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Walking tour of the Plan du Lac refuge
Come enjoy a Vanoise ice cream—a treat filled with freshness, mountain air, and unexpected encounters. With one eye on the glaciers and the other on the legendary peaks of Haute Maurienne Vanoise, young and old alike will be in for a real treat!
Description
Today, it’s the promise of a blueberry pie and a nap high up in the mountains that drives you to tackle the only minor challenge on your hike. Forget the crowded Bellecombe parking lot! Leave behind that heavy, overloaded backpack! Today, like a budding explorer, you’re traveling light to encounter a female marmot, gentle cotton grass, majestic glaciers, and unexpected peaks. What a surprise when you step into the valley! A well-marked trail, easily accessible for all ages, offers several spots to stop whenever you like. A few more steps and… the marmots’ dash becomes a fascinating spectacle! Not at all shy at mealtime, they keep a low profile during their nap. That’s right—they, too, have their little daily routines! To get to know them inside and out, hire a mountain guide. You’ll discover the unexpected facets of this mammal, so emblematic of the Vanoise. As the magic of the place takes hold, you’ll reach the mountain hut without even realizing it. It’s time to order a snack!
Additional welcome
The duration of hiking trails is calculated using reference paces: 300 m/h ascent, 500 m/h descent and 4 km/h on the flat.
As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are given for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.
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Minimum age: 4 years
Environments
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Close to a public transportation
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Waterside
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Lakeside or by stretch of water
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Near shuttle stop
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Mountain view
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Mountain location
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In a nature reserve
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Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Rates
Free access.
Itinerary
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Distance
4.6km
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Route type
LOOP
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Elevation gain
90m
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Negative gradient
90m
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Daily duration
1:30 a.m.
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Signposted itinerary
Yes
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Beaconing accuracy
Mixed markings (PNV: blue/white/red markings and GR: red and white markings)
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Nature of the land
Stone,
Ground,
Grit,
Suitable for all terrain strollers
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Maximum altitude
2380m
Opening period
From 15/06 to 15/10 daily.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Additional opening
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Subject to favorable weather
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Subject to snow conditions
Location
By bus: Line 2- Bellecombe stop.
By car: Park in the Bellecombe parking lot (fee payable July-August), in the Vanoise National Park.
Documents
Animals
Pets allowed : No
Pets are not allowed on this hike in the Vanoise National Park.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
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For guidance on the ground, refer to the "step-by-step" directional map provided as a PDF.
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Distance
4.6km
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Daily duration
1:30 a.m.
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Elevation gain
90m
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Negative gradient
90m
