The 10 most beautiful hikes in Savoie

Looking for the perfect place for a mountain vacation? We suggest you explore the immense playground that is Savoie. A true haven of peace for hikers, discover the most beautiful trails in Emmental country!

A must-see destination for nature-lovers, Savoie is all about hiking and mountains. From the Parc de la Vanoise to the Beaufortain and the Chartreuse, you’ll find glacial valleys, mountain pastures, lakes and snow-capped peaks on the menu. Whether you’re looking for a family outing or a challenging hike, discover our selection of the ten most beautiful hikes in Savoie!

1. Lac du Saut and Lac de la Sassière

Photo credit : Alltrails

Let’s kick off this selection with a popular Tarentaise hike. The trail, nestled in the heart of the Vallon de la Grande Sassière, links two magnificent high-altitude lakes: Lac du Saut and Lac de la Sassière. You start the walk at the Saut dam before continuing on to the lake of the same name.

When you catch sight of its turquoise waters, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Lac de la Sassière. With a spectacular panorama of the surrounding mountains, it’s a sight not to be missed if you’re visiting Savoie. And if you’re lucky, you may even come across marmots and chamois along the way.

Easy and accessible, this hike in Savoie allows you to enjoy a pleasant moment in the heart of nature.

2. La Croix du Nivolet par le Sire

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In the Savoyard classics, the hike from La Croix du Nivolet to Le Sire is right at the top of the list. It’s the place to be on beautiful spring and summer days.

With its gentle gradient, the trail can be completed in half a day, taking the time to enjoy nature to the full. The trail starts at the Féclaz resort and leads through the Charvettant forest to the famous Nivolet cross.

At the finish point, an imposing panorama of Chambéry, Lac du Bourget and Aix-les-Bains awaits you. It also offers superb views of the surrounding mountains. As beautiful in summer as it is in winter, this hike is a must in any season!

3. Lac Glaciaire du Grand Méan

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Now we’re off to the heart of a glacial valley, and not just any valley! Considered by many to be the most beautiful hike in the Haute Maurienne, the Grand Méan glacial lake trail will not leave you indifferent to its charms.

In the heart of the Cirque des Évettes, at an altitude of 2,876 metres, you’ll find a sublime view of a glacial cirque sheltered from the rest of the world. It’s a simply magical moment, and one you’ll want to witness at least once in your life. And to make the pleasure last, you can also stop off at the refuge des Évettes.

Although not one of the easiest hikes, it requires no particular technical skill and is accessible to anyone with a modicum of sporting ability. Perfectly signposted, it is one of the region’s most grandiose and diverse routes. A must-see!

4. The Évettes refuge

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We’ve already told you about the Évettes refuge, and now there’s a superb hike that takes you there too. The loop through the Gorges de la Reculaz allows you to discover the splendid glacier des Évettes.

But this unspoilt natural spectacle will have to be savoured quickly. Unfortunately, the Cirque des Évettes glacier will soon have nothing left but its name. Its tendency to retreat significantly each year will soon be replaced by moraines.

The route itself is accessible despite the presence of two cabled sections, and presents no difficulties. The start is in the village of l’Écot, a small hamlet well worth a visit!

5. The Cirque de Saint-Même waterfalls

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A change of atmosphere as you head for the enchanting Cascades du Cirque de Saint-Même. The hike winds its way through forest, hamlets and clearings, eventually leading you to the source of the Guiers-Vif. To the sound of the torrent, you’ll be guided to the magical and renowned Cirque de Saint-Même.

Suitable for young and old alike, the hike will take you past refreshing waterfalls in summer and icy waterfalls in winter. If we had to give you just one piece of advice: bring good shoes! You’re in a wet environment, so the ground can quickly become slippery and muddy.

Good to know: As beautiful as it is busy, leave early to enjoy the serenity of the area and avoid the crowds.

6. Fairy Lake

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Arnaud Martinez

For a pastoral atmosphere and landscapes as grandiose as they are relaxing, head for Lac des Fées. And it’s not just the name that’s enchanting: this superb family hike in Savoie will take you through lush green valleys, beautiful flower-filled meadows and sublime mountains, alternating between the banks of streams and waterfalls.

Then on arrival: a country atmosphere, a crystal-clear lake and, with a bit of luck, you might even spot some marmots at the water’s edge.

Good to know: Don’t forget to bring good shoes: even if the hike is easy, you may have to cross streams and other muddy areas along the way.

7. Col de la Vanoise

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An emblematic hike in Savoie, we can’t end this selection without mentioning the Col de la Vanoise. Departing from the village of Les Fontanette, the hike takes in grandiose panoramas before you even reach the finish.

Along the way, you’ll come across the famous Lac des Vaches, a bird’s-eye view of the Aiguille de la Vanoise and the Grande Casse glacier. And the presence of snow and marmots will add to the magic of this unreal spectacle.

But like a well-wrapped package, the best is yet to come. As you head towards the sublime turquoise waters of Lac Long, you’ll reach the famous Col de la Vanoise. A real high-mountain landscape with a high-altitude chalet, it’s time to take a break and enjoy the view!

To savor the moment even more, try an overnight stay in a refuge – the experience is sure to remain one of your most memorable souvenirs. As the hike is quite physical, it’s also a good way to take a break in the midst of nature before setting off again to tackle the trails.

8. Le Bois de Laye

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Let’s continue in crystal-clear waters with the Bois de Laye hike. A haven of peace surrounded by greenery, the trail from Tignes takes you through the famous Bois de Laye to the sublime Lac du Chevril.

Far from being finished, you’ll discover the superb Salin waterfall and its majestic, rejuvenating scenery along the way. For a family hike in Savoie, the Bois de Laye trail will delight the eyes of young and old alike.

9. Mount Granier

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A Savoyard giant, the famous Mont Granier towers over the city of Chambéry, offering those who venture there a magnificent view of Lac du Bourget, the Bauges and the Belledonne mountain range.

With its sublime and varied scenery, the ascent will take you by surprise, and once over the Col de l’Alpette, the famous Mont-Blanc rises up in front of you. On arrival, a 360° panorama of the surrounding mountains awaits you.

This hike in Savoie is a physical one, and some passages contain cables to facilitate your ascent. They can be impressive for those prone to vertigo, but the view from Mont Granier is well worth the effort, and remains incredible enough to make you forget the effort.

10. Le Belvédère de Chambotte and La Croix de Meyrieu

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Let’s round off this selection with a pleasant forest walk to the Croix de Meyrieu. With its peaceful birdsong, generous undergrowth, the cliffs of La Chambotte and, why not, an encounter with deer, the program promises to be more than promising!

It’s in this atmosphere that you start the hike under the Chambotte cliffs, and while the route is not very steep, it leaves plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings. There are routes for hikers as well as mountain bikers. So it’s also a superb playground for cycling enthusiasts.