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Vacation Idea: A 4-day hike in Tignes , in September/October

Vacation Idea: A 4-day hike in Tignes , in September/October

June 17, 2025
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If you’ve visited Tignes in winter or summer, you surely picture a resort that’s always bustling, where the sheer abundance of recreational activities makes it tempting to go from one to the next at a breakneck pace. Yet when fall arrives, a different side of the resort emerges: calm, serene, and peaceful. There’s no longer any rush, and hiking along the trails becomes less of a workout and more of a meditative experience.

 

The rustling of the wind through the dry grass, the whistling of marmots, the tinkling of bells from the last herds about to return to the valley… Every sound resonates more clearly; every step invites us to savor the present moment. Try this experience over a long weekend with friends! Here’s a suggested itinerary that combines physical activity and relaxation for a perfectly balanced fall getaway.

DAY 1: HIKE WITH A PANORAMIC VIEW OF LAKE CHEVRIL

 

We’re kicking off the big weekend with a not-too-long hike, just to ease into things. Trail running enthusiasts might recognize the start of the route: a steady climb (though not too “tough”) that takes you to the pretty Tovière valley in about thirty minutes (and where participants in the “ Tignes ” Trail race try to secure their spots every August). Up there, you might see small planes landing or taking off at the Tovière altiport, under the indifferent gaze of herds of cows and horses.
Lake Chevril
Follow the yellow signs toward the Croix de Combe Folle. In a few minutes, you’ll reach a superb viewpoint overlooking Lake Chevril and its dam. The orientation map will come in handy for identifying the surrounding peaks: the Grande Sassière, the Dôme de la Sache, Mont Blanc… Take advantage of the quiet of September and October to enjoy a picnic! The table with the view is usually packed all summer long…

Once you’ve had your fill, continue your walk through the Bois de la Laye: as fall progresses, the larch trees take on a flamboyant yellow-orange hue. Don’t miss the waterfall and the Gouille du Salin (a turquoise spring feeding directly from the Grande Motte glacier), then head back to Tignes Le Lavachet via the botanical trail (can you spot the flowers that have gone to seed?).

 
Want to extend your walk? Instead of heading toward the Croix de Combe Folle, continue along the Tovière Valley then turn right to explore the famous Vallée Perdue (a well-known off-piste run among freeriders in winter). The trail will take you to Val d’Isère, in the Daille neighborhood. From there, take the path on the left to reach the breathtaking Daille Gorges (equipped with handrails on a few tricky sections). They’ll lead you to the old quarry used to build the dam Tignes in the late 1940s (the reservoir was filled in 1952). Then head up along the Lac stream to reach the waterfall and the Gouille de Salin, the botanical trail, and finally Tignes r the Lavachet.
DAY 2: HIKE AT THE FOOT OF LA GRANDE CASSE (THE HIGHEST PEAK IN THE VANOISE: 3,855 M)
 
 

Are your thighs warmed up? Are you ready to hike from pass to pass in the Grande Casse area? First stop: hike up to the Col du Palet via the GR5 trail and enter the Vanoise National Park, a 533-square-kilometer protected area home to France’s largest ibex colony (be sure to pack binoculars in your backpack to give yourself the best chance of spotting them).

 

Head down to the Palet mountain hut, pass by the lovely Grattaleu Lake, then climb back up to the Col de la Grassaz on your left. Up there, the view of the Grande Casse and the Vanoise glaciers is breathtaking! Head down to the Murs Rouges and find a little spot on a rock to enjoy your picnic at the foot of the Grande Casse and the Grande Motte (a face you might have trouble recognizing if you’re used to skiing on its eastern slope in winter).

 

When you’re ready to leave this extraordinary landscape behind, head back up toward the Col de la Croix des Frêtes, then continue on to the Col du Palet in 5 minutes and descend to Tignes , via the GR5. Below, The greens at the Val Claret golf course in L Tignes are a sight to behold amid the golden grasses and willowherb seeds swirling through the air. One last glance at the sparkling waters of Lake Tignes, and it will be time to head home for a well-deserved snack by the fireplace…

Chevril Lake, Tignes
DAY 3: HIKE IN THE GRANDE SASSIÈRE NATURE RESERVE
 
 

Are your legs still a little sore from yesterday? That works out well: this third day of hiking will be much easier! On the agenda: a lovely walk with little elevation gain in the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve.

 

You’ll need to drive to the trailhead, which is on the other side of Lake Chevril, near the old Saut cabins. The good news is that the parking lot—which is often packed in the summer—is much less crowded in September and October.

 

You have two options: a round-trip hike to Lac de la Sassière via the vehicle-accessible trail, or a loop that takes you to the lake via a more scenic trail on the way there before returning to the parking lot via the 4x4 trail. Whichever you choose, the view of the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière (Europe’s highest hiking peak at 3,747 m) will be just as stunning from the trail as it is from the wide, vehicle-accessible trail.

 

And what about the picnic? By Lake Sassière, of course! Set up on the north shore (to the left of the dam) to admire the Pointe de la Bailletaz and the Aiguille du Dôme, and on the south shore (to the right of the dam) to enjoy a snack with a view of the Grande Sassière, the Pointe de la Traversière, and the Tsanteleina (on your right; Italy is just hidden behind it!).

 

Once you’re back at the parking lot, take in the panoramic view of La Grande Motte, La Grande Casse, and Lac du Chevril before hitting the road again. Turn your head slightly to the right: can you see the Dôme de la Sache? That’s where you’ll be tomorrow! More specifically, just below the glacier, at the Refuge de la Martin. It’s enough to give you sweet dreams as you look forward to your last day of hiking…

DAY 4: HIKE TO THE REFUGE DE LA MARTIN, BELOW THE DÔME DE LA SACHE
 
 

Last day… Already… To wrap up this great weekend on a high note, we’re taking you above the village of Les Brévières to the Refuge de la Martin.

 

Starting from “ Tignes le Lac,” take the balcony trail that climbs to the right of the Palafour chairlift toward Lac du Chevril (the Via Alpina). You’ll soon come to some tempting picnic tables with a superb view of the lake. Continue your walk for a few hundred meters, then take the trail that climbs to the left toward the Marais plateau (a chance to see the Marais and Aiguille Rouge chairlifts, as well as the Boisses gondola, in a whole new light while you wait for the snow to arrive).
 

Very soon, you’ll cross the Sachette Creek, which flows through the Vallon de la Sache (a protected area within the Tignes-Champagny Nature Reserve). Keep your eyes peeled: in the fall, the blueberry bushes take on a stunning, seasonal burgundy-red hue. What’s next? It’s straight ahead (or almost) to the Martin Shelter!

 

This round-trip hike will allow you to enjoy two contrasting views in the morning and afternoon: first toward Mont Blanc, then toward the Bois de la Laye (whose larch trees take on fiery hues in October and November) and the Grande Motte and Grande Casse glaciers.

Practical information: 
 
Where canyoudoyour grocery shopping? There are two options: eithershop directly at Tignes throughout your stay (a convenience store remains open at Tignes le Lac throughout the fall); or order a curbside pickup to be picked up at the Super U in Bourg-Saint-Maurice before heading up to Tignes, then stock up over the weekend at the convenience store as needed (bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.).
 

Where to have lunch and dinner? For lunch, you’ll probably prefer to pack a picnic to enjoy “with a view” during your day’s hike. For dinner: two or three restaurants are usually still open in the fall and offer a “worker’s menu” that changes daily. Ask us for advice before you arrive! Another idea: why not take advantage of the cooler temperatures to treat yourself to the first fondue or raclette of the season? Fondue sets are available free of charge at the front desk of our residences—just give us a quick call to pick them up.

 

What should you pack? Ideally, layered sports outfits: that way, you can add or remove layers depending on the weather and the time of day (cooler in the morning and evening / mild or even warm during the day). For example, pack short-sleeved T-shirts, a softshell jacket or a light fleece, and a windbreaker. And don’t forget your sunglasses! Feel free to ask us for advice before you head out: we’re right there and can give you a very accurate weather update if you’re unsure.

 

Book your stay! Our vacation resort Chalet Hôtel Cap Neige, our family cottages Chalet Charline and Chalet Ancoliea selection of apartments are open year-round, including in the fall.

 
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