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Vacation Idea: A Long Multigenerational Weekend in La Rosière , in September/October

Vacation Idea: A Long Multigenerational Weekend in La Rosière , in September/October

April 24, 2025
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Are you lucky enough to be able to get away to the great outdoors outside of school vacation time? Take advantage of the low prices in September and October to plan a big family reunion in the mountains! The secret: plan hikes that are suitable for all generations—including grandparents and babies—and that make plenty of room for big picnics where you can chat just as much as you snack! Follow our guide: here’s THE perfect itinerary for a big 4-day family weekend in La Rosière.
The Hamlet of Châtelard
Thursday: A walk along the water on the Chemin du Vaz
 
First: You surely have tons to talk about! Let’s skip the steep hikes that leave you breathless and opt instead for a (very) short walk to the alpine chalets in the hamlet of Le Vaz. Once there: picnic tables, self-service grills for cooking some merguez sausages, and even dry toilets. Things to see along the way: the pretty little stone bridge at La Planche and the Torrent des Moulins (home to a unique strain of brown trout).
 
Don't miss: the charming, all-white Saint Michel Chapel, which you can see perched on its promontory overlooking the hamlet of Le Châtelard.
 
Accessibility: A very easy hike, accessible with an all-terrain stroller, that will take you no more than 30–40 minutes round-trip (60 minutes of elevation gain). You won’t even have time to feel the weight of the sausages and merguez for the barbecue in your backpack! Please note: the trail leading up to the Saint-Michel Chapel is quite narrow and steep; you’ll need to leave the stroller at the base of the promontory if you decide to take your baby up there. 
 
A tip that makes all the difference: bring some large beach towels with you so you can enjoy a little post-meal rest on the grassy "beach" by the lake. And park at the entrance to the village, across from the bus shelter (the parking spots in the hamlet are private).  
Friday: A trip to Italy—all the way to the very family-friendly Lac d'Arpy
 
Instead of just taking a stroll along the French-Italian border at the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, make the most of your stay in La Rosière , to venture into the land of pizza and pasta—the Aosta Valley! In the heart of the village of La Thuile, take the road on the right that climbs toward Colle San Carlo, and park in the small parking lot at the pass. From there, follow the wide forest trail toward Lac d’Arpy (or rather, Lago d’Arpy, in proper Italian!).
Once there, you can settle in comfortably on the grassy shores to admire the reflection of the Mont Blanc range in the lake's waters.
 
A favorite: the Italian language, which you'll hear everywhere on busy days and which will add an extra touch of sunshine to your stroll.
 
Accessibility: You can try hiking the trail with an all-terrain stroller, but a baby carrier will be much more practical (expect a 30- to 40-minute walk to reach the lake from the parking lot).
 
Here’s a tip that makes all the difference: Lake Arpy is a must-visit destination for Italian families on weekends. That’s why we suggest planning this outing for Friday, so you can park more easily in the small parking lot at Colle San Carlo. Would you rather come on a Saturday or Sunday to enjoy the lively weekend atmosphere? Plan to arrive early (before 10 a.m.).
 
On the way back, be sure to stop at the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard for a second, very easy walk along the discovery trail (a paved path accessible with an all-terrain stroller). Unless, of course, you’d rather sit by the lovely Lac Vernez, which is also very crowded in the summer but much quieter in the fall (the parking lot is about 1 km from the pass on the way back from Italy; it’s a 5- to 10-minute walk to the lake).
 
Saturday: A leisurely stroll through the historic hamlet of Le Monal
 
The hamlet of Le Monal is to families from the Haute Tarentaise what Lake Arpy is to families from the Aosta Valley: a weekend must-visit! This peaceful, protected site, featuring traditional 18th-century chalets and a pretty chapel, offers an exceptional view of the Mont Pourri and Dôme de la Sache glaciers. It’s perfect for a picnic by the water (and an exploration that will spark the curiosity of little mountaineers, whether they’re standing on their own two feet or in Mom and Dad’s arms).
 
A favorite time of year: the second half of October, when the larch trees usually turn a dazzling yellow-orange. Their reflection in the waters of Le Monal makes the scene all the more magical! 
 
Accessibility: fairly good with an all-terrain stroller. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the walk from the Echaillon parking lot in the town of Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise; please note: the Echaillon parking lot is open to cars only in the fall (during the summer, the town operates a shuttle service to help manage traffic flow).
 
Here's a tip that makes all the difference: bring along a large blanket to spread out on the grass and a few toys so your baby can stretch those little legs outside the stroller.
Sunday: one last walk in the hills above Séez before hitting the road again
 
Your suitcases are in the car… but is your mind still in the mountains? Instead of heading straight home, stop just below La Rosière, in the small village of Séez. It’s the perfect opportunity for one last lovely stroll through the hamlets of Le Breuil, Noyeray, and Le Villard. Not in a hurry? Take the opportunity to make a detour to the hamlet of Saint-Germain and check out its mill, which was restored in 1987.
 
Don't miss: the dozen or so fallow deer you can spot in the private park of a resident of the hamlet of Le Noyeray!
 
Accessibility: An easy hike, perfectly manageable with a baby carrier on your back if needed. Plan on a total walking time of 1.5 to 2 hours.
 
A tip that makes all the difference: bring a clean pair of shoes to change into after your walk so you can get back on the road without worrying about getting your car dirty (the trails can be muddy in the fall). 
Practical information: 
 
- Where can you do your grocery shopping? Stop in Bourg-Saint-Maurice before heading up toward La Rosière. You’ll find several supermarkets there, including a Super U with a curbside pickup service. Time-saving tip: Order your groceries online before your stay, and pick them up in just 2 minutes when you arrive! You can then prepare delicious meals and gourmet snacks in your apartment’s large, fully equipped kitchen. Good to know: fondue and raclette sets are available free of charge at the front desk to satisfy all your melted cheese cravings.
 
- Where can I get a map of the hiking trails? Paper maps are available at the la Rosière Tourist Office (open in the fall from Monday through Friday, except on holidays). A digital version is also available for free download on the Tourist Office’s website. Good to know: Trail signs are taken down as winter approaches to protect them from snowfall, so the map might come in handy if you decide to book a trip relatively late in the season.
 
- Looking for a more active vacation? Check out our suggested itinerary for a week of hiking and biking in La Rosière this fall.
 
- Book your stay! The " lodge des Glaciers " is open year-round for weekly stays and short stays starting at one night. Rates are especially low during the off-season (September, October, November). Apartments for 2 to 18 people.
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