France — Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Circumnavigate the imposing Aiguille Rouge massif on this demanding 65km French Alps trek. Spanning 5-7 days, this route through Vanoise National Park offers a spectacular immersion into high-alpine landscapes, featuring rugged peaks, vast glaciers, and vibrant alpine meadows. Designed for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness and a head for heights, expect challenging ascents, exposed sections, and breathtaking panoramas. This pristine wilderness route is a true test of endurance.
Distance: 65.0 km
Elevation Gain: 5000 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 5-7 days
The Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge is a demanding multi-day trek in the French Alps, charting a course through the heart of the Vanoise National Park. This challenging route circumnavigates the imposing Aiguille Rouge massif, offering a spectacular immersion into high-alpine landscapes characterised by rugged peaks, vast glaciers, and vibrant alpine meadows. Designed for experienced hikers with a good level of fitness and a head for heights, the tour typically spans five to seven days, covering approximately 65 kilometres with a significant elevation gain of 5,000 metres. The journey winds through a dramatic terrain of scree slopes, rocky ridges, and high mountain passes, providing breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding Savoyard Alps.
The Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge is not a single, well-trodden path but rather a collection of interconnected trails and high mountain routes that form a grand circuit around the Aiguille Rouge and its neighbouring peaks. This trek is renowned for its raw, untamed beauty and the sheer scale of its alpine environment. Unlike more manicured trails, this route often involves navigating scree fields, crossing snow patches (even in summer), and ascending steep, rocky ascents to reach breathtaking viewpoints. The elevation gain of 5,000 metres over 65 kilometres highlights the relentless nature of the terrain, demanding strong legs and a resilient spirit.
The Vanoise National Park, established in 1963, is France's first national park and a sanctuary for alpine wildlife, including ibex, chamois, marmots, and a rich diversity of alpine flora. Hikers on the Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge have the opportunity to witness these creatures in their natural habitat, often at close range. The landscape is a testament to glacial activity, with U-shaped valleys, cirques, and moraines shaping the dramatic topography. The route offers a profound sense of remoteness, with long stretches where human presence is minimal, allowing for a deep connection with the wild alpine world.
The trek's difficulty is amplified by the unpredictable mountain weather. Sunshine can quickly give way to thunderstorms, fog, or even snow, requiring constant vigilance and preparedness. The reward for this effort is unparalleled: sweeping vistas of the Mont Blanc massif, the Tarentaise Valley, and countless other iconic peaks of the French and Italian Alps. The sense of accomplishment upon completing this challenging circuit is immense, making it a sought-after objective for experienced mountaineers and trekkers.
The region surrounding Aiguille Rouge has a long history of human interaction, primarily driven by pastoralism and mountaineering. For centuries, local communities in the Tarentaise Valley have utilised the high alpine pastures for grazing livestock during the summer months. The construction of 'alpages' (shepherd's huts) and the development of transhumance routes are testaments to this enduring relationship with the mountains. These traditional practices have shaped the landscape and left behind a rich cultural heritage, evident in the architecture of mountain villages and the enduring traditions of alpine farming.
The ascent of peaks like Aiguille Rouge itself became a focus for early mountaineers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As climbing techniques and equipment evolved, explorers and adventurers sought to conquer the highest and most challenging summits. The Vanoise region, with its extensive glaciers and rugged peaks, provided a perfect testing ground. The establishment of the Vanoise National Park in 1963 was a pivotal moment, aiming to protect this unique natural environment from the increasing pressures of tourism and development, while still allowing for responsible recreational use.
The Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge, as a defined circuit, is a more recent development, evolving from the network of existing hiking trails, shepherd's paths, and high-altitude routes. It represents a modern approach to experiencing the Vanoise, combining the challenge of a multi-day trek with the opportunity to explore diverse alpine ecosystems and witness the grandeur of the French Alps. The route often passes by remnants of past human activity, such as old stone shelters or abandoned mining sites, offering glimpses into the region's historical connection with the mountains.
The optimal season for undertaking the Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge is from July to September. During these months, the snow generally recedes from the higher passes, making the trails more accessible and safer. The alpine meadows are typically in full bloom, creating a vibrant tapestry of colours against the stark, rocky backdrop.
July: The early part of the season often sees lingering snow patches, particularly on north-facing slopes and at higher elevations. However, the landscape is usually lush and green, and wildlife is abundant. The days are long, providing ample daylight for hiking. Weather can be variable, with a higher chance of late-season snowfalls or thunderstorms.
August: This is generally considered the peak of the summer season. Snow cover is at its minimum, and the weather is often at its most stable, though thunderstorms remain a significant concern, especially in the afternoons. The alpine flowers are at their most spectacular, and the chances of spotting wildlife are high. This is also the busiest month for hikers.
September: The autumn colours begin to emerge in the lower valleys, and the air becomes crisper. The crowds thin out, offering a more serene hiking experience. However, the days are shorter, and the risk of early snowfalls on the higher passes increases significantly as the month progresses. Temperatures can drop considerably, especially at night.
Weather Considerations: Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. Even during the summer months, hikers must be prepared for rapid changes. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, often accompanied by lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds. Hypothermia is a risk, even in summer, due to altitude and wind chill. It is crucial to check the weather forecast daily and be prepared to alter your plans if conditions deteriorate.
Day 1: Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Refuge de la Femma
Day 2: Refuge de la Femma to Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme
Day 3: Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme to Refuge des Lacs Merlet
Day 4: Refuge des Lacs Merlet to Refuge du Mont Pourri
Day 5: Refuge du Mont Pourri to Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Important Notes:
The Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge is a serious undertaking that requires meticulous planning. Given its challenging nature and remote locations, thorough preparation is paramount. This includes assessing your physical fitness, ensuring you have the correct gear, and understanding the logistics of reaching the trailhead and arranging accommodation. The closest major town and transport hub is Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which offers a range of services, including accommodation, gear shops, and restaurants. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice, local buses or taxis can transport you to various starting points for the trek, depending on the chosen itinerary. It is advisable to spend at least one night in Bourg-Saint-Maurice before and after your trek to allow for acclimatisation, last-minute preparations, and to recover from the journey.
Accommodation along the Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge primarily consists of mountain refuges ('refuges de montagne'). These are typically staffed during the summer season and offer basic but comfortable lodging, usually in dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds. Some refuges may also offer camping facilities nearby.
Refuge Facilities:
What's NOT Provided:
Booking Requirements:
Campsites: Wild camping is generally discouraged or prohibited within national parks. However, some refuges may have designated camping areas nearby. Always check local regulations.
For the Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge, specific permits are generally not required for hiking the trails themselves, as much of the route passes through public land and the Vanoise National Park. However, there are important considerations regarding access and accommodation:
Vanoise National Park Regulations: While hiking is permitted, there are regulations in place to protect the park's environment. These typically include rules against camping outside designated areas, disturbing wildlife, and leaving any trace of your passage. Always familiarise yourself with the latest park regulations before your trip. Information can usually be found on the official Vanoise National Park website or at visitor centres.
Refuge Bookings: As detailed in the accommodation section, booking your stays in mountain refuges is the most critical "permit" requirement for this trek. These bookings are essential and should be made well in advance, particularly for the peak season (July-August). Failure to book can mean being turned away from refuges, which are often the only viable accommodation options on the route.
Access Points: While no specific permits are needed to start hiking from points like Bourg-Saint-Maurice, ensure you understand any local access rules or parking regulations if you are driving to a trailhead. Some areas might have seasonal restrictions or require a small fee for parking.
Wildlife Observation: The Vanoise National Park is a protected habitat for numerous species. While no permits are needed to observe wildlife, it is crucial to do so responsibly. Maintain a safe distance, do not feed animals, and avoid making excessive noise that could disturb them.
General Advice: Always check the official Vanoise National Park website or contact local tourist information offices for the most up-to-date information on regulations, trail conditions, and any specific requirements that may apply to your chosen route and dates of travel.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Tour Aiguille Rouge (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Tour Aiguille Rouge, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The Tarentaise Valley and the surrounding Vanoise region offer a wealth of activities beyond the Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge, making it an excellent destination for an extended stay:
Pre-Trip Checks:
On the Trail:
Refuge Safety: Follow the instructions of refuge wardens regarding safety procedures, especially concerning cooking, waste disposal, and behaviour within the refuge.
Travel Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking and potential emergency evacuation. This is crucial for a trek of this nature.
Aiguille Rouge Summit (Optional): For highly experienced mountaineers with appropriate gear and knowledge, a summit attempt of Aiguille Rouge (3,227 m) can be a significant undertaking. This requires advanced climbing skills, glacier travel experience, and often a guide. The views from the summit are said to be unparalleled, offering a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding Alps.
Lac de la Plagne: A beautiful alpine lake often visited on routes around the Aiguille Rouge. Its clear waters and surrounding mountain scenery make it a picturesque spot for a rest or a picnic lunch.
Col de la Croix du Bonhomme: This historic pass is not only a waypoint but also a point of interest in itself. It has been a crossing point for centuries and offers expansive views. The refuge here is a significant landmark.
Alpine Flora and Fauna: The Vanoise National Park is a haven for biodiversity. Keep an eye out for marmots whistling their alarm calls, chamois and ibex grazing on the slopes, and a stunning array of alpine flowers, especially in July and August. The park is also home to eagles and other birds of prey.
Shepherd's Huts (Alpages): Along the route, you may encounter traditional shepherd's huts. These offer a glimpse into the historical pastoral life of the region. Some may be in use during the summer months, while others are remnants of past activity.
Panoramic Viewpoints: Numerous points along the trail offer breathtaking vistas. Take time to pause at designated viewpoints or natural clearings to absorb the grandeur of the Tarentaise Valley, the Mont Blanc massif in the distance, and the rugged peaks of the Vanoise.
The Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge traverses a pristine alpine environment within the Vanoise National Park. Adhering to Leave No Trace principles is paramount to preserving this fragile ecosystem for future generations. Your actions directly impact the wilderness you are experiencing.
Plan Ahead and Prepare: Understand the route, weather, and regulations. Pack appropriately to avoid needing to improvise with potentially damaging methods. Make informed decisions about your trip.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to marked trails whenever possible. If camping is permitted in designated areas, use established sites. Avoid trampling vegetation, especially in meadows where flowers are delicate.
Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out everything you pack in, including all food scraps, wrappers, and toilet paper. Use designated toilets in refuges. If no facilities are available, dig catholes at least 60 metres away from water sources, trails, and campsites.
Leave What You Find: Do not remove rocks, plants, or any natural or cultural objects. Leave them for others to enjoy and for the ecosystem to thrive.
Minimise Campfire Impacts: Campfires are generally prohibited in national parks and above the treeline. If permitted in specific areas, use existing fire rings and keep fires small. Ensure they are completely extinguished before leaving.
Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them, as this can alter their natural behaviour and diet, and can be harmful to their health. Store food securely to prevent attracting animals.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise levels down, especially in refuges and natural areas. Yield to other hikers on narrow trails. Respect the solitude and natural quiet of the mountains.
By following these principles, you contribute to the conservation of the Vanoise National Park and ensure that the Tour de l'Aiguille Rouge remains a wild and beautiful experience.
