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Tour de la Grande Casse - 5-day hike
Access
Starting from :
Latitude :
6.776845
Longitude :
45.449921
Map ref. :
"The Vanoise National Park Map (1/60,000). For further information and/or online purchases, please visit the Park's online store: http://boutique.parcnational-vanoise.fr
This itinerary is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the Vanoise National Park. It takes you around the Grande Casse, Savoie's highest peak (3855 m), in an idyllic setting surrounded by marmots and ibex.
Stage 1: Laisonnay-d'en-Bas parking lot to Col du Palet refuge
Walking time: 5h30
Total ascent: 1348 m
Ascent: 317 m
Via Col de la Grassaz, Chalet des Aimes, Chalets de la Grassaz.
Points of interest: largest alder grove in France between the Grand Bec and Epéna peaks, golden eagle, St Sigismond baroque church (Champagny), Champagny-le-Haut hamlet, pastoral life at La Plagne (production of alpine Beaufort),
panorama.
Stage 2: Col du Palet refuge to La Leisse refuge
Walking time: 5h10
Ascent +: 653 m
Ascent: 756 m
Via Col du Palet, Chalet de Lognan, Tignes Val Claret (where you join the GR®55), Chalet de la Leisse, Col de la Leisse.
Points of interest: chamois on the right bank of the torrent de la Leisse, ptarmigan, high-altitude flowers, mineral landscape (cargneous rocks, gypsum).
Stage 3: from the Leisse refuge to the Barmettes refuge
Walking time: 4h30
Total ascent: 417 m
Difference in altitude -: 894 m
Via Pont de Croé-Vie, Col de la Vanoise.
Points of interest: marmot, pastoral life at Entre-Deux-Eaux (production of Termignon blue cheese). At the Col de la Vanoise, lakes and views of the Grande Casse glacier (highest summit in Savoie, 3855 m).
Stage 4: Barmettes hut to Grand Bec hut
Walking time: 4h00
Total ascent: 554 m
Difference in altitude -: 158 m
Via the balcony path towards Mont Bochor, then over the Col de Leschaux (an aerial passage that may be snow-covered at the start of the season).
Points of interest: chamois, ibex, views of the Vanoise glaciers, moraines.
Stage 5: Grand Bec refuge to Laisonnay parking lot
Walking time: 4h30
Total ascent: 333 m
Difference in altitude -: 1175 m
Via Plan Fournier, Tour du Merle, Enclos du Seil, Gorges de la Pointille and Notre Dame de la Compassion.
Points of interest: spruce forest, Champagny-le-Haut hamlet and nature trail.
Services
Rates
Free access.
Period(s) of use
From 15/06 to 15/09
Subject to favorable weatherSubject to snow conditions
Home
Pets not allowed
1/3
Things to discover nearby
Explore our hikes
Pedestrian sports
Sentier botanique et Cascade des Poux
Courchevel
2.7km
Walkers/hikers
100m
100m
Being close to water is very relaxing as you walk through the light-filled forest. Look out for a wide range of rare and protected species along the way. Avoid in heavy rain.
Pedestrian sports
Sentier découverte du Grand Bois
Courchevel
3.5km
Walkers/hikers
20m
510m
Take the gondola lift up to the top and read up about the area on the signs along the way: snow, avalanches, ants, spruce trees, Alpine meadows, countryside, fauna, flora and the built environment.
Pedestrian sports
Tour de la Dent
Courchevel
12.9km
Walkers/hikers
1080m
1080m
Passing through a protected wilderness area, this path is full of curious geological features related to gypsum. Few people walk this route. Tell someone exactly where you’re going, start out early and do not attempt in stormy weather.
