While cities are suffocating under the heatwave, the mountains remain cool-headed. In the Maurienne, Valloire sets itself up as a true haven of coolness for summer 2026, with a series of high-altitude experiences that blend adrenaline and the sweet life. A tour of the unmissable events.
A night suspended over the void
Let's start with the most dizzying. At the Col du Télégraphe, a night in a portaledge promises an experience as dizzying as it is unforgettable.
After ten minutes of walking on flat ground and a comforting Savoyard fondue on terra firma, it's time for the big thrill: securely fastened by a harness, you abseil down to your suspended platform before sliding into your sleeping bag.
Beneath the starry vault, it's a unique tête-à-tête with the mountain, a blend of introspection and escapism.
At 2,000 metres, Ghislaine's candlelit dinner
Change of atmosphere, gently, on the ascent of the Col du Galibier. At 2,000 metres altitude, the’Auberge de Plan Lachat cultivate an old-fashioned art de vivre: two to three evenings a week, Ghislaine and her daughters offer a candlelit dinner where you can savour fondue, traditional stew and blueberry pie.
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A family institution passed down through generations, which also delights cyclists and hikers on its sunny terrace during the day with charcuterie boards, crêpes, and beer from the Brasserie du Galibier, naturally.
Twilight, the hour of animals
As dusk falls, the wildlife reclaims its territory after the hot summer days. Head to a protected valley at the foot of the 3 Aiguilles d’Arves to try and spot chamois, roe deer, stags, foxes, and marmots, and sometimes even eagles and vultures. A little Savoyard snack accompanies this nature excursion, as peaceful as it is friendly.
Turquoise lakes and treetop adventures
To cool off, the 4 Lakes hike takes families to Lac des Cerces, nestled at 2,410 metres at the foot of Rocher de la Sauma.
After 1 hour and 45 minutes of effort amidst the pastures and marmots, the turquoise blue waters reward the walkers, with an unimpeded view of the Grand Galibier and the Aiguilles d’Arves. The bravest continue in a loop towards the Rond, de la Clarée and du Grand Ban lakes.
In terms of sensations, the Forêt de l’Enfer offers one of the largest forest adventure courses in Savoie: ten courses from easy green to black commando, fifteen zip lines, and a kids' area where little ones can climb from the age of 2, at waist height and supervised by their parents.
Finally, at the Fort du Télégraphe, Alpine history transforms into a playground, with outdoor laser games, immersive escape rooms, and life-sized investigations with a Resistance theme.
Find out more :
- Night on a portaledge (Col du Télégraphe): €120/person, €200/couple – Bureau des guides, 06 99 96 41 87
- Candlelit dinner, Auberge de Plan Lachat: 04 79 59 23 16
- Wildlife watching at dusk 22 €/adult, 16 €/child – Thierry Dacko, 06 70 06 44 88
- 4 Lakes Hike Lac des Cerces (8 km, 450 m ascent, 3 hours) or 4-lake variant (12 km, 500 m ascent, 5 hours)
- Forest of Hell children's trails from 2 years (10-20 €), adults (20-30 €) – 06 40 44 45 75, foretdelenfer.com
- Fort du Télégraphe Laser game (from 6 years old, €15-18) and escape games (from 4 years old, from €15), from June 15th to September 15th on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays by reservation – Stéphanie, 06 98 77 43 67