This legendary Vanoise trek will inspire your summer plans!

The Vanoise Glacier Loop, often abbreviated as TGV, is much more than a simple hike. It’s an immersion in a high mountain universe, at the heart of France’s first national park. This legendary loop, which comes in several durations, offers a spectacular condensed version of alpine landscapes: turquoise altitude lakes, panoramic passes, suspended glaciers, and preserved valleys where wildlife abounds. The itinerary detailed in this article is that of a sporting version completed in three days. It’s Camille, assistant product manager for guided trips in France at Grand Angle, who shares her experience with us. Through her account and our expert advice, we give you all the keys to prepare your own adventure in Vanoise.

The Vanoise Glacier Loop (TGV) is a legendary loop that offers a concentrate of alpine landscapes: altitude lakes, passes, glaciers, waterfalls and preserved valleys. We chose to complete this tour in three days, the two of us, with my partner. A demanding itinerary, but grandiose at every stage.

• Day 1: From Pralognan to the Orgère Refuge
• Day 2: From the Orgère Refuge to the Arpont Refuge
• Day 3: From Arpont to Pralognan, the grand finale
• Embark on the Vanoise Loop with Grand Angle

Day 1: From Pralognan to the Orgère Refuge

The departure is from Pralognan (you can also take a bus to the Prioux to avoid the forest section, which is less interesting). Before leaving, it’s possible to refill your water at the public toilets near the town hall. The beginning of the stage crosses the forest before the landscape gradually opens up as you approach the Prioux. The trail becomes a bit steeper after this hamlet, but only for a short distance.

The climb continues on a wide path, regular overall until the 11th km. Then, a series of steep switchbacks leads to the junction for the Péclet refuge. We take a lunch break a little higher up, with a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks, the valley already seems far away.

The climb continues gradually to a vast field of cairns: be careful not to venture too far, the pass is on the right. The first part is through rocks, with little marking, but the cairns help to navigate well. The end of the climb is on a steep and narrow path. Arriving at Chavière Pass (2798 m), the reward is commensurate with the effort: a breathtaking panorama, considered one of the most beautiful views on the GR5 according to some hikers.

It’s also possible to go via the Aussois Pass and the Fond d’Aussois Refuge for a shorter version of the Glacier Loop, but often more crowded.

We descend through the alpine meadows and the sheep,

Next, let’s take the variant that allows us to reach Orgère Refuge more quickly, without following the GR5. The refuge overlooks the Maurienne valley, with a superb view. We sleep in a dormitory of 6 people. The meal is excellent: soup, cheese, diots-polenta and dessert. The warden offers us a small homemade digestif. Breakfast, although composed of homemade cakes, perhaps lacks a bit of savory options.

Day 2: From Orgère Refuge to Arpont Refuge

The longest day of the tour, but also one of the most spectacular, with its balcony trails and grandiose landscapes. From Orgère Refuge, two options are available to you: pass through Barbier Pass or Masse Pass. We choose Barbier Pass, simpler and more wise before this long day. The start is gentle, slightly descending, ideal for loosening up your legs. After 2 km, the climb begins: short (approximately 2 km) but steep, with passages over 20 %. We take a break when leaving the forest to have a small snack, breakfast really wasn’t very substantial.

The balcony trail then dominates the Maurienne valley, rolling and peaceful, until Barbier Pass. The Plan d’Aval and Plan d’Amont lakes gradually reveal themselves. We skirt around them via a trail that gives the impression of being alone in the world: streams, mountains, no sound, just nature.

We then descend towards Plan d’Amont,

before climbing back up the other side to Fournache Refuge. We continue to Plan Sec Refuge for lunch break. Important: Fill up with water here, as there is no water source until Arpont Refuge.

We meet the top of the chairlift coming from Aussois, a possible TGV entry point, then continue on a rolling balcony trail for 3 km. This is followed by a steady climb of approximately 3 km, which offers at its summit a splendid view of Val Cenis and Termignon.

Around the 25th km, we cross a flock of sheep with, in the background, the emblematic peaks of Vanoise.

A left turn reveals a scree slope that appears impressive from afar. Sensitive to vertigo, we ask other hikers if the passage is as exposed as it looks, they reassure us, and they were right: the trail is wide, stable and well marked.

We continue peacefully to Arpont Refuge, preceded by a magnificent waterfall.

The refuge is large but warm, and we are fortunate to have a small dormitory of six people. The staff is welcoming, the refuge clean and the meal copious. Showers are paid, but we had access to free cold water. Breakfast is once again a bit light and lacks savory options.

Day 3: From Arpont to Pralognan, the Grandiose Finale

Legs are tired after two big days! The climb starts right away, steep for the first two kilometres, but the view of the lake in the opposite valley motivates continuing.

We then progress over rocks before reaching a plateau offering a superb view of the Pelve glacier.

The trail crosses several streams and small high-altitude lakes before reaching a scenic viewpoint that gradually rises through a scree field between two mountains.

After this climb, the path becomes wider and gentler, running alongside a stream at the foot of the glaciers.

You then pass Lac du Col de la Vanoise and Lac Rond before arriving at the Refuge du Col de la Vanoise.

Many stop here to eat, but we prefer to have lunch on the large sunny platform in front of the refuge, perfect for relaxing.

The descent begins right after. We choose the smaller trails on the left, steeper and more technical, to avoid the busy main track. Arriving at the famous Lac des Vaches, we cross its pebbles, an iconic and magical passage.

The descent then continues either by the smaller side trails or by the main track, up to the top of the Génépi chairlift. You can stop here and descend by chairlift: this avoids approximately 3 km and 580 m of negative elevation gain. Otherwise, the descent continues along the slopes, with a few forest sections.

And to end the hike well: stop for a crêpe at Les Mouch’Du crepery when you arrive in Pralognan, a real treat after these three days!

We left the car on Rue du Doron during the tour: free and worry-free parking.

Set off on the Tour de la Vanoise with Grand Angle

Has this story inspired you to lace up your hiking boots? The Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise is an accessible adventure, provided you prepare well. By setting off with Grand Angle, you choose peace of mind. We take care of refuge reservations, a task that can be complex during peak season.

Preparing the Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise requires good organisation to fully enjoy this alpine adventure: the ideal period runs from late June to mid-September, when trails are clear and refuges are open, even though snow patches may persist early in the season and the weather remains changeable. This trek demands solid physical fitness, especially in its sports version of 3 days (75 km and over 4000 m of elevation gain), while the 4 or 5 day formats, more accessible, allow you to manage the effort better. The route is adaptable according to your level and available time, with a classic departure from Pralognan-la-Vanoise or other possible access points, and variations ranging from a quick loop for experienced hikers to a more progressive version, ideal for discovering the mountain range landscapes at a leisurely pace.

Whether you choose a #guided stay with one of our expert guides who will share their knowledge of the wildlife, flora and history of the park with you, or Vanoise at your own pace, between valleys and glaciers, with a detailed route guide, you set off with peace of mind, certain to experience an authentic adventure. Don’t hesitate to contact our advisors to design together the trek that suits you.