Hiking Frace - L'Alpe-d'Huez
Summer Camp xo
Day 1: Arrive into Chamrey Airport (Transfer included)
Day 2: Arrival in L'Alpe-d'Huez & Explore the VillageArrival: Check into your accommodation and settle in.
Explore the Village: Spend the day getting acquainted with the area. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, visit local cafes, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Optional Short Hike: You can do a short hike like the Alpe d'Huez to La Garde route, a 1.5 to 2-hour hike that gives you beautiful views of the valley and is a great way to get acclimatized.
Overnight: Stay in L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 3: Hike to the Lac BessonDistance: 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip
Elevation Gain: 600 meters (1,970 feet)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Route: From L'Alpe-d'Huez, take the Besson Lakes Trail, which will lead you to Lac Besson.
The trail offers stunning alpine views as you hike through lush forests and meadows. The lake itself is a great spot for a picnic or a peaceful rest, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Once you reach Lac Besson, enjoy the serene atmosphere and take in the surrounding peaks, such as Pic Blanc.
Optional: You can extend the hike by exploring the nearby Lac Noir or continue up to Col de Cluy for a more challenging hike.
Overnight: Stay in L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 4: Hike to the Summit of Pic Blanc
Distance: 8 km (5 miles) one-way
Elevation Gain: 1,300 meters (4,265 feet)
Duration: 5-6 hours (one-way)
Route: Pic Blanc is one of the most iconic peaks of L'Alpe-d'Huez and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range. Hike the entire route from the village or take the Alpe d'Huez cable car (the DMC lift) to the Pic Blanc summit and complete the hike down.
Hiking to Pic Blanc from the village is a steep climb, but the breathtaking views at the summit are well worth it.
From the summit, enjoy 360-degree views of the Ecrins Massif, Mont Blanc, and La Meije. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Optional: If you're feeling adventurous, you can also continue to hike to Le Dome de la Lauze.
Overnight: Return to L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 5: Hike to Col de SarenneDistance: 12 km (7.5 miles) round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Route: The Col de Sarenne hike is one of the most scenic routes in the area, offering incredible views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The trail starts near the DMC lift and follows a well-marked path leading to the col. Along the way, you'll pass through meadows, rocky paths, and alpine lakes.
The col itself offers fantastic panoramic views, making it a perfect spot for a rest.
Optional: You can extend your hike by venturing further into the Sarenne Valley to reach the Sarenne Glacier for an extra challenge.
Overnight: Stay in L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 6: Hike to the Village of VaujanyDistance: 14 km (8.7 miles) round trip
Elevation Gain: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Route: Take a scenic hike to the picturesque village of Vaujany, located at the base of Pic de l'Oisans.
The hike will take you along a well-maintained trail with stunning views of Mont de Lans and the Vaujany Valley.
Vaujany is known for its charming alpine architecture, traditional stone houses, and its role as a popular base for hikers.
Optional: Once in Vaujany, you can take a cable car up to Col du Sabot and do a shorter hike to explore the Lac de la Fare.
Overnight: Stay in L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 7: Hike the La Croix de Fer and Col du GlandonDistance: 15 km (9.3 miles) round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters (3,600 feet)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Route: This route takes you to the Col de Glandon, famous for its impressive views and its appearance in the Tour de France.
The hike starts from the Col de la Croix de Fer, which is accessible via a scenic drive.
The hike involves a steady climb, but it rewards you with stunning views of the Massif des Grandes Rousses and the Glacier de l'Oisans.
This is a more challenging hike, perfect for seasoned hikers looking for a great mountain challenge.
Overnight: Stay in L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 8: Relaxing Hike and DepartureDistance: Variable (choose your preferred shorter trail)
Route: After six days of intense hiking, take it easy with a short, relaxing hike on your last day.
The Lac de la Muzelle is a great option for a gentler 3-4 hour hike that offers serene landscapes and is perfect for reflection on your amazing journey.
Departure: Depending on your departure time, enjoy a last walk around L'Alpe-d'Huez and take in the stunning mountain views before heading home.
General Tips:Gear: Make sure to bring proper hiking boots, a good backpack, plenty of water, and layers for fluctuating mountain temperatures.
Weather: Check the weather forecast each day, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Altitude: The altitude in L'Alpe-d'Huez can affect some hikers, so take time to acclimatize on the first day and listen to your body.
Safety: Stick to marked trails and carry a map or a GPS device for navigation. It’s also advisable to carry a basic first-aid kit.
This 7-day itinerary in L'Alpe-d'Huez will take you through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the French Alps. You’ll experience a mix of challenging hikes, peaceful alpine lakes, and unforgettable panoramas of towering peaks. Enjoy your hiking adventure in this stunning part of France!
Summer Camp xo
Day 1: Arrive into Chamrey Airport (Transfer included)
Day 2: Arrival in L'Alpe-d'Huez & Explore the VillageArrival: Check into your accommodation and settle in.
Explore the Village: Spend the day getting acquainted with the area. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, visit local cafes, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Optional Short Hike: You can do a short hike like the Alpe d'Huez to La Garde route, a 1.5 to 2-hour hike that gives you beautiful views of the valley and is a great way to get acclimatized.
Overnight: Stay in L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 3: Hike to the Lac BessonDistance: 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip
Elevation Gain: 600 meters (1,970 feet)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Route: From L'Alpe-d'Huez, take the Besson Lakes Trail, which will lead you to Lac Besson.
The trail offers stunning alpine views as you hike through lush forests and meadows. The lake itself is a great spot for a picnic or a peaceful rest, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Once you reach Lac Besson, enjoy the serene atmosphere and take in the surrounding peaks, such as Pic Blanc.
Optional: You can extend the hike by exploring the nearby Lac Noir or continue up to Col de Cluy for a more challenging hike.
Overnight: Stay in L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 4: Hike to the Summit of Pic Blanc
Distance: 8 km (5 miles) one-way
Elevation Gain: 1,300 meters (4,265 feet)
Duration: 5-6 hours (one-way)
Route: Pic Blanc is one of the most iconic peaks of L'Alpe-d'Huez and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range. Hike the entire route from the village or take the Alpe d'Huez cable car (the DMC lift) to the Pic Blanc summit and complete the hike down.
Hiking to Pic Blanc from the village is a steep climb, but the breathtaking views at the summit are well worth it.
From the summit, enjoy 360-degree views of the Ecrins Massif, Mont Blanc, and La Meije. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Optional: If you're feeling adventurous, you can also continue to hike to Le Dome de la Lauze.
Overnight: Return to L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 5: Hike to Col de SarenneDistance: 12 km (7.5 miles) round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Route: The Col de Sarenne hike is one of the most scenic routes in the area, offering incredible views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The trail starts near the DMC lift and follows a well-marked path leading to the col. Along the way, you'll pass through meadows, rocky paths, and alpine lakes.
The col itself offers fantastic panoramic views, making it a perfect spot for a rest.
Optional: You can extend your hike by venturing further into the Sarenne Valley to reach the Sarenne Glacier for an extra challenge.
Overnight: Stay in L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 6: Hike to the Village of VaujanyDistance: 14 km (8.7 miles) round trip
Elevation Gain: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Route: Take a scenic hike to the picturesque village of Vaujany, located at the base of Pic de l'Oisans.
The hike will take you along a well-maintained trail with stunning views of Mont de Lans and the Vaujany Valley.
Vaujany is known for its charming alpine architecture, traditional stone houses, and its role as a popular base for hikers.
Optional: Once in Vaujany, you can take a cable car up to Col du Sabot and do a shorter hike to explore the Lac de la Fare.
Overnight: Stay in L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 7: Hike the La Croix de Fer and Col du GlandonDistance: 15 km (9.3 miles) round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters (3,600 feet)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Route: This route takes you to the Col de Glandon, famous for its impressive views and its appearance in the Tour de France.
The hike starts from the Col de la Croix de Fer, which is accessible via a scenic drive.
The hike involves a steady climb, but it rewards you with stunning views of the Massif des Grandes Rousses and the Glacier de l'Oisans.
This is a more challenging hike, perfect for seasoned hikers looking for a great mountain challenge.
Overnight: Stay in L'Alpe-d'Huez.
Day 8: Relaxing Hike and DepartureDistance: Variable (choose your preferred shorter trail)
Route: After six days of intense hiking, take it easy with a short, relaxing hike on your last day.
The Lac de la Muzelle is a great option for a gentler 3-4 hour hike that offers serene landscapes and is perfect for reflection on your amazing journey.
Departure: Depending on your departure time, enjoy a last walk around L'Alpe-d'Huez and take in the stunning mountain views before heading home.
General Tips:Gear: Make sure to bring proper hiking boots, a good backpack, plenty of water, and layers for fluctuating mountain temperatures.
Weather: Check the weather forecast each day, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Altitude: The altitude in L'Alpe-d'Huez can affect some hikers, so take time to acclimatize on the first day and listen to your body.
Safety: Stick to marked trails and carry a map or a GPS device for navigation. It’s also advisable to carry a basic first-aid kit.
This 7-day itinerary in L'Alpe-d'Huez will take you through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the French Alps. You’ll experience a mix of challenging hikes, peaceful alpine lakes, and unforgettable panoramas of towering peaks. Enjoy your hiking adventure in this stunning part of France!