Top Hikes in Méribel, French Alps

May 19, 2022

Discover the best hikes in Méribel!

For a good workout, a breath of fresh air, a chance to discover Savoie’s heritage and breathtaking mountain scenery, to observe the flora and fauna of the Alps… What better summer activity than discovering our beautiful mountains on foot? There are walks in the valley to suit all levels, and all at their own pace! To help you choose the ones that suit you best, here are a few examples and ideas of the best walks in Méribel.

Hiking in Méribel 🥾

Discovering the Savoie's heritage on foot

To discover Méribel's cultural heritage on foot, follow the “village circuit”!

Immerse yourself in the history of the Savoie and discover how people lived in the mountains before the advent of tourism. Baroque art, traditional architecture, traditional activities… Take advantage of several guided or self-guided walks.

The Villages circuit

Passing through all the little villages in the Commune of Les Allues (Mussillon, le Villaret, la Gittaz, le Raffort, Chandon, Nantgerel…), this walk takes you on a journey of discovery of the authentic charm of the heart of Méribel. A real journey back in time, you can visit churches and chapels such as Saint Jacques or Saint-Martin aux Allues, as well as the old mill, the sawmill, the barns, the traditional bread oven, the stables and the museum to learn more about the history and heritage of the whole valley.

Access to the chapels and the Baroque church is free as part of the ‘Chemins du baroque’, created in 1992 to coincide with the Olympic Games. This route criss-crosses

🗺️Access :Set off either from Méribel in front of the Mussillon oven or Les Allues from the Les Allues shuttle bus stop. The route can be taken in either direction, depending on the amount of sunshine you desire. With the free buses, you can also walk only part of the way.
⏱️ Time : 2h30
🐾Dogs: authorised

The village circuit ⛪

Guided tours of Méribel’s culturage heritage sites

Hikes around mountain lakes

A day in the Vanoise National Park

The Vallée des Allues is a valley of glacial origin through which flows the torrent Le Doron, which has its source in the Glacier de Gebroulaz, one of the largest glaciers in the Vanoise National Park. There is plenty of water and many lakes, making for sumptuous walks.

The lakes of Mont Coua

Discover the protected species of the Vanoise National Park and the magnificent lakes at altitudes of between 2,600 and 2,800 metres. Experience the scenery and atmosphere typical of the high mountains of the Alps. Above the Saut refuge, after crossing the Doron, you’ll find 6 lakes. This is also the kingdom of edelweiss, genepi, gentian and martagon lilies…

A word of advice: the earlier you set off in the morning, the more likely you are to come across ibex and chamois, which appreciate the cooler temperatures.

🗺️ Access: Start from Méribel Mottaret from the Plan Ravet car park at the entrance to the Plan de Tuéda nature reserve.
⏱️ Time:8h / or 4h, if you have spent the night at the Saut refuge
🐾 Dogs:Prohibited

Tour of the lakes Mont Coua

Discover the lakes from Méribel 🏞️

The finest panoramic views of the French Alps

A breath-taking view of the Alps

The Tougnète ridge

The Tougnète ridge links the Tougnète summit with Les Allues, between the Belleville valley and the Méribel valley. This hike offers breath-taking views of the whole of the Alps and its famous peaks of Mont Blanc, the Barre des Écrins, Grande Casse and the Aiguilles d’Arves. This gently sloping route will take you down 1500m of elevation change in 4h30. Most of the route is on the ridges and ends in the forest above Les Allues. The shuttle buses will take you back up to Méribel Centre without too much effort.

🗺️Access:It starts at the top of the Tougnète 2 chairlift. You decide whether to go up on foot or by ski lift.
⏱️ Time : 4h30
🐾Dogs: authorised if on a lead.

The ridge trail 🌲

An eagle’s eye view of the valley's peaks

The Col de la Loze

The summit rises to an altitude of 2,304 metres. The hike begins in the Altiport forest and continues along the ridge above. From the top, you can enjoy breath-taking views over the Méribel Valley, Courchevel and Grande Casse, as well as Mont Blanc. It’s a fairly strenuous walk, but the reward is a beautiful view and a spectacular sunset. You can also catch a glimpse of Lac Bleu, which can be reached by descending to Courchevel.

🗺️ Acces : Park by the Blanchot, in front of the Altiport fores.
⏱️ Time: 4h
🐾Dogs:authorised

Let’s go to Col de la Loze !

The col on a bike 🚲

Ready to hike the trails of the Savoie?

If you would like more information on the hiking trails in Méribel, a detailed guide is available from the Tourist Office for the price of €5. This guide, full of maps and descriptions, will help you discover the most picturesque routes, suitable for all levels, from leisurely strolls to more demanding climbs.

During your excursions, it is crucial to respect the local flora and fauna. Don’t leave any rubbish behind – always take a bag with you to collect it. Don’t feed marmots or other wild animals, as this can disrupt their natural diet and behaviour. Admire the alpine flowers without picking them; they contribute to the beauty and balance of the mountain ecosystem.

By following these tips, you are helping to preserve this magnificent environment for future generations.

The most wonderful walks in Méribel The Méribel blog 📰