5-day Méan Martin walking tour - Stage 3 - From the Refuge de Plan du Lac to the Refuge du Fond des Fours

In proximity to glaciers, walk in the heart of these big spaces. Discover the amazing diversity of landscapes, a potted version of the Vanoise National Park's fauna and flora. The itinerary will be enjoyed by average level walkers.

Description

In contact with glaciers, walk in the heart of wide open spaces.

On this tour, you'll discover an extraordinary diversity
diversity of landscapes, and the fauna and flora of the Vanoise
national park.

This itinerary will be appreciated by medium-level hikers, for its long but moderately uneven stages.

Everyone will be delighted by the warm welcome and comfort of the refuges.

Additional welcome

You must book your overnight stay in a refuge in advance. Stay on the trails, following the signs, and take your garbage with you.

Environments

• Mountain view
• Mountain location

Itinerary

• Distance 18km
• Route type One-way ticket
• Elevation gain 780m
• Negative gradient 612m
• Daily duration 06h00
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy GR5 (red and white paint) + PR (yellow)
• Nature of the land Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2976m

Opening period

From 01/06 to 30/09.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

Departure from the Plan du Lac refuge. - accessible on foot only. In summer, shuttle bus service available from Termignon, stopping near the refuge.

Documents

• 5-day Méan Martin walking tour - Stage 3 - From the Refuge de Plan du Lac to the Refuge du Fond des Fours

Animals

Pets allowed : No

Animals are not allowed in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• 3/ Descend towards the Saint-Barthélémy chapel, then leave the GR©5 to take the path on the right, towards the Femma refuge (guarded refuge for the summer season). Climb to the Col de la Rocheure (2911m). The descent to the Fond des Fours refuge is tricky in poor visibility. In these conditions, descend through the Pissets valley to the Manchet parking lot (2000m), then climb back up to the refuge du fond des fours. Allow an extra 1h30.