The Tour de la Grande Casse is an emblematic hike in the Vanoise, offering magnificent views and scenery !
Please note, departure is from the Laisonnay-d'en-Bas car park located in Champagny-en-Vanoise!
Stage 1: Laisonnay-d’en-Bas car park (1560 m) - Col du Palet refuge (2587 m) Distance: 14.12 km Ascent: +1191 m Descent: -170 m Total duration of the route 5h30 excluding break time Points of interest: the largest alder grove in France between the summits of Grand Bec and Epena, golden eagle, baroque church of St Sigismond (Champagny), hamlet of Champagny-le-Haut, pastoral life in La Plagne (production of alpine Beaufort cheese), panorama. -- Stage 2: Col du Palet refuge (2587 m) - Leisse refuge (2487 m) Distance: 15.15 km Ascent: +727 m Descent: -814 m Total duration of the route 5h10 excluding break time Points of interest: chamois on the right bank of the Leisse torrent, ptarmigan, high-altitude flowers, mineral landscape (cargneules, gypsum). -- Stage 3: Leisse refuge (2487 m) - Refuge des Barmettes (2012 m) Distance: 14.67km Ascent: +484m Descent: -954m Total duration of the route 4h30 excluding break time Points of interest: marmot, pastoral life in Entre-Deux-Eaux (production of Bleu de Termignon). At the Col de la Vanoise, lakes and view of the Grande Casse glacier (highest peak in Savoie, 3855 m). -- Stage 4: Refuge des Barmettes (2012 m) - Refuge du Grand Bec (2405 m) Distance: 6.68km Ascent: +723m Descent: -333m Total duration of the route 4h excluding break time Points of interest: chamois, ibex, view of the Vanoise glaciers, moraines. -- Stage 5: Refuge du Grand Bec (2405 m) - Laisonnay car park (1560 m) Distance: 14.12 km Ascent: +696 m Descent: -1520 m Total duration of the route 4h30 excluding break time Points of interest: spruce forest, hamlet and Champagny-le-Haut nature trail. Book accommodation online at: www.refuges-vanoise.com
Langues
French
Route GPX track
Address
73710, Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Opening
Itinerary accessible outside snow periods and subject to favorable weather conditions. Check with the Tourist Office beforehand for current access conditions. We strongly advise you to book accommodation in advance (please note that opening dates vary according to hut).