view of Mont Blanc throughout the hike.
Explore the pure mountain landscapes despite the proximity to the resort. You may also encounter herds of cows or goats on your path. Just be careful not to venture too close to the animals, as the sheepdogs do their job well!
The hike is nearly 9 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete.
If you want to start from Arc 1800, you can take the Transarc gondola, which will take you to the top of Col de la Chal in just a few minutes. Once you arrive at the top of the gondola, follow the direction of Arc 2000 and the Path of the Lakes. The first lake you will discover is Lac des Moutons. You can then turn back and return to the Path of the Lakes. Perhaps a marmot will guide you on your way!
THE AIGUILLE ROUGE GLACIER
Talking about Les Arcs in the summer without mentioning the Aiguille Rouge glacier is unthinkable!
This is not a hike in the strict sense of the term, as you will need to take the lifts to access the glacier, but it's worth it. As the highest point in Les Arcs at 3,226 meters, discover the panoramic Aiguille Rouge footbridge and treat yourself to a 360-degree view of Mont Blanc, the Vanoise National Park, the Italian Alps, Mont Pourri, and Pierra Menta.
To get there: from Arc 2000, take the Varet gondola and then the Aiguille Rouge cable car.
From Arc 1800: take the Transarc gondola, then walk down to the Varet gondola (or take the Arcabulle chairlift if you don't want to walk). Finally, take the Aiguille Rouge cable car.