Hiking in the lakes and along the balconies of the Beaufortain
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBeaufortain Massif / Savoy
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions59.25 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Welcome to the Beaufortain massif , a true jewel of the Alps nestled between verdant valleys, flowery alpine pastures , and sparkling high-altitude lakes . This trip transports you to the heart of an authentic and unspoiled region, where Savoyard traditions shape local life. Guided by a passionate instructor, you'll discover accessible routes , offering a unique panorama of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains at every stage.
Each hike is an invitation to contemplation, punctuated by cultural encounters and local tastings , including the famous Beaufort , rightly nicknamed the "Prince of Cheeses". A visit to its production facility will reveal all its secrets.
Easily accessible from Albertville train station, this mountain retreat combines serenity , discovery , and shared experiences in a setting worthy of a fairytale. An ideal getaway for anyone wishing to escape to a haven of nature and living traditions.
The highlights
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Raven Lake and Nail Lake
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Lake St Guerin and Fairy Lake
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The Aiguille Croche from the Col du Joly
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
Management
French
Mountain excursions are led by our local guide who knows the area well and will adapt to the weather conditions. You only need to carry a daypack containing your belongings and lunch, which is provided by the hotel.
Program
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Day 1: Sunday: Your arrival at the hotel, check-in
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You are expected at the hotel in the late afternoon, from 5:30 pm onwards. If you arrive by train, you can choose to take the regular shuttle bus between Albertville and Beaufort, or opt for a private transfer from the agency at 5:45 pm from Albertville train station. Check-in and welcome drinks will follow.
Day 1 -
Day 02: Monday: Raven Lake and Nail Lake
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful first loop of small lakes along the northern edge of the Arêches valley. We quickly emerge from the spruce trees into a high-altitude moorland with Mont Blanc as a backdrop. After reaching the "cote 2000" promontory, we continue towards Lac du Corbeau, then Lac Couvert, and finally the secluded Lac du Clou.
Elevation gain: 520 m Length: 8 km Time: 4 hours 00 minutes
Day 2 -
Day 03: Tuesday: Lake St Guerin and Fairy Lake
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Saint Guérin is the patron saint of flocks. This day unfolds in the vast alpine pastures that have made the Beaufortain massif famous, the birthplace of the renowned AOC cheese. After climbing through the pastures, we traverse a magnificent ridge between the Miraillet pass (2161 m) and the Couvercle pass (2295 m), which overlooks Lake Saint Guérin to the south and Lake Roselend and the Pierra Menta peak to the north. We descend via the small Fairy Lake, a perfect spot for a relaxing break in nature accompanied by the sound of cowbells.
Elevation gain: 650 m Length: 11.00 km Time: 5 hours
Day 3 -
Day 04: Wednesday: L'Aiguille Croche from the Col du Joly
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This beautiful hike takes us right up close to the Mont Blanc massif. The ultimate vantage point. If the weather is dry, we can hike along the ridge towards Mont Joly. We are at the crossroads of the Beaufortain, the Val d'Arly, and Les Contamines-Montjoie regions. On the way back, we'll stop to explore the Beaufort cheese factory tour.
Elevation gain: 500 m Length: 8 km Time: 4 hours 00 minutes
Day 4 -
Day 05: Thursday: La Combe de la Neuva from the Cormet de Roselend
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful day hike in the heart of the high peaks of the Beaufortain region: a vast, wild, and rocky valley guarded by marmots and ibex. We'll hike up to the Col du Grand Fond (2671m), which offers a beautiful view of the lake and refuge of Presset and the famous Pierra Menta. There's the option to stop at small glacial lakes around 2400m for those who wish.
Elevation gain: 700 m Length: 14 km Time: 5 hours 00 minutes
Day 5 -
DAY 06: Friday: The Roche Parstire ridge from the Col du Pré
- Activity Hiking
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A final day of panoramic hiking above Arêches. Alpine pastures, Lake Roselend, Mont Blanc... A beautiful summary of this week exploring the Beaufortain massif. After reaching the small, steep summit of Roche Parstire, we descend via the Charmette pass. On the way back, we can stop at Boudin, a small, traditional hamlet clinging to the mountainside.
The stay ends in the late afternoon. The hike is organized to allow time for the return to Albertville train station.
Elevation gain: +500 m, Length: 8.5 km, Time: 4 hours
Day 6
Note
This program is a guideline and may be modified by your guide to adapt to weather and snow conditions. Trust us; our experience and the guide's expertise will ensure you have a wonderful trip.
Accommodation
You will be staying in a historic hotel in the heart of the village of Arêches-sur-Beaufort. The atmosphere is friendly and reflects the colors of the mountains. It truly embodies the ambiance of a mountain village. Meals are taken in the hotel restaurant, where the cuisine is local and made with quality mountain products. If you have any allergies, please inform us of any dietary restrictions when booking. Accommodation is in double or triple rooms and/or single rooms for an additional fee.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Organization costs and supervision
- Food and accommodation (based on double or twin room) with full board
- The loan of the sticks
- The transfers and visits scheduled in the program
- The welcome drink on the first evening
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Single room supplement €180 (subject to availability)
- The means of transport to the meeting place
- Personal equipment
- Everything not mentioned in the price includes
- Cancellation insurance - repatriation assistance - trip interruption
Options
- Extra night - 2 people : CHF181.13 / unit
- Additional night - 1 person : CHF123.50 / unit
- Round-trip transfer to Albertville train station : CHF18.30 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Valid identity card or passport
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- We can provide you with hiking poles if needed.
Equipment to bring
- 1 x 30-liter backpack with a flexible frame and a waist belt
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side protection
- 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (1.5 liters minimum)
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to hold your money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract
- Toiletries (opt for the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits)
- Earplugs or earplugs (optional)
- Toilet paper + 1 lighter
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Cutlery
- 1 headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, binoculars (optional)
Clothing to bring
- A long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber)
- A warm fleece fur jacket
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 scarf
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens for winter hiking
- Short-sleeved T-shirts made of breathable material are preferable.
- 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket (gore-tex type) with hood
- 1 rain poncho or a sleeping bag cover if you own the jacket above
- 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of hiking). Opt for wool or hiking-specific socks. Be careful with cotton as it can cause blisters.
- 1 pair of high-top hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof Vibram-type soles
- 1 pair of gaiters
- Underwear
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening
