Alps
Crossing the Aravis Alpine Pastures
Réf : DDQSMI
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration6 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationFrance / Alps
-
AgeFrom the age of 18
-
CO₂-Emissions61.59 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
A multi-day hike in the Aravis mountain range is an unforgettable experience. The verdant meadows , the soaring peaks of the Aravis range, and Mont Blanc in the background provide an exceptional setting. Traditional wooden chalets , alpine farms producing Reblochon cheese, and ibex at the foot of the limestone cliffs add to the charm of this adventure. Thanks to luggage transport, you can fully enjoy this unique route, culminating in a panoramic view overlooking Lake Annecy .
The highlights
-
A unique route offering a wide variety of atmospheres and landscapes.
-
Accommodation in 3-star hotels, with access to a spa (2 evenings)
-
Two days facing Mont Blanc.
Subscriber benefit
save 5%
by joining
our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 759 m
- Average daily descent: 712 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 6 to 12 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
Program
-
Sallanches - Cordon
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 2pm at Sallanches train station. Dressed in hiking gear.
We set off directly from the train station on foot. We quickly leave the town behind and climb the southern slopes of the Aravis mountain range. Walking through hay meadows, the atmosphere is immediately mountainous; the change of scenery is complete! As we ascend, the view of the Mont Blanc massif becomes increasingly spectacular! We finally reach the village of Cordon and our overnight stop. We spend the night in a hotel in Cordon.
Day 1 -
Cordon - La Giettaz
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 799 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We continue our ascent, begun the previous day, through the alpine pastures of Cordon. Then, through wilder forested areas, we reach the Col de Jaillet (1723 m). A magnificent ridge walk then leads us to the summit of Tête du Torraz (1930 m). The panoramic view of Mont Blanc to the south is a true delight, and we also discover the Aravis mountain range to the north, with its highest peak: Pointe Percée (2750 m). Descent to the village of La Giettaz. Overnight stay in a hotel in La Giettaz.
Day 2 -
La Giettaz - Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we enter the Aravis mountain range via the Aravis pass. We leave the village of La Giettaz through wild gorges and reach alpine pastures where it's not uncommon to spot chamois! If they're not there, we might observe them with binoculars on the slopes of the Aiguille de l'Etale (2488 m), which overlooks the pass. We continue to enjoy the views of the highest peaks in the Alps all the way to the Col des Aravis (1486 m). A short descent, then a traverse above the La Clusaz ski resort, and we climb back up to the Beauregard plateau (1644 m). Now we're in the heart of the alpine pastures where Reblochon cheese is made! We descend to the village. Overnight stay in a hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt.
Day 3 -
Saint-Jean-de-Sixt - Danay - St Jean de Sixt
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day's objective is a small, unassuming summit offering a 360° panorama of the Aravis mountain range and its other peaks. From the summit of Tête du Danay (1731 m), we'll hike along a ridge facing the famous "Combes des Aravis," a series of 11 steep limestone peaks separated by verdant pastures, stretching over 12 km to form the Aravis chain. We'll return to St. Jean de Sixt via a different route. Overnight stay in a hotel in St. Jean de Sixt.
Day 4 -
Saint-Jean-de-Sixt - Thônes
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We cross the limestone pavement of Mont Lachat via a wild trail where it's not uncommon to spot chamois. The morning unfolds in the shade of a mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, then the path winds through limestone rocks sculpted by erosion. The afternoon offers a panoramic view of the entire route, from the Col des Aravis to the Tournette. The Aravis valleys are even more spectacular than the day before! We descend through alpine pastures and forest to the village of Thônes, the capital of Reblochon cheese! Overnight stay in a hotel in Thônes.
Day 5 -
Thônes - Talloires
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 970 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Taxi transfer (10 min). Throughout the Alps, there are forgotten valleys, but full of charm. The Montremont valley, which we are ascending this morning, is one of them. So it's quite pleasant to walk a little along the road, alongside this intrepid stream, before tackling the climb to the Col des Nantets (1426 m). There, we discover Lake Annecy and enjoy lying down in the grass, counting the paragliders! Through forests and then hay meadows, we reach Verel. A quick look at the spectacular Angon waterfall and the final descent to Talloires (450 m).
Return by bus to Annecy train station. Departure around 6:30 pm .
Weather permitting, it is possible to take the boat that goes around the lake (departures at 4:45 pm or 5:30 pm – approximately €20 to be paid on site) to reach Annecy.
Day 6
Note
This program is indicative; it may be modified by your guide to adapt to weather conditions.
Accommodation
🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 5
Day 1: Night in a ** or *** hotel in rooms for 2 or 3, bathroom in the room, dining room facing Mont Blanc!
Day 2: Night in a ** hotel in rooms for 2 or 3 people, bathroom in the room.
On August 3rd, we will be staying 3 nights in the following accommodation; a transfer will be arranged.
Days 3 and 4: Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in double or triple rooms with en-suite bathrooms. This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a spa (hammam, jacuzzi, sauna and relaxation area).
Day 5: Night in a *** hotel in rooms for 2 or 3 people, bathroom in the room.
No single rooms, solo registrations will be grouped into rooms of 2 or 3.
Access
Departure
Sallanches
Day 1
: 14h00
End of stay
Annecy, France
Day 6
- 18h30
Return train:
Timetables available from SNCF Tel: 0 892 35 35 35 or https://www.oui.sncf/
Return to Car:
Train Annecy – Sallanches or private taxi transfer, see section “dates and prices”.
Accommodation before or after the hike:
It is possible to stay one night before or after your stay in Annecy, subject to availability:
See section "dates and prices".
In Sallanches: We do not have a partner hotelier, you can contact the Sallanches Tourist Office, Tel: 04 50 58 04 25.
Go to the starting point
Take the train toSallanches
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
Take the A40 motorway to Annemasse, or the A41 motorway, then the A40 (Autoroute Blanche), exit "Sallanches". Parking is available near the train station.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization costs and supervision
- Accommodation
- Full board
- Access to the hotel spa on days 3 and 4
- Luggage transport
- The transfers planned in the program
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Personal equipment
- Extra nights
- The crossing on Lake Annecy (to be paid on site)
- The means of transport to the meeting point and back
Options
- Additional night in Annecy in a single room : CHF109.25 / unit
- Additional night in Annecy in a double or twin room : CHF66.50 / person
- Private transfer : CHF180.50 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Karine & Emma team
4.6/5
(304 reviews)
• 96 stays
Fort d'une expertise de plus de 25 ans, notre partenaire local est le spécialiste de la randonnée au cœur des Alpes du Nord, du Jura et des Vosges. Il propose des itinéraires variés, à parcourir en toute autonomie avec un topoguide ou en petits groupes conviviaux de 8 à 12 personnes. Sa véritable valeur ajoutée ? Un encadrement assuré par des professionnels diplômés qui vivent et travaillent à l'année dans ces massifs, offrant une connaissance intime du terrain. Engagé pour un tourisme durable, l'ensemble de ses séjours est pensé pour être facilement accessible en train, alliant simplicité logistique et respect de l'environnement.
Are you satisfied with this page?
Subscriber benefit
save 5%
by joining
our community
Decathlon Travel Benefits
Best price guaranteed:
We offer twice the difference
Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
Payment in 2 installments
Learn more
