Courchevel Says 'Discover The Vanoise National Park'
The Vanoise National Park is vast and the town of Courchevel is one of the gateways. To go to the park is to enjoy unspoilt nature, protected fauna and flora. To prolong the experience, two refuges welcome visitors for an unusual night.
The oldest national park in France celebrates its 60th anniversary
In 2023, the Vanoise National Park celebrates its 60th anniversary, an opportunity to look back on the path traveled since its origin. Created in 1963 to fight against the disappearance of ibexes, the Parc de la Vanoise is the first national park in France. Today, this 535km 2 park has the main mission of safeguarding landscapes, cultural heritage, and above all the diversity of animal and plant species (1400 plant species, 65 of which are protected).
Information on the park: www.vanoise-parcnational.fr
Accessible on foot only, the Vanoise National Park offers hikers a dive into a unique and preserved natural area. The luckiest will certainly come across ibexes, chamois, bearded vultures, golden eagles or marmots.
Departing from Courchevel, several hiking routes wind through the park and lead to its peaks.
Merlet lakes
Departing from Courchevel Moriond, this walk at an altitude of 2,000m takes visitors to the shores of the Merlet Lakes, passing through the eponymous refuge. Jewel of the Park, Lake Merlet Supérieur (2,450m altitude) is the deepest lake in the Vanoise (28m).
On the way back, an alternate route leads to the Grand Plan refuge, a former alpine chalet.
Useful information :
Merlet Lakes
From the P1 car park (Ariondaz crossroads): 3 hours round trip – 9km
From the P2 car park (Col de la Platta): 1h30 round trip – 5km
Variant: Grand Plan Refuge
From the P1 car park (Ariondaz crossroads): 3h45 loop – 9.9 km
From the P2 car park (Col de la Platta): 2h00 loop – 6.2 km
Once the Merlet lakes have been reached, it is possible to extend the hike by heading towards the Col de Chanrouge. At the top, walkers will enjoy a unique view over the Courchevel valley, the Gebroulaz glacier, and in the distance, the Mont-Blanc massif. This route also overlooks the Lac du Pêtre, located on the edge of the Vanoise National Park.
Hike-trail plan, via ferrata Courchevel
The Grand Plan refuge and the Lacs Merlet refuge are perfect starting points after a hike in the Vanoise National Park. Spending a night there is a guarantee of escape and letting go, for a return to nature.
The Grand Plan refuge
A former sheepfold which has become a refuge thanks to various developments. Such is the story of the Grand Plan refuge. It is the largest of the two refuges with its rooms and dormitories of 2, 3, 4 and 12 places and its toilets. Its pleasant lounge area is the ideal place for a convivial evening after a beautiful day of hiking.
Every Friday, Nepalese evenings are organized at the Grand Plan refuge.
The access routes to the refuge are multiple. It is accessed in particular by the Avals valley, the secret valley of Courchevel.
Information:
- Provisional opening: Sunday, June 11
- Such. shelter: (+33) 9 88 18 19 73
- Port. : (+33) 6 89 84 08 52
- Price per night: 22€
- Half-board rate: €54
- All prices on: https://www.refugegrandplan.fr/
The refuge of Lacs Merlet
The Lacs Merlet refuge is much more intimate. With its pointed roof, it resembles a cabin or hut. It can accommodate 14 people and does not have sanitary facilities. Solène Colin and Charles Decaen are the new guardians of the refuge. For hikers who need a well-deserved break, a non-stop catering service is in place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Homemade dishes, made with products harvested and/or processed locally with a view to respecting the environment, are offered.
The Lacs Merlet refuge is accessible from the Ariondaz road.
Information:
- Provisional opening: Saturday June 17
- refugedeslacsmerlet@gmail.com
Port. : 06 99 17 12 40 - Price per night: 16€ (adults)
- Bivouac price: 6€
- All prices on: https://www.mairie-courchevel.com/services-et-infos-pratiques/sport-et-loisirs/refuge-des-lacs-merlet.html
