The village of Valloire is a small french village located south east of France in the department of Savoie of the french region Rhône-Alpes. Popular for its ski resort Valloire-Galibier and its Col du Galibier, a high mountain pass which is famous for the Tour de France, Valloire and the whole area is also worth a trip in summer. There are many activities and nice hikes that you can do even during the warmer periods of the year. The altitude of the town is approximately 1,401 meters, so that it’s a good base to discover the mountain ranges and other interesting sights of the region. Here are the best things to do in Valloire:
Hike 4 Lacs
This amazing hike can be done with the whole family and will last around 5 hours. Even if during the first 1,5 hours you need to walk up to the first extraordinary lake Lac des Carces, the hike gets easier after that. After the next 45 minutes where you will pass the Col des Cerces (2574 meters), you will arrive to the next two beautiful lakes Lac Rond and Lac du Grand Ban. Here you can have a nice picnic and relax in this peaceful place of nature. If you walk a bit further you will arrive to the lake Lac de la Clarée with its historic military camp Camp militaire des Rochilles. On your way back to the starting point you will pass the Col des Rochilles and another military camp.
Lac Vert
This hike starts at the village Valmeinier and ends at a tiny beautiful “green” lake, that has a beautiful turquoise color. You will walk along the stream that is called “Neuvache” and come across nice rock formations and places where blueberries grow. Take the same way back to the starting point. This hike will take approximately 3 hours and is doable for the whole family.
Climbing
For those who are enjoying climbing there are are some nice spots and via ferratas where you can climb by yourself if you have all the material. There is a nice spot in the city center of Valloire just next to the Brasserie Galibier, that is not that high, but where you can practice you climbing.
Les Aiguilles d’Arves
This hike which will last around 8 hours, is for those who like steep walks and who are fit, so it is not the easiest hike for families. This hike starts in Les Verneys from where you will cross the “Roche Saint Bernard” a beautiful rock with a cross on hit (you can walk to the top if you feel like it), before going higher into the mountains, before reaching the Refuge des Aiguilles d’Aves. There you can have a drink or have lunch, before going higher (a really steap path) to the Aiguille de l’Epaisseur (3200 meters) from where you have an amazing view on the Aiguilles d’Arves, an amazing mountain range that will blow your mind away.
Col du Galibier
Col du Galibier is a mountain pass the most famous one in the region especially because of the Tour de France that is passing by from time to time and because of the excellent view you have on the surrounding mountains like for example the Mont Blanc. It is the ninth highest paved road in the Alps and the sixth highest mountain pass.
Paragliding
For those who are pros in paragliding or those who wanna learn it, one of the best spots in the region is the area next to the Auberge de Plan Lachat.
Brasserie Galibier
If you need to relax a moment after an exhausting hike or you just wanna have a drink with your family/friends you should visit the Brasserie Galibier and taste the delicious Galibier craft beer that is directly brewed in this location.
