Autour de Val Cenis
Le refuge de Vallonbrun : pour les amoureux de la faune & la flore

Are you staying in our Résidence Les Balcons de Val Cenis Village****, Les Balcons Platinium Val Cenis*****  or Les Balcons de Val Cenis Le Haut***? We can only advise you to take the time to climb up to the Vallonbrun refuge: a veritable haven of peace nestled at an altitude of over 2272 meters at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park. This hike will allow you to recharge your batteries and reconnect with the exceptional local flora and fauna.

An enchanting ascent

You’ll leave the Grattais parking lot in Val Cenis by car via the piste. The path leading to the Vallonbrun refuge offers a gradual ascent through a magnificent panorama (Albaron, Dent Parrachée, Meige…). Look up, switch off the phones and you might just catch a glimpse of the majestic bearded vulture, or come across chamois, ibex… as you pass.

The Vallonbrun refuge: a welcoming mountain refuge

Once you’ve arrived at the Vallonbrun refuge, you’ll be greeted by a warm and enthusiastic team. The refuge offers comfortable accommodation, a friendly musical atmosphere and delicious cuisine. You are welcome to stay overnight (booking essential). 

Difficulty: medium Time: ~3 hours round trip with possibility of loop or overnight stay.  For more information on the route, please ask at the reception desk of our establishments. 

Around La Rosière The Petit Saint-Bernard pass, for history lovers

Before starting your ascent to the Petit Saint-Bernard pass, take time to discover the charming village of La Rosière (where our residence Les Balcons de la Rosière**** and our Hotel Alparena**** & Spa are located), with its breathtaking views over the Tarentaise valley!  Pass through the narrow streets and let yourself be charmed by the calm, authentic atmosphere.

Col du Petit Saint-Bernard: a place steeped in history

L’été, vous vous rendrez au col du petit Saint-Bernard depuis La Rosière en voiture, en vélo ou bien avec la navette. Vous voici aux portes de l’Italie dans un lieu prisé des voyageurs qu’il voit défiler depuis l’Antiquité. Les Romains aménagèrent une voie au Haut Moyen Âge et Saint-Bernard édifia un hospice qui accueillait 15 000 voyageurs en 1923. Et bonne nouvelle, cet hospice toujours ouvert est devenu un point d’information touristique et un gîte d’étape. 

A grandiose discovery trail

This pass, steeped in history and legend, is also the starting point for many summer excursions through alpine pastures, rocky outcrops and glaciers.  We advise you to take the discovery trail, which will show you the many treasures of the Petit Saint-Bernard pass, including the numerous Roman remains, the alpine garden, the hospice, the customs buildings and Lac Verney…

Difficulty: easy Time: ~2.5 hours each way, with the possibility of a loop.  For more information on the route, please ask at the reception desk

Around La Plagne The Route des Balcons, a must-do family outing.

A hike bearing the name of our residence is an absolute must during your stay in Savoie. A hike we particularly appreciate for its accessibility to families and its truly incredible panoramas. It’s even accessible to 4×4 baby carriages, so it’s sure to delight young and old alike.

Departure close to Les Balcons residence: no need for a car!

You can leave directly from the residence to reach the center of Belle Plagne. You’ll set off next to the playground and be led to Aime 2000 along a well-maintained path.

Remarkable views

Enjoy remarkable views all along the way. Looking down towards the valley, you’ll marvel at Grande Parei, Pierra Menta, Aiguilles de la Nova, Mont Rosset and Mont-Blanc. Turning in the other direction, you can contemplate Mont Jovet, dos de la Vélière, Roc du Bécoin and Roc des Verdons. At Dou du Praz, a 180-degree panoramic view awaits you, with landscape interpretation tables and picnic areas. Dou du Praz is also where the famous Beaufort cheese is made (and the good news is that the dairy is open in summer for visits and sales).

The flora is particularly magnificent and the fauna not at all wild: it’s not uncommon to come across curious and shy marmots.

Difficulty: easy – 100m vertical drop Time: ~3.5 hours round trip with possibility of a loop  For more information on the route, please ask at our reception desk.

Where to relax after your hikes in Savoie ?

What could be better after your beautiful walks in Savoie than to allow yourself a moment of relaxation in our Les Balcons wellness area?  Swimming pool, hammam, sauna, massages… Our aim: to guarantee you a well-deserved moment of absolute relaxation after your efforts!