Self-guided · Savoie, France
The 'Little Tyrol'
of the French Alps.
A high-altitude circuit through the greenest pastures of Savoie — traditional chalets, crystal lakes, and the constant, jagged profile of Mont Blanc on the horizon.
- Days
- 6
- Distance
- 75 km
- Ascent
- 5,100 m
- Grade
- Moderate to challenging
“An amazing and very memorable experience”Bhagyashree & Akhil · Tour du Mont Blanc
Read the reviewsTrip Essentials
The walk
Alpine tradition
at the foot of Mont Blanc.
The Beaufortain is often called the 'Little Tyrol' of France, and for good reason. It’s a land of lush green meadows, flower-filled alpages, and traditional wooden chalets that feel a world away from the high-rise resorts of the Tarentaise. This is the home of Beaufort cheese, and you’ll walk through the very pastures where the cows graze to the sound of bells.
This six-day trek is a high-level circuit that stays mostly between 1,500m and 2,500m, offering constant views across to the massive glaciers and granite spires of the Mont Blanc massif. You’ll cross wild ridges like the Crête des Gittes, pass under the iconic monolith of the Pierra Menta, and sleep in remote mountain refuges where the air is thin and the stars are bright.
It's a classic alpine experience: challenging climbs, spectacular balcony paths, and the deep blue of high-altitude lakes like Roselend and Saint-Guérin. With half-board included and luggage transfers available on key days, it’s the perfect way to experience the wilder side of the French Alps.
The route, day by day.
A fixed self-guided package: every stage, every night's accommodation and every luggage transfer is arranged before you set off.
- 01
Beaufort → Alpage Refuge
5.5 h · +1250 m / −460 m · 11 kmStart with a transfer from Beaufort to Le Planay. The itinerary climbs through forest to reach the Col de la Bathie, offering your first 360° panorama of the massif. Cross via the Lac de Brassa to reach your first mountain refuge. Night in refuge (no luggage transfer).
- 02
Wilderness & High Lakes
5.5 h · +500 m / −900 m · 13 kmA day of granite and water between the Grand Mont and the Pointe du Riondet. Pass the crystal-clear Seston and Cornu lakes before reaching the Col de la Louze. The path then winds through vast alpine pastures along the slopes of Riondet. Night in refuge (luggage transfer available).
- 03
Pierra Menta & Lac d'Amour
5.5 h · +1000 m / −800 m · 12 kmThe heart of the Beaufortain. Climb to the Col du Coin for a fantastic panorama of the Mont Blanc massif. Descend to the Lac d'Amour, sitting at the foot of the legendary Pierra Menta, an iconic 120m monolith and symbol of the region. Night in refuge (no luggage transfer).
- 04
Cormet de Roselend
5.5 h · +700 m / −850 m · 13 kmCross the Col du Grand Fond before descending into the vast Combe de la Neuva, with the Mont Blanc constantly in sight. The trail leads down to the magnificent Roselend dam, famous for its turquoise waters. Night in refuge (luggage transfer available).
- 05
Crête des Gittes & Mont Blanc
6 h · +1000 m / −850 m · 13 kmA highlight day. Climb to the Crête des Gittes, a spectacular ridge path that feels like walking on the sky. Join the Tour du Mont Blanc route briefly at the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme before reaching your refuge facing the great peak itself. Night in refuge (no luggage transfer).
- 06
Val Joly & Hauteluce
7 h · +730 m / −1520 m · 22 kmCross the Col de la Fenêtre for a long panoramic balcony route around the Val Joly. Enjoy views of the snow-capped Mont Blanc massif and the Aravis range. Descend to the traditional village of Hauteluce, with its beautiful baroque church, for the return to Beaufort. Trip ends in Beaufort.
Where you'll stay
A good bed at the end of every day.
Authentic mountain refuge accommodation throughout. Five nights in high-altitude refuges, typically in small dormitories. Most have hot showers (though availability can be limited in dry periods). On nights 1, 3, 5, and 6, your main luggage stays behind, so you'll carry a small overnight kit.
Getting there
Nearest station: Albertville, with regular bus connections to Beaufort-sur-Doron. By car, Beaufort is easily accessible from the A430 motorway. We recommend arriving in Beaufort the evening before to be ready for the morning start on Day 1.
What's included?
A fixed self-guided package — accommodation, luggage transfer and route notes all taken care of before you arrive.
Five nights half-board in mountain refuges (dormitory style)
Route notes and maps (one road-book per group)
Luggage transfer on days 2 and 4
Local transfers as described in the itinerary
All planning, booking and support before and during the walk
Not included
- Picnic lunches (orderable at each refuge)
- Travel to and from Beaufort-sur-Doron
- Personal expenses, drinks and souvenirs
- Cancellation insurance
- Guiding — this is a self-guided tour
Reviews from walkers
What it's like to travel with us.
Every review here comes from someone who actually travelled with us — we only ask once the trip's over, and we don't edit what they say.
From walkers on our other trails.
Different routes, same team doing the planning, the bookings and the hand-holding — so these say a lot about what to expect here too.
“An amazing and very memorable experience”
We had a really wonderful experience and are very happy that we went ahead with the trek. It was challenging at times, but overall it was an amazing and very memorable experience. The scenery, the trails and the whole journey were absolutely beautiful. Bhagyashree did have some issues with her knee during the trek, which made a few sections difficult. We didn't let that stop us — we completed most of the trek and, wherever necessary, adapted our plans and took a bus or train for certain stretches rather than putting too much strain on her knee. Managing the trek despite the knee issue made the achievement feel even more special.
Thank you once again for all your help and guidance in planning the trek. Will definitely recommend Big Trail Adventures to all.
“Solo or in a group, I would do this again tomorrow!”
One of the best experiences I have had. I did this solo and felt supported all the way with the BigTrailAdventures team, especially in inclement weather. The vistas were incredible and overnight accommodation was faultlessly organised. Pushing myself during the day ( I ran rather than walked the trail), and then being fed and watered in a hotel in the evening was a treat.
The planning was exceptional and all details were covered.
There is a special time every day when you are overcome with the beauty of the nature that you are seeing, the sweeping vistas and the gratitude for being able to experience this. It rejuvenates your soul.
“Awesome support from start to finish”
The hike, which challenged me in different ways each day, was great. There was so much to see in every direction. The Highlands are simply stunning, clouds and all. The stays were good for the most part, some better than others (one night my room was above the kitchen so it was quite noisy until late into the night and the haunted Inn was a bit much for me :)). The Rowardennan Hotel and Craig Nevis guesthouse were my favorites. All of them offered great breakfasts and most had dinner options with good selections as well.
The planning was amazing. No glitches, except for one minor one at the start where the luggage van changed their drop off location without my knowledge. Thankfully Craig was there in the morning and quickly figured out where they were and even dropped off my luggage for me. Everything else was planned and executed perfectly; my itinerary for each day included great detail of what to expect. The app was awesome and my friends and family loved tracking me every day with the GPS. I had read that the West Highland Way is very popular in spring (when I initially had planned to go) and late summer. It took a lot of back and forth communication about potential dates but Craig very patiently worked it all out. All communication was prompt and thorough. I very much appreciate all the support I received prior and during my adventure!! Thank you Craig!
There are so many moments I will carry with me for a long time, like my first glimpse of the Highlands, all the water everywhere, the coos, day 2 along Loch Lomond when I wished I was a mountain goat and was grateful that it did not rain, arriving at Kingshouse after 19 miles, midges (haha), and so much more.
This route. These nights.
One clear price.
You are booking the itinerary above: your walking days, your overnight stays and the support that carries you between them.
Organising this trail for friends? Build a group trip with individual payments
- Free cancellation to 60 days
- Confirmation within 24 hrs
- ABTOT financially protected
We'll start planning your trip right away. Not happy with anything? We'll adjust it or refund you — no questions asked.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Big Trail Adventures (member 5690). Protection is provided for non-flight packages. Full details in our booking conditions.
Things walkers ask us.
Is this trek suitable for beginners?
It's rated Level 3 out of 4. You should be fit and comfortable with 5–7 hours of walking and up to 1000m of ascent daily. While the paths are clear, it is high-mountain terrain.
Do I carry my own gear?
We provide luggage transfers on Days 2 and 4. On other nights, you'll need to carry a small overnight kit (liner, toiletries, change of clothes) as the refuges are inaccessible by road. Your main bag (max 10kg) will wait for you at the next road-accessible stop.
What is the accommodation like?
Refuges are mountain hostels. You'll sleep in shared dormitories (usually 4–12 people). They are cozy, provide blankets, and serve hearty communal dinners. A sleeping bag liner is mandatory.
When can I start?
The season runs from late June to mid-September. Earlier in the season, you may encounter lingering snow patches on the high passes.
Is there phone signal?
Signal is very limited in the high valleys and at most refuges. It's a great chance to disconnect, but we recommend carrying a power bank for your devices.
Is the Tour of Beaufortain tour self-guided?
Yes. This is a self-guided trip: you walk the 75 km route independently, with no guide and no group. Accommodation for all 5 nights is booked for you, route notes and maps are provided, and there is local support in the region if anything goes wrong.
Do I need a guide or can I walk it alone?
No guide is needed. The route is walked on marked paths with the notes and mapping supplied in your pack. You choose your own start date within the season (June to September) and walk each day at your own pace.
Who arranges the accommodation?
We do. Authentic mountain refuge accommodation throughout. Five nights in high-altitude refuges, typically in small dormitories. Most have hot showers (though availability can be limited in dry periods). On nights 1, 3, 5, and 6, your main luggage stays behind, so you'll carry a small overnight kit.