Tour de Méan Martin in 4 days - Stage 4 - From the Fond des Fours refuge to the La Bâtisse gîte

Do you dream of escaping to the great outdoors? Take a walk through the heart of the Vanoise National Park and get close to the glaciers. This escape will delight hikers in good physical condition who are already accustomed to roaming the mountains.

Description

After a short morning climb to the Col des Fours, this final stage promises a gentle return. Overlook the crystal-clear waters of Lac du Grand Fond. You're sure to come across a number of day-hikers who've come up to challenge their "first 3000". Located at the foot of the pass, it reflects the purity of the sky in this place where the stone colors vary from gray to coppery brown.
In an area that seems totally dedicated to wildlife, chamois and ptarmigan may well escort you on your descent. Cross the snow bridge and listen to the flow of the Lenta torrent. You can plan a gourmet stop or end the stage at Bonneval-sur-Arc. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can round off this escapade with a foray onto the "chemin du petit bonheur", a trail full of surprises. To prolong the dream, enjoy a final meal at the gîte de la Bâtisse. The janitor will tell you all about her Nordic travels.

Additional welcome information

You are in a protected area. Pets are not allowed in the Vanoise National Park.
You must book your overnight stay in a refuge in advance.
Stay on the trails and follow the signs, and take your garbage with you.

Environments

• Lake view
• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• Close to GR footpath
• Overview on river
• In a nature reserve
• Panoramic view

Prices

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 16km
• Itinerary type One way
• Positive elevation gain 450m
• Negative elevation gain 1240m
• Daily duration 05h30
• Marked itinerary Yes
• Marking details Departmental markings (yellow), GR markings (red and white) and Vanoise National Park markings (blue - white - red).
• Nature of the terrain Stone, Ground, Grit, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2976m

Opening period

Itinerary accessible outside snow periods and subject to favorable weather conditions. Check the local weather forecast in real time up to the day of departure. Information on trail and hut access conditions is available from the tourist office and the Vanoise National Park.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

Documents

• Tour de Méan Martin in 4 days - Stage 4 - From the Fond des Fours refuge to the La Bâtisse gîte

Animals

Animals accepted: No

Pets are not allowed on this hike in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• Day 4: Departure altitude: 2537 m. After a short morning climb to the Col des Fours, this final stage promises a gentle return. Overlook Lac du Grand Fond and its crystal-clear waters. Here, you're sure to come across a number of day-hikers who've come to challenge their "first 3000". Located at the foot of the pass, it reflects the purity of the sky in this place where the stone colors vary from gray to coppery brown.
  In an area that seems totally dedicated to wildlife, chamois and ptarmigan may well escort you on your descent. Cross the snow bridge and listen to the flow of the Lenta torrent. You can plan a gourmet stop or end the stage at Bonneval-sur-Arc. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can round off this escapade with a foray onto the "chemin du petit bonheur", a trail full of surprises. To prolong the dream, enjoy a final meal at the gîte de la Bâtisse. The janitor will tell you all about her Nordic travels.