Walking
Walking in the French Alps
The area is spectacular for walkers either looking for a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Giffre and past waterfalls, or for serious hikes up to 3100m altitude, staying overnight in a refuge! There are hundreds of trails to suit all abilities with varying walk times. With over 900km of marked trails it is easy to find something for all the family or you may be interested in joining a guided group.
Excellent guide books and maps are available in local bookshops and the tourist information centre and website has lots of additional information, including contacts with local guides who can help you to find the best viewpoints and safest routes according to your ability.
For a little more interest for the younger members of the family you can even go walking with pack donkeys! The Guides’ Office can organise mini-trips in the Upper Giffre, to discover the natural environment at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 1800 m. The trips are specially thought out for children in the 6 to 10 age group. There are forests of conifers, mountain pastures, gentians, and rhododendrons all along the route. On your way, you may well see marmots, chamois, or even a golden eagle. The donkeys carry the backpacks and love being tickled between their ears!
