Moderate Tour du Mont Thabor - Including accommodation

From Valmeinier, this is a long and tough day with two big climbs. Over about 15.7 km you climb around 1,490 m and descend around 780 m, so your legs will get a good workout. This is alpine terrain, with mountain paths and rocky or uneven sections, and both climbs get steeper towards the top. Start early, take regular breaks and keep a steady pace. Allow around 7 hours 5O minutes of walking.

The first climb leads up along the stream to the Col des Marches. The path starts steadily and becomes steep for the last part before the col. From the top, a long descent of almost 500 m takes you down to Refuge des Marches, a good place to rest and recharge. From the refuge, the second climb begins towards the Col de Battalières. It starts gently but becomes steep again near the top, so save some energy for this last effort of the day.

From the Col de Battalières there are fantastic views over the surrounding peaks and the Lacs Sainte-Marguerite. From here, an easy descent of about 250 m past the lakes brings you to the welcoming Refuge du Mont Thabor. Well done, time to grab a drink and enjoy the evening!

Today is summit day. From the Col des Méandes you climb to the top of Mont Thabor, the 3,178-metre peak that gives the tour its name, before descending into the Vallée Étroite. That makes for about 770 metres of climbing and 1,490 metres of descent. The slopes below the top are steep and loose in places, so this part asks for steady legs, sure feet and stable weather.

From the refuge you walk to the Col de la Vallée Étroite and on past Lac Peyron to the Col des Méandes. Here the real climb begins: a stony path zigzags up to the summit and its small chapel. On a clear day the views stretch over the Vanoise and the Écrins. You return the same way to the Col des Méandes, then start the long descent into the upper Vallée Étroite. One short stretch below the col is steep and rocky, so take your time there.

Lower down, the path passes Lac Vert and follows the valley floor to Les Granges de la Vallée Étroite, a valley that belonged to Italy until 1947. About 16 kilometres in total, count on a good 7.5 hours. Tired legs or doubtful weather? Then choose the other route option for this day, which skips the summit.

One last good hiking day on the Tour du Mont Thabor. From Granges, it is about 6 hours back to the starting point of the trek; Névache. You start with walking back for around 2 kilometers to get back on the route of Tour du Mont Thabor. On the way, you will still find a few fantastic highlights and you will of course get to see undulating views. One last push to Col du Vallon, and before you know it you are enjoying a well-deserved blonde beer in Névache.

After breakfast, you can check out. This is the end of your Tour du Mont Thabor adventure. We hope to see you again soon. Au Revoir!