Trekking in the heart of Gran Paradiso National Park
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration7 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationGrand Paradis / Aosta Valley
-
AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions58.25 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
English
French
Spanish
In a few words
Explore Gran Paradiso National Park , a natural treasure of the Aosta Valley , and immerse yourself in the heart of Italy's oldest national park. Once a hunting reserve of Victor Emmanuel II, this protected area is now a haven for alpine wildlife . Along the trails, observe ibex , chamois , marmots , and perhaps even the majestic shadow of a golden eagle soaring over the peaks.
This long-distance hiking trail traverses magnificent landscapes: glacial valleys , flowery alpine meadows, crystal-clear streams, and high-altitude lakes overlooked by soaring peaks. Each stage reveals spectacular panoramas of the Alpine summits and offers total immersion in a pristine environment.
Evenings are enjoyed in the warm atmosphere of Italian mountain huts , combining mountain comfort and local specialties, for authentic moments after exertion.
For those wishing to extend the adventure, the ascent of Gran Paradiso (4,061 m) is the perfect way to cap off the trip. Accompanied on the glacier, you'll reach a legendary summit and gaze upon an endless horizon of the Italian Alps . An intense experience combining wild nature, camaraderie, and a sporting challenge.
The highlights
-
Immersion in Italy's oldest national park
-
Warm welcome from the Valdostan mountain huts
-
Magnificent panoramas between glaciers, lakes and alpine peaks
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 665 m
- Average daily descent: 786 m
Management
Your guide is a state-certified mountain leader, a specialist in the region and passionate about the surrounding nature. He/she will reveal the secrets of this trek to you.
Program
-
Bourg St Maurice - Sainte Foy - Refuge de l'Archeboc
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From Bourg St Maurice, transfer to the village of Sainte Foy to begin this alpine adventure. The trail winds through the picturesque village of Le Miroir, offering typical views of the region, before gradually climbing to the Archeboc refuge, nestled in the heart of the mountains.
Day 1 -
Archeboc Refuge - Rifugio de l'Épée
- Activity Hiking
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Leaving the Vanoise region, you cross the Col du Mont (2636 m) to enter the Gran Paradiso National Park. Once in the Valgrisenche valley, the hike continues to the Refuge de l'Épée, where a warm welcome and Italian cuisine await you.
Day 2 -
Discovering Valgrisenche
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1350 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A spectacular traverse takes you beneath the steep slopes of the Grande Rousse. You'll cross through the land of génépi, with the majestic Platte des Chamois and the Grande Sassière, reaching 3747 m, as a backdrop. The picturesque valley of the Bezzi refuge will offer you a well-deserved rest.
Day 3 -
The Val de Rhêmes
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1350 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, you leave the Valgrisenche valley for the Rhêmes valley, crossing the Bassac Dere pass. Along the way, keep an eye out for marmots, ptarmigans, and ibex that inhabit this region. The Benevolo refuge welcomes you at the end of the day, in the heart of this wild and unspoiled landscape.
Day 4 -
Rifugio Benevolo - Rifugio Savoia
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A stage offering exceptional panoramic views of the Gran Paradiso summit. The descent passes by the stunning lakes of Leita and Rosset, an enchanting setting where natural beauty unfolds at every turn. In the evening, don't miss the traditional gathering around "la grolla".
Day 5 -
Rifugio Savoya - Rifugio Victor Emmanuelle II
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You'll hike through the Petit Nivolet valley, dominated by the iconic peaks of Gran Paradiso, Ciarofon, and Tresenta. These renowned mountaineering destinations are also a refuge for chamois. You'll then reach the Vittorio Emanuele II refuge, a legendary stop on the ascents of Gran Paradiso.
Day 6 -
Rifugio Victor Emmanuel - Rifugio Chabod - Pont
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A magnificent traverse to the Chabod refuge allows you to enjoy the park's breathtaking landscapes one last time. The descent to the Alpe de Pravieux is an ideal opportunity to observe chamois and marmots one last time. For the more adventurous, climbing Gran Paradiso is an option for the day, offering an unforgettable high-mountain experience.
The trip to Pont Valsavarenche, Italy, ends around 2 PM. Return to Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station by private bus booked by us and included in the price. Arrival at the station is around 5 PM.
Day 7
Accommodation
Access
The trip to Pont Valsavarenche, Italy, ends around 2 PM. Return to Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station by private bus booked by us and included in the price. Arrival at the station is around 5 PM.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide who is a specialist in the region.
- Accommodation in mountain huts and dormitories
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 7
- The return transfer to Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- Transporting personal bags at each stage
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The ascent of Gran Paradiso is optional.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.