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Via Alpina: Tignes Lake to Le Monal

Albertville

Espace Killy

Sainte Foy

Tarentaise

Tignes and Val d'Isère

Vanoise Massif

A lovely route with lakes, a dam, traditional alpine hamlets, and beautiful views of Mount Pourri.

Hiking Moderate

Distance
15 km
Ascent
731 m
Descent
951 m
Duration
4-5 hrs
Low Point
1.7 km
High Point
2.1 km
Gradient
13˚
Via Alpina: Tignes Lake to Le Monal Map

This is one of the stages of the mammoth, trans-national Via Alpina route. It can be undertaken as an out-and-back route on its own, added to another route for a longer itinerary, or completed as part of the Via Alpina network in either direction.

Description

This easy route describes starting from Tignes but it can also be started from Le Monal and just followed in reverse. The route is within the Vanoise National Park.

Starting from Tignes Lake, the route follows the trail up and away from the resort beside the Palafour lift. Once you've gained a bit of height, the route traverses nicely without much effort and provides a wonderful view of Lac du Chevril. From here, the route is downhill towards the dam.

After crossing the dam, the trail climbs steadily across the other side of the valley through forests, and then along a balcony with alpine pastures, before reaching several traditional alpine hamlets facing the Mount Pourri glaciers.

You can expect mostly easy singletrack with small, loose stones throughout this route. You'll also find some roots through the trees. If it has rained recently, there could be some muddy sections through the forested areas.

Le Monal’s mountain chalets have been conserved in all their authenticity since the 18th and 19th centuries. Due to its great architectural, historic, and geographical significance, the Hamlet is classified. It occupies a privileged position on the mountainside in front of the Massif of Mount Pourri. It's surrounded by mélèze forest rising out of the Valley of Clou.

You can buy refreshments and stay overnight at Refuge le Monal: www.refugedumonal.com

For Park regulations, see: www.vanoise-parcnational.fr

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Low Exposure

1 out of 4

The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and August

Features

  • Alpine
  • Wildlife
  • Picturesque
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features
  • Family friendly

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area