Hikes around the Lodges de la Valière: Tips from Cindy

Are you coming to Les Lodges de la Valière? Here’s where to start

When you arrive at Les Lodges de la Valière, there’s often that brief moment of stillness.

You set down your things, open the curtains… and the mountains gently come into view.

Lake Serre-Ponçon, the surrounding hills, the light shifting as the hours pass.

And very quickly, the same question comes up:

“Where should we go tomorrow?”

That’s exactly why I wanted to write this mini-guide for you.

Here, I’m not offering you an exhaustive list.

I’m sharing my favorite walks and hikes—the ones I truly recommend, depending on your energy level, your mood at the moment… or simply the day’s weather.

Because around the Lodges de la Valière, you have a rare opportunity:

everything is close by, varied, and accessible.

How to choose your hike near the lodges?

Before you lace up your sneakers or hiking boots, just ask yourself this question:

What do you feel like doing today?

- taking a leisurely walk, without any pressure,

- immersing yourself in nature,

- or heading up a bit to enjoy a wider view?

Good news: here, you can do it all… without spending your time in a car.

How to read mountain trails? (an essential point before setting off)

It’s a detail that’s anything but.

Mountain trail markings provide valuable information, but you still need to know how to read them.

What do the red and white markings mean?

The red and white markings indicate long-distance hiking trails (GR).

These are often long routes, sometimes spanning several days, but some sections are perfectly accessible for a day trip.

Around the lodges, you may come across this type of marking, particularly near Lake Saint-Apollinaire, which features some very beautiful stretches.

The yellow markings are managed by the local municipalities.

They indicate local routes, often shorter, that are well-suited for:

- a half-day hike,

- a leisurely stroll,

- or a casual outing.

My advice:

Always take a photo of the starting sign.

It’s simple, but it saves a lot of confusion on the way back.

Accessible (yet memorable) hikes

Can you set out on foot directly from the Lodges de la Valière?

Yes. And that’s actually one of the place’s real highlights.

So here are my top picks:

Chanteloube on foot from the Lodges de la Valière

This is often the first hike I recommend.

You set off directly from the lodges, without a car.

The path gently leads you toward the lake, with views that gradually open up.

If you’d like, you can take a detour: the curattes—a few hundred meters out of the way. It’s an uphill climb, but the breathtaking view at the top is definitely worth it.

Back to our walk toward the Chanteloube bridge, and the baie de Chanteloube

Depending on the water level of Lake Serre-Ponçon, it appears… or disappears partially beneath the water.

A relic of the past, both understated and fascinating.

It’s an easy walk, but with a real atmosphere.

Perfect at the end of the day, when the light softens, or in the morning with the chance to spot a few deer…and the turquoise blue of the lake, always just as beautiful no matter the time of day.

The “Coiffed Ladies” (Savines-le-Lac / Pontis)

An accessible hike that’s anything but ordinary.

These natural formations, sculpted by erosion, never fail to intrigue.

They are called “demoiselles coiffées”,and you'll quickly see why.

The trail is pleasant, fun, and dotted with beautiful views.

Lake Saint-Apollinaire: a timeless getaway

It’s a place I really love to recommend.

Easy to get to, but never mundane.

The lac de Saint Apollinaire It is surrounded by larch trees, creating an atmosphere that feels almost sheltered from the rest of the world.

You can take a leisurely stroll around it, stop, and enjoy the moment. In the summer, you’ll find a snack bar there, perfect for a refreshing drink.

It’s the perfect stroll:

- the day after a more challenging hike,

- or simply when you feel like slowing down.

Intermediate Hikes: Finding the Right Balance

Want to walk more without making it too challenging?

Several trails offer that perfect balance between effort and enjoyment.

The Bear Fountain

A pleasant hike, especially during warmer weather (between Savines-le-Lac and Crots).

An immersion in the forêt de Boscodon designated an “Exceptional Forest” by the ONF for its historical heritage, landscapes, and biodiversity.

You’ll hike in a cooler atmosphere, with shade, water, and a real sense of immersion.

It’s an accessible hike, but one that offers a refreshing change from the open landscapes around the lake.

You can also take advantage of this beautiful hike to visit Boscodon Abbey, a 12th-century Romanesque building listed as a historic monument.

The Réallon Stream

Less crowded, and that’s what makes it so charming.

Starting from the village of Réallon

The trail follows the stream along the cross-country ski trails, with varied, lively sections.

You’ll alternate between wooded areas and open greenery.

You’ll even find a small lake, so be sure to bring your swimsuits and towels (the water is cool)

A great option if you’re looking for a different kind of hike.

The Col de la Gardette (above Chorges)

Start from the Chirouzes parking lot.

You begin at a high elevation, which means you’ll quickly be treated to beautiful views.

The climb is gradual.

Once you reach the col de la Gardette, The view suddenly opens up.

It’s the kind of hike that gives you a real sense of space, without being too difficult.

Scenic hikes: for a real sense of altitude

Which hike should you choose for that “wow” factor?

If you’re willing to walk a little further, some hikes are definitely worth the effort.

The Morgon Cirque (and the optional climb to the Pic de Morgon)

A must-see in the area.

The cirque is impressive: vast, lush with greenery, and almost theatrical.

And if you continue on to the pic de Morgon, The view of Lake Serre-Ponçon is spectacular.

This hike is best done in good weather, but it’s manageable if you’re used to walking.

The Aiguilles de Chabrières

Start from the town of Réallon or Lake Saint Apollinaire for the more athletic

The landscape gradually changes, and the aiguilles de Chabrières come into view as you climb.

A more alpine, rugged landscape.

The final view is well worth the effort.

The Chargès Spring

Start from Les Goumiers.

A gentle hike with a peaceful atmosphere, though quite hilly.

When you reach the St. Marcelin Chapel, be sure to look at the east facade, where you might spot some chamois.

The trail winds through forests and mountain pastures, offering a sense of calm and open space.

The source de Chargès is a simple, enjoyable goal.

The view of the surrounding peaks gives you a real sense of being part of the mountains.

The Saint-Philippe Cross

Two possible starting points: Ancelle or the Col de Moissière.

The trail from Moissière is easier.

The climb is gradual, and the summit with the Croix Saint Philippe offers a beautiful visual reward.

An accessible yet rewarding hike.

And after the hike?

That’s often when the trip really comes into its own.

At Les Lodges de la Valière, coming back is part of the experience.

You come back, take off your boots… and the pace changes immediately.

Depending on your lodge:

- the outdoor hot tub at the Piolit or the Morgon lets you enjoy the warmth for longer, sometimes even as the last rays of daylight fade, or under a starry night sky.

- the sauna, cold plunge pool and the jacuzzi at l’Écrin offer deeper recovery, which is especially welcome after a more strenuous hike.

Alternating between hot and cold works particularly well after a hike.

And then there’s the rest.

A planche apéritive, local products, a dîner simple mais soigné.

The next morning, a big and yummy petit-déjeuner which helps you feel refreshed and ready to go.

It’s all about balance.

Between effort, recovery, and enjoyment.

My tips before you set out

Be mindful of herds and livestock guard dogs

Depending on the season, you may pass through grazing areas.

If you encounter a livestock guard dog:

• slow down,
• keep your distance,
• stay calm,
• go around if necessary.

These are working dogs.

Dealing with the Sun in the Mountains

Even on a short hike, you’ll be exposed to intense sunlight.

Always remember to bring a cap or hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.

These are simple but essential precautions.

Choose a Hike That Matches Your Actual Fitness Level

You don’t have to go far to enjoy yourself.

Choose a hike that suits your fitness level, the weather, and what you feel like doing at the moment.

What if you took a day with no plans?

It’s a question I often ask.

What if you set aside a day with no specific goal?

You go for a short walk.

You come back early.

You enjoy the lodge.

That’s often the part you enjoy the most.

Because the mountains aren’t just about “doing.”

They’re also about savoring the quiet moments.

A different kind of walk around the Lodges de la Valière

Here, hiking isn’t about performance.

It’s a way to reconnect with the landscape, with the rhythm, with yourself.

Between Lake Serre-Ponçon and the peaks, between the forests and the ridges, you have access to a rare diversity—without constraints, without crowds, and always with that sense of freedom that changes everything.

And perhaps the best advice I can give you is simple:

Don’t try to do it all.

Choose a hike.

Take your time.

Look around you.

And save some for tomorrow.

And to book your Lodge, it’s here

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