Skip to content
beaufortain_randonnee_circuit_bandeau_1_064de28d0f
  • Alps 

The Beaufortain Massif : the wild Alps

An exceptional hike with views of Mont Blanc!

ref RP1D

From
625€/person
beaufortain_randonnee_circuit_2_c3bf19e647
beaufortain_randonnee_circuit_1_b628c72466
beaufortain_randonnee_circuit_4_1ade9ddeb3
beaufortain_randonnee_circuit_5_15f50c9834
beaufortain_randonnee_circuit_3_4edd6ef264
beaufortain_randonnee_circuit_6_b51b1ddaf0
randonnee_vue_mont_blanc_d2bcb0d277
randonnee_savoie_beaufortain_0c5382acab
rando_refuge_alpes_savoie_75d2d25ff3

Presentation of your trip

The Beaufortain massif is a paradise for hikers seeking peace and quiet in the mountains. From mountain pasture to mountain pasture, from refuge to refuge, we hike through unspoilt mountain countryside, with daily views of the surrounding massifs: the Aravis, the Aiguilles Rouges, the Vanoise, Mont Blanc... The glistening tongues of the glaciers glisten in the background, whilst in the foreground, the pretty Tarine cows, the inhabitants of the mountain pastures, provide us with their speciality: Beaufort cheese. The Beaufortain offers small, rounded, bare peaks for us to climb, as well as safe ridge trails. And to top it all off, several promontories overlooking the lakes punctuate this hike, including La Girotte, La Gittaz, Saint Guérin and the most famous of all: Roselend!

  • DestinationAlps
  • TypeFree
  • Length of trip6 days and 5 nights
  • ActivitiesHiking
  • Physical level

Possible periods for this trip

  • Jan.
  • Feb.
  • March
  • Apr.
  • May
  • June
  • Jul.
  • August
  • Sep.
  • Oct.
  • Nov.
  • Dec.

DescriptionProgramPratical informationDates and pricePrivate groupsContact

Trip details

Highlights

  • The many views of the Mont Blanc Range
  • Mountain huts set in stunning surroundings
  • A rugged mountain range, where pastoral life is the mainstay

Complementary informations

  • 6 days, 5 nights, 5 days hiking

Program

  • Rendez vous à Arêches

    • Type of accommodation : Hotel

    Meeting in the Beaufortain region in the late afternoon to check into our partner hotel in Arêches. We’re already feeling the Alpine atmosphere. All around us, a few peaks come into view, such as the Pointe de la Grande Journée, the Grand Mont and Mont Mirantin.

  • Arêches - Les Saisies - Refuge de la Croix de Pierre

    • Distance : 12 km
    • Duration : 4h30
    • Elevation gain : 515 m
    • Negative gradient : 210 m
    • Type of accommodation : Mountain refuge

    A short morning transfer to Les Saisies resort (approx. 30 mins). We set off from the resort which hosted all the Nordic skiing events during the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. Following a track leading to the mountain pastures, we make our way up the first few metres of elevation at a gentle, leisurely pace. First viewpoint from the summit of the Tête des Trois Coins (2,067m). From this summit (and even a little before), the majestic Mont Blanc imposes its presence, and it feels as though we could almost touch it... Descent to the Col de Very and overnight stay at the Croix de Pierre refuge, perched at an altitude of 1,962m.

  • Refuge de la Croix de Pierre - Vallon de la Gitte

    • Distance : 17 km
    • Duration : 7h
    • Elevation gain : 700 m
    • Negative gradient : 1000 m
    • Type of accommodation : Mountain refuge

    This morning we’re walking along a magnificent ridge path above the Girotte mountain lake, beneath the Aiguille Croche (2,487 m). We’ll pass through the Col du Joly, one of the mountain range’s gateways, which looks out over Les Contamines and the Mont Blanc region—perhaps the perfect spot for a late-morning coffee. We continue southwards, beneath the Col de la Fenêtre, and climb up a small, wild valley. Purple and yellow gentians, Martagon lilies and columbines add colour to the predominantly grassy ground. Having passed the day’s highest point (2,300m), we descend into the small Gitte valley, in the hollow of which we spend the night in a truly mountainous atmosphere.

  • Vallon de la Gitte - Plan de la Lai

    • Distance : 14 km
    • Duration : 7h
    • Elevation gain : 1050 m
    • Negative gradient : 850 m
    • Type of accommodation : Mountain refuge

    This morning we set off for the most ‘challenging’ day of our hike in the Beaufortain. But of course, tackling the climb always leads to a fine reward: a pass or a summit where you can put down your rucksack for a good few minutes and savour the beauty of the mountains. That’s what this day promises! So we climb along the Gitte torrent, with our first objective being the Col de la Sauce (2,307m), then the Crêtes de la Gitte at over 2,500m. A splendid 360-degree view unfolds before our eyes. All the shades of green blend together to create this fabulous scenery. Option to make a return trip to the Rocher du Vent, perhaps the finest view of Lake Roselend, followed by a descent to Plan de la Lai.

    Option to skip the two return trips: in this case, the stage covers 10km / 725m of ascent / 525m of descent

  • Plan de la Lai - Refuge de la Coire

    • Distance : 14 km
    • Duration : 6h15
    • Elevation gain : 815 m
    • Negative gradient : 600 m
    • Type of accommodation : Mountain refuge

    Today’s plan: an ‘extended’ tour of Lake Roselend! Built between 1955 and 1960, the dam of the same name holds some 187 million cubic metres of water, powering the hydroelectric industry that is so prevalent in Savoie. To our hikers’ eyes, the water shifts between shades of blue and green, depending on the passing clouds and the sun’s position. A hike facing the famous Pierra Menta (2,714m), renowned in the ski mountaineering world, followed by a descent to Treicol. A final climb to cross the local pass (2,398m), then we head towards the Cormet d’Arêches where we spend our last night in a mountain hut, beneath the clear mountain sky!

  • Refuge de la Coire - Arêches

    • Distance : 14.5 km
    • Duration : 5h30
    • Elevation gain : 435 m
    • Negative gradient : 1460 m

    A magnificent route today, to mark the end of our journey. We leave the Cormet d'Arêches and head north to the Col du Couvercle (2,295m), before setting off along a ridge path that winds its way downwards. Pure bliss... Descent to the Roche Parstire (2,109m), facing Mont Blanc, which is reflected in the lake’s waters for the last time. It’s now time to come back down to earth after these few days at altitude... Return to Arêches in the middle of the afternoon.

  • End of trip

Pratical information

  • Luggage

    Travel light – we’ll take care of the rest!
    Drop off your luggage before setting off in the morning; it will be waiting for you at your next stop. You’ll only need to carry what you need for the day and your picnic. Luggage is transported by vehicle. Please allow one bag per person, weighing no more than 15 kg. One important detail: each bag must be labelled.

  • Formalities

    • Passport or ID is compulsory
    • We recommend getting a European Health Insurance card (check with the NHS) 
    • Repatriation insurance is compulsory

  • DEPARTURE AND MEETING POINT

    Departure from Arêches (Auvergne Rhône Alpes). The exact location will be provided in your booking confirmation.

    How to get there:

    By car: Arêches is situated in the heart of the Beaufortain region (Savoy). The Beaufortain massif is mainly accessible via Albertville from Chambéry and Grenoble.
    By train: Albertville SNCF station. Taxi transfers available – please contact us!
    By plane: Lyon St Exupéry or Chambéry Airport.

  • Accommodation

    - 4 nights in mountain huts on a half-board basis: dormitories contain between 2 and 15 beds, all single beds. These huts allow you to sleep at high altitude and enjoy a friendly atmosphere with other hikers. Sheets and towels are not provided (but blankets are). Please bring a sleeping bag liner.

    - 1 night in a 2* hotel in Arêches, based on two people per room (double or twin room), with private bathroom and toilet. Bed linen and towels are provided. Breakfast is included, but dinner is at your own expense.

  • Food

    Dinners and breakfasts are served at your accommodation. We take particular care to recommend stopover gîtes, guesthouse restaurants and local eateries that specialise in simple cuisine made with local produce.

    Self guided version : lunch is not included. You can either order it from your accommodation provider or stock up at the few grocery shops along the route (we will indicate these in your travel documents).

    Guided version : lunch is included and carefully prepared by your guide (or, in some cases, by the previous night’s accommodation). Generally, the packed lunch consists of a cold salad with starchy foods and fresh vegetables, some cold meats, cheese, bread and a piece of fruit.

  • Attendees

    The self-guided package is available for groups of two or more, with luggage transported by taxi.
    The guided package is available for groups of six or more, with luggage transported by taxi.

     

  • Difficulty level

    Level 4/5 for experienced hikers. Some sections off the beaten track.
    Daily walks of 5 to 7 hours with an elevation gain of 500 to 1,200 metres.

  • Accompanying

    Self-guided:
    You set off on your own, as a couple, with family or with friends. We take care of accommodation, meals and luggage transfers.
    You have good hiking experience and know how to find your way using a map and a compass. From one stage to the next, you follow the GPS tracks, and where necessary the maps and guidebook that we have carefully prepared.
    Travelling independently means hiking light, at your own pace, and fully enjoying the pleasures of nature without worrying about the logistics of your trip. It also means being free to interpret and imagine the stories told by the region you’re passing through.

    With a guide:
    Discovering a region or a country, learning about its natural environment, its history, the lives of its inhabitants, and the relationship between humans and nature… mountain guides specialising in these regions are there to shed light on the world around you and bring the mountains to life.
    The guides at LaRébenne are here to share their passion for the mountains with you.

  • Advised equipment (non-exhaustive list)

    All your belongings will be divided between a rucksack carried whilst walking and a soft-sided travel bag (max. 15 kg) transported by taxi (except on days 2 and 3).
    

    - Breathable underwear
    
– A fleece jacket

    – A waterproof and breathable jacket
    
– Trekking trousers

    – A beanie

    – A cap or hat
    
– Sunglasses

    – A pair of gloves
    
– A water bottle (or hydration pack, straw)
    

    Footwear and technical equipment  : 
    – Trekking boots with a sole offering good grip (Vibram type)

    – A head torch

    – Telescopic walking poles (highly recommended)
    

    Sleeping gear:
     – A sleeping bag liner and a pillowcase
    

    First-aid kit:
    
– A small personal first-aid kit containing: sun cream, adhesive tape and plasters, anti-diarrhoea medication, painkillers, eye drops, cough lozenges, tweezers, tick remover, personal medication.
    
Luggage:
    – A rucksack with a capacity of approximately 40 litres, for your day’s belongings (and your overnight gear for the Col de la Croix de Pierre refuge – Day 2)
    
– A soft-sided travel bag (maximum 15 kg) to be transported by vehicle
    

    Miscellaneous
    – A change of clothes

    – Lightweight shoes for the stage
    
– A swimsuit

    – A toiletries bag and a bath towel

    – Toilet paper

    – A pocket knife
    
– A small Tupperware container and cutlery for the midday salads
    
– A few plastic bags to protect your belongings

    – A waterproof pouch

Dates and price

Information

Don’t need your luggage transferred from stage to stage?

With the self-guided option, you can choose the “no luggage transfer” option:

Flat rate, regardless of the number of participants: €495 per person. The transfer on the morning of Day 2 between Arêches and Les Saisies is still included !

 

In the self-guided version: You choose your own departure dates. Bookings available for groups of 2 or more.

In the guided version: you can book individually or as a group on one of the dates we offer during the season. Departure guaranteed with a minimum of 6 participants.

For groups, we can tailor the difficulty level, duration, price and itinerary to your requirements.

Freedom Package Rates

Price TTC per person

Hotel, refuge (6 days)
Dates A*
2 pers.695 €
3 pers.675 €
4 pers.625 €
5 pers.595 €
6 people and +575 €

* Travel periods
  • Dates A: 15 June to 30 September

Prices and dates for the guided tour option

Registration possible for 1 person or more

From  21/06/2026   to  26/06/2026
6 d
795 €
Available
From  26/07/2026   to  31/07/2026
6 d
795 €
Available
From  23/08/2026   to  28/08/2026
6 d
795 €
Available
From  20/09/2026   to  25/09/2026
6 d
795 €
Available

Options

Extra services

Accomodation

Extra night in Arêches in 2* hotel, double or twin room, including breakfast 65 € / 

Miscellaneous

Picnics provided during the stay, i.e. 4 meals
For 4 picnics		 60 € / 

The price includes

Self-guided version :

  • Accommodation with half-board: from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 6,
  • Transfer between Arêches and Les Saisies on the morning of day 2,
  • Luggage transport from day 3 to day 6,
  • Our self-guided app,
  • GPX tracks if requested.

Guided version:

  • Fully qualified English-speaking hiking guide, from day 2 to day 6,
  • Half-board accommodation: from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 6,
  • The 5 packed lunches,
  • The transfer between Arêches and Les Saisies on the morning of day 2,
  • Luggage transport from day 3 to day 6.

The price does not include

Self-guided option:

  • Dinner on day 1,
  • Luggage transfer on days 2 and 3,
  • Drinks,
  • Insurance,
  • Personal expenses,
  • Packed lunches,
  • Entrance fees to monuments.

Guided tour:

  • Dinner on day 1,
  • Luggage transfer on days 2 and 3,
  • Drinks,
  • Insurance,
  • Personal expenses,
  • Entrance fees to monuments.

Private groups

Request for quote or information

The destination

  • Alps

    With a superb range of landscapes, ranging from alpine pastures, forests, and preserved valleys to high peaks and glaciers through wild gorges, this gigantic territory also offers a rich built heritage, that can be seen in its welcoming and typical villages where traditions, especially pastoral, are still alive.

    See more trips
    mountain_2286511_b3810558f6