Our mountains offer many magnificent destinations for snowshoeing.
Here is a selection of the best places for unforgettable hikes.
Queyras Regional Nature Park (Hautes-Alpes)
The Queyras Regional Nature Park offers snowshoeing itineraries through unspoilt mountain villages, surrounded by Alpine peaks.
Starting with the Cheese collar. This walk offers panoramic views of the Queyras mountains. It often starts from the hamlet of Molines-en-Queyras.
A snowshoe hike up to the Alpet Mountain offers views of the surrounding peaks. The route starts from the village of Ceillac.
Would you like to enjoy a magnificent frozen lake surrounded by mountains? Then head for the Lac Sainte-Annedeparting from the village of Ristolas.
What about the Col de l'Isoard and Pic de Caramantran ? Climbs that offer breathtaking panoramas of the Queyras.
Despite its funny name, the Cascade de la Pisse is not a walk to be taken lightly. It leads to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by snowy landscapes. The starting point is the village of Ceillac.
Finally, from the village of Saint-Véran, the Vallon de l'Eychauda and the Pic de Rochebrune are two snowshoe hikes that are undoubtedly worth a diversion for the beauty of their landscapes.
Vanoise National Park (Savoie)
With its vast expanses of mountains, the Vanoise National Park offers breathtaking scenery and snowshoeing routes to suit all levels.
Starting with the Grande CasseThis is the highest point in the park, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Alpine peaks. Snowshoe itineraries generally start in Pralognan-la-Vanoise and reach the foot of the Grande Casse.
Le Vallon du Fruit also offers a beautiful walk through snow-covered forests and unspoilt countryside. Departure is from the village of Termignon.
Le Col de la Vanoise is accessible from the Femma refuge. This walk offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The route can be demanding, but the reward is well worth the effort.
The hike to the Merlet Lakes is also a popular snowshoeing excursion. The Grande Casse starts from the village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
Le Ponturin valley is a peaceful walk through unspoilt mountain scenery. The starting point is the village of Champagny-en-Vanoise.
Le Refuge de la Dent Parrachée offers a more alpine snowshoeing experience. It generally starts from the village of Bessans.
Finally, the Plateau de la Leisse offers panoramic views of the Vanoise massif. The route is accessible from the Pont de la Neige in Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
Ecrins National Park (Hautes-Alpes, Isère)
France's largest national park offers snowshoeing trails surrounded by majestic peaks, glaciers and dense forests.
Le Lake Lauvitel offers magnificent views of the frozen lake surrounded by imposing peaks. The route starts from the village of La Danchère.
Le Alpe de Villar-d'Arêne refuge is also not to be missed. A hike to this refuge offers an alpine experience with panoramic views. The hike usually starts from the village of Villar-d'Arêne.
A walk through the Vallon du Clot offers picturesque landscapes with snow-covered forests and views of the surrounding mountains. You can set off from the village of Le Casset.
If you're dreaming of breathtaking views over the valley and surrounding peaks, the Col de la Ponsonnière is for you. Departure is from the village of Pelvoux.
And what about The Jarjatte valley ? This isolated valley makes a great snowshoeing getaway. Departure is usually from the village of La Jarjatte.
From the Pré de Madame Carle, the walk towards the Lake Eychauda takes you to a frozen lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Two other itineraries are well worth a visit, right in the heart of the Écrins National Park from the village of La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar: the Col de la Temple and the Rif de la Planche valley.
Mont Blanc Massif (Haute-Savoie)
The Mont Blanc offers snowshoeing itineraries with spectacular views over the Alps. the highest summit in Europe. Places like Chamonix and Les Contamines-Montjoie are very popular.
Starting with the Sea of Ice. A walk from the Aiguille du Midi station to the Mer de Glace offers incredible views of this iconic Mont Blanc glacier.
Just like the North balcony the Aiguille du Midi and the Lac Blancaccessible from the Chamonix valley.
The Contamines-Montjoie offers a variety of snowshoeing routes, some of which offer breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. Visit Tour of Mont Joly is also a popular option.
Above Lognan station, the Glacier d'Argentière is also a walk not to be missed, as is the Petit Balcon Nord path. This easy hike generally starts at La Flégère and offers panoramic views over the Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc Massif.
Finally, from Les Houches station, the Col du Tricot and the Merlet Valley offer peaceful snowshoeing experiences.
Mercantour National Park (Alpes-Maritimes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Le Mercantour National Park offers snowshoeing itineraries in a Mediterranean alpine environment, with a diversity of landscapes, between valleys and peaks.
La Valley of Wonders is world-famous for its prehistoric rock engravings. This valley offers snowshoeing itineraries with impressive views of the mountains and lakes.
Le Col de la Cayolle is one of the most emblematic passes in the Mercantour. A snowshoe hike to this pass offers exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Just like the legendary Lake Allos. Europe's largest natural high-altitude lake is surrounded by imposing mountains. A snowshoe walk will fill your head with memories.
La Cime du Diable offers panoramic views of the Mercantour. The hike can be demanding, but rewards the effort with breathtaking scenery.
La Gordolasque is an unspoilt valley offering snowshoeing itineraries through snow-covered forests and alpine landscapes.
Le Boréon is renowned for its snow-covered larch forests. Snowshoe itineraries often leave from Le Boréon to explore the surrounding area.
Finally, the Madonna of Fenestre and the Mount Mounier offer breathtaking views of the Mercantour. The snowshoe hike to the summit can be demanding, but the view is well worth the effort.
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