Méan Martin tour (Vanoise)
Duration : 5 days
France, Northern Alps
Level : intermediate
from 697 € / p. from 4 to 8 persons
Infos & Booking
Description
Join me on the Méan Martin tour, a wild trekking route in the heart of the Vanoise massif.
This five-day high-altitude hike is demanding but deeply rejuvenating, offering a unique immersion in the spectacular landscapes of the Vanoise. Less crowded than other major Alpine loops, this trek offers a succession of high-altitude passes, cozy mountain huts, and breathtaking panoramic views. The trek starts in Bonneval-sur-Arc, one of the most beautiful mountain villages in France, nestled at the bottom of the Haute Maurienne valley.
In short, the Méan Martin tour is a unique experience, a journey out of time, between glaciers, passes and mountain huts, in unspoiled natural surroundings. Through these five stages, hikers discover the true soul of the Vanoise: wild, beautiful and generous.
You can also follow me on other beautiful treks:
- a trek in the upper valleys of Jura,
- the Tour des Vaches Rouges in the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park,
- and a 3-day hike in the Swiss Jura.
Program
Day 1: Bonneval-sur-Arc - Vallonbrun hut.
After meeting up at around 9am and checking your backpacks, we will begin our trek. This first stage, which takes place mainly in the valley, is a good warm-up before reaching our hut for the night. Located on a grassy plateau, it offers an exceptional view of the Dent Parrachée and the Vanoise glaciers.
Elevation gain: 650 meters, elevation loss: 150 meters, distance: 15.5 km, 5 hours of walking.
Day 2: Vallonbrun hut - Plan du Lac hut.
Following a balcony trail overlooking the Maurienne valley, we reach Plan de la Cha and the Cuchet hut, then continue towards Pré Vaillant and La Turra de Termignon. The GR5 finally joins the Bellecombe parking lot and finally the Plan du Lac hut. Facing the Grande Casse, the highest peak in the Vanoise and Savoie, you are quite sure to spot chamois and ibex, which are never far away.
Elevation gain: 750 meters, elevation loss: 650 meters, distance: 18.2 km, 6.5 hours of walking.
Day 3: Plan du Lac hut - Fond des Fours hut.
We leave the GR5 to follow the trail towards Plume Fine. We climb up the Rocheure valley towards the Femma hut and then continue to the Col de la Rocheure at an altitude of 2,911 meters in a more mineral environment. After enjoying the view of Mont Blanc and Grande Sassière, we reach our hut for the night.
Elevation gain: 800 meters, elevation loss: 650 meters, distance: 18 km, 6 hours of walking.
Day 4: Fond des Fours hut - Carro hut.
From the start, the trail climbs towards the Col des Fours (2,976m) then descends towards the Pont de la Neige, crossing the road leading to the Col de l'Iseran, which we follow to the Pont de l'Oulietta. From here, the trail begins, dominated by the Vanoise glaciers, leading you to the Carro hut.
Elevation gain: 1,100 meters, elevation loss: 900 meters, distance: 7.7 km, 7 hours of walking.
Day 5: Carro hut - Bonneval-sur-Arc.
This is the last day of our trek, and after breakfast we follow the trail down towards the hamlet of L'Écot and on to Bonneval-sur-Arc, where our journey ends.
Descent: 1,000 meters, distance: 10.6 km, 3 hours of walking.
Note: In case of bad weather or the need for changes, I reserve the right to adapt the itineraries and content of the trip.
The price includes
- Supervision by the mountain leader.
- 4 nights half board (mountain hut, nights in dormitories).
- Meals from the evening of day 1 to the morning of day 5 (dinners, breakfasts, picnics).
- Logistical organization of the trip.
The price does not include
- Return transport to the village of Bonneval-sur-Arc, 2 hours drive from Chambéry or Albertville.
- Day 1 picnic lunch.
- Personal expenses (drinks or other purchases).
- Cancellation insurance (optional).
- Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".
Accommodation
In huts (dormotories).