The best walks and hikes around Lac de Tignes

The hiking trails around Lac de Tignes cater to all abilities. There are 2 easy routes perfect for leisurely strolls, 8 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, and 2 difficult routes for experienced trekkers looking for demanding ascents and longer distances.

Yes, absolutely! The most accessible option is the loop around Lac de Tignes itself, which is largely pedestrian-exclusive. For a specific route, consider the Lake Tignes – Lac de Tignes loop from Tignes, an easy 5.3 km trail offering continuous beautiful views of the glacial lake.

Hikers can expect stunning alpine scenery dominated by the glacial Lac de Tignes and towering peaks like Grande Motte and Grande Sassière. The region is rich in water features, including the picturesque Cascade dite Voile de la Mariée (Bridal Veil Waterfall), the Combes waterfall, and other beautiful lakes such as Lac du Chevril and Lacs du Chardonnet. You'll also traverse lush alpine pastures and forested areas.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider hiking towards the Aiguille Percée, a prominent natural landmark offering exceptional vistas. Other notable viewpoints can be found from the orientation tables of Tovière, the arrival of the Grande Motte cable car, and the Pas de la Tovière, which provides expansive views of the Alpine landscape and Lac de Tignes below.

Yes, many trails around Lac de Tignes are designed as circular routes. Besides the easy loop around Lac de Tignes, you can explore moderate options like the Croix de Combefolle – Lake Tignes loop from Tignes, which offers views of surrounding peaks, or the Lake Chevril – Lake Tignes loop from Tignes, leading through varied alpine scenery.

For those seeking a more demanding adventure, the region offers challenging routes. A difficult option is the Pas de la Tovière – Lake Chevril loop from Tignes, which covers over 18 km with significant elevation gain. More demanding routes mentioned in the region include the Lake Chardonnet loop (13.3 km with 750m elevation gain) and the Pointe de Fresse – Chalet de la Leisse loop (12.0 km with 600m elevation gain).

The best time for hiking around Lac de Tignes is typically from late spring to early autumn (June to September) when the trails are clear of snow and the alpine flora is in full bloom. July is particularly noted for diverse flora, especially near the Salin waterfall. Some trails may be accessible earlier or later depending on snow conditions.

Many trails in the Tignes area are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife. Always check local regulations for specific routes, particularly within nature reserves like the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve, where rules might be stricter.

While hiking around Lac de Tignes, you might encounter various alpine wildlife. Keep an eye out for marmots, chamois, and ibexes, particularly in higher altitude areas and around Lac de Sassière. You may also see local cows grazing in the alpine pastures.

Beyond the popular routes, the region offers charming hamlets and historical sites that can be incorporated into hikes, such as Villaret du Nial, Franchet, and Villaret des Brévières. The ruins of the chalets of the Saut in the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve also offer a glimpse into the region's heritage and a unique hiking experience.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 700 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning natural beauty of the glacial lake and surrounding peaks, and the variety of trails suitable for all abilities, from easy strolls to challenging mountaineering routes.