Trekking with bivouac camping at the gateway to the Maurienne valley
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration3 days
-
LevelAdvance
-
DestinationSavoy / French Alps
-
AgeFrom the age of 18
-
CO₂-Emissions11.78 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
Spanish
French
In a few words
Escape in a small group (maximum 6 people) for an immersive nature experience, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Easily accessible by train from Grenoble , this trip takes you to the heart of Belledonne , a wild and secluded mountain range in the Alps. Between high-altitude lakes , panoramic ridges , and isolated alpine pastures , you'll explore the northern, most pristine section, accompanied by a passionate guide with extensive knowledge of the area.
Each day is an invitation to wonder: observing birds of prey , fleeting encounters with chamois , vibrant alpine flora, and the constant murmur of crystal-clear streams . Nights are spent bivouacking in tents or under the stars , to the soothing rhythm of the mountains.
This experience offers you much more than a hike: a human and sensory adventure , to rediscover the essential , develop your autonomy and reconnect deeply with nature … and with yourself.
The highlights
-
All quality camping equipment provided
-
An original route off the beaten track with unforgettable views
-
An experienced guide to support you in your efforts and help you achieve independence in the mountains.
Photos
Charles - verified review - july 2025
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 717 m
- Average daily descent: 684 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Spanish
French
Alexis is passionate about understanding human nature and the relationship between body and mind. Whether through rehabilitation (physiotherapy), teaching yoga, or exploring the wilderness, his intentions remain the same: to offer experiences that help people connect with nature and with who they truly are. Because, according to him, that is where well-being resides.
Born at the foot of the Vercors mountains, the mountains were a place of renewal and exploration for me. First a dietician, then a naturopath, it is finally as a mountain guide that I accompany the most beautiful transformations. Whether it's a bivouac under the stars or an immersive hike, I offer you an adventure where you shed the superfluous to reconnect with what truly matters.
Program
-
Packing and group preparation, crossing the Col de la Perrière
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The meeting point is at the Valpelouse car park , above Arvillard, at an altitude of 1700 m .
We will start the day with a welcome and introduction: guide, participants, itinerary… Then we will do a quick equipment check before putting on our shoes and starting the walk.
We will gradually gain altitude until we reach the Col de la Perrière (1979 m), from where there is a magnificent view of the Grands Moulins .
Crossing the sources of the Gargoton , we will continue to the Presle mountain .
In the late afternoon, we will set up our bivouac in a beautiful open space , on the edge of a small mountain lake.
The program includes: setting up tents, preparing a meal together, then relaxing in the golden glow of the sunset , in a soothing setting.
Day 1 -
Maurienne Valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 1050 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day follows an original and unmarked route , ideal for fully immersing yourself in the alpine landscapes and observing preserved fauna and flora.
A first descent leads us to the Fontaine Noire chalet , where we leave Isère to enter Savoie , heading towards the Maurienne valley . The scenery gradually changes: the landscapes become more open, wild and mineral .
In the afternoon, two passes will punctuate our progress: the Pré Rémy pass (1955 m), then the Fort pass (2145 m).
We will cross through large forests of spruce and larch , before reaching a more rocky landscape, punctuated by a small high-altitude lake .
We will set up our bivouac at 2000 m , at the foot of the Grands Moulins , on a flat area near a spring and an old ruin .
An existing fire pit will allow us, conditions permitting, to prepare a fire while respecting the environment. An ideal spot to set up camp , cook together, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Maurienne valley .
Day 2 -
Crossing the vast wild plains and possible ascent of the Grands Moulins (Great Mills)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We leave our bivouac site to begin a peaceful crossing across the vast wild plains of the massif.
With a bit of luck, the discreet song of the black grouse will resonate in this preserved landscape.
A balcony path gradually leads us back to the ridge we crossed on the first day , offering a beautiful mountain loop.
If the group is fit and conditions permit, we can attempt the optional ascent to the summit of Grands Moulins (2495 m), a bonus of 300 m of elevation gain and about 2 additional hours of walking for a breathtaking panorama.
The final descent takes place through a living forest full of animal tracks, down to the Valpelouse car park , where our loop ends.
We will share one last friendly snack before departures.
For those who wish, carpooling to Grenoble is possible , with arrival at the station scheduled around 5pm .
Day 3
Note
Some hikes pass near mountain lakes or rivers. Any swimming is at your own risk and is entirely outside the scope of your guide's expertise and intervention.
The program is given as an indication only; it is subject to change to adapt to the vagaries of the weather as well as the conditions of the mountain and the travelers.
Ultimately, the tour leader remains the sole judge of the program, which he may modify due to safety imperatives.
Similarly, the indications for stage times are given as a guide only.
Accommodation
Access
We finish the trek between 3 and 4 pm, which allows us to be at Grenoble train station at 5 pm for those who come by train.
Go to the starting point
For your convenience, carpooling is offered at 10am at Grenoble train station.
It takes approximately one hour to travel from Grenoble to the starting point of the hike.
Enter "Val Pelouse 73110 Arvillard" into your GPS.
From northern France, travel to Chambery, then Pontcharra to access Arvillard.
From the south, take Valence, then Grenoble to reach Pontcharra and Arvillard.
Price details
The price includes
- All meals
- Loan of all bivouac equipment (tent - mattress - sleeping bag - cooking pot), ideal if you are a beginner.
- All hikes are led by a state-certified mountain professional. The itinerary is adapted according to the weather and the group's skill level.
- Health and effort management tips for successful hiking
- Explanations and observations of nature, landscape, fauna, flora and mountain life
The price does not include
- Your transport to the start of the hike or Grenoble train station
- All drinks other than water
- Hiking snacks
- Your personal mountain equipment
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During the hike you must be in possession of the following documents:
- Valid identity card
- Health insurance card
- Proof of your repatriation assistance insurance (contract number + telephone number)
Before you leave, 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.
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.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Comfortable and lightweight mountain tent (1.4 kg)
- Inflatable floor mattress
- Walking sticks
- Cooking equipment and camping gear (light plates)
- 0°C sleeping bag (duck down) / 600g with its sleeping bag liner
Equipment to bring
- Stiff hiking boots (no sneakers)
- Pants
- Several breathable layers (t-shirt, base layer, sweater)
- Backpack (at least 45L)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, cap
- Lightweight knife, cutlery and glass for the meal
- Gore-Tex jacket (windproof/waterproof)
- Mobile phone + a battery pack if needed
- A bag of dried fruit/cereal bars to refuel while walking
- Spare clothes to stay dry and warm: socks, underwear, t-shirt
- Gloves, scarf and hat (depending on the season and altitude)
- Lightweight down jacket (feather-filled if possible)
- Toilet paper + lighter to burn it
- Pair of lightweight flip-flops to relieve the strain on your feet
- A headlamp
- A hat if it's cold
They traveled with us
Julien
- 28 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
july 2025
In a group
Charles
- 30 ans
100% Verified Reviews: Only travelers who have booked with us can leave a review. All reviews are subject to human moderation. Reviews that do not comply with the moderation rules are rejected.
july 2025
In a group
