Hiking - Lac du Branlay and Lac de l’Arpettaz loop via les Lièches
Accessible to all, this hike is a must-do in Vanoise National Park! The route leads you through a magnificent landscape to discover two mountain lakes.
A panoramic hike, starting from the Logis des Fées refuge! The trail first winds through the heart of the pastures of the Lauzière massif. It then leads hikers up to Lac de l'Arpettaz (1,945 m) before reaching le Grand Plan, the highest point of the hike (2,110 m). From there, you'll be treated to a magnificent panoramic view of the Matterhorn, the Meije, the Beaufortain, Mont Blanc, the Vanoise and the Aiguilles d’Arves! The view is just as stunning from the secluded Lac du Branlay, which has the unique feature of only filling up in spring during the snowmelt.
From the refuge, walk along the pastoral road that leads you to Lac de l'Arpettaz. At the lake, climb up on your left to the Grand Plan ridge to an altitude of 2,127 metres, then gently descend into the Bridan valley. Climb slightly to reach the lake. From Lac du Branlay, a few fairly steep switchbacks lead back down near the Bridan stream. Follow the left bank, then pass in front of the Queigey chalet. At 1,760 m, take the path on the left that climbs back up to the Logis des Fées refuge.