4-Day Méan Martin Hiking Tour - Stage 1 - From the Hameau du Villaron to the Vallonbrun Refuge

Do you dream of escaping to the great outdoors? Take a walk through the heart of the Vanoise National Park and get close to the glaciers. This escape will delight hikers in good physical condition who are already accustomed to roaming the mountains.

Additional welcome

You are entering a protected area. Pets are not allowed in the Vanoise National Park.
Prior booking is essential for your overnight stay in a refuge.
Stay on the trails and follow the signs, and take your garbage with you.

Environments

• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• Close to GR footpath
• In a nature reserve

Itinerary

• Distance 10km
• Route type One-way ticket
• Elevation gain 610m
• Negative gradient 90m
• Daily duration 4:00 a.m.
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Departmental markings (yellow), GR markings (red and white) and Vanoise National Park markings (blue - white - red).
• Nature of the land Stone, Ground, Grit, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2272m

Opening period

Itinerary accessible outside snow periods and subject to favorable weather conditions. Check the local weather forecast in real time up to the day of departure. Information on trail and hut access conditions is available from the tourist office and the Vanoise National Park.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Labels

Location

Parking du Villaron on the outskirts of Bessans, towards Bonneval-sur-Arc. Possibility of parking for several nights. 2-minute walk from Gîte de la Bâtisse

Documents

• 4-Day Méan Martin Hiking Tour - Stage 1 - From the Hameau du Villaron to the Vallonbrun Refuge

Animals

Pets allowed : No

Pets are not allowed on this hike in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 1/ Enjoy a gentle warm-up on the Chemin du Petit Bonheur to the charming hamlet of Le Collet. Then set off to tackle a slope that will scare you more than it hurts. Rock-cut steps, stream crossings, and lush green meadows are on the agenda for this first day. Gradually gain elevation, and as you wind your way up the slope, you’ll see the Charbonnel, Râteau d’Aussois, and Dent Parrachée facing each other. On a clear day, you’ll have the chance to gaze at these three iconic peaks of Haute Maurienne Vanoise. It’s enough to spur you on all the way to Oratoire St-Antoine! The cowbells that regularly ring out across the mountain pastures signal your arrival at the Vallonbrun refuge. Who knows if you’ll encounter the marmots that call this place home?