Discovering the Pristine Splendor of Vallée des Belleville
“This is truly one of the most remarkable spots in all of Vallée des Belleville,” our guide, Roland, exclaims as he gestures towards a breathtaking panorama of rugged peaks that evoke the power and harmony of a grand symphony. My husband, our two sons, and I are currently immersed in a four-day journey along the Grand Tour de Tarentaise hiking trail in the French Alps. We’ve taken a break near Varlossière, an unspoiled side valley tucked away among towering mountains to the west of renowned ski resorts like Val Thorens and Les Menuires. After trekking from Gittamelon—a charming mountain refuge open only during summer—we pause to catch our breath and soak in the stunning landscape.
Majestic peaks rise on either side, their lush green slopes highlighted by an elegantly built bothy next to its shepherd’s home. The sound of rushing water resonates from below as we gaze up at a low-hanging moon against an immaculate sky—an almost dreamlike scene.As we continue our ascent, an eagle soars past us at eye level within mere meters. Although we encounter three other hikers crossing Col du Bonnet du Prêtre—the 2,461-meter (8,074 ft) pass linking Varlossière to Nant Brun valley—and hear sheep bells signaling nearby shepherds, it feels as though this expansive landscape is ours alone.
The Rise of Summer Tourism
This sense of solitude may soon be short-lived. Record-breaking temperatures across Europe this summer have led many to seek refuge in mountainous areas; social media has directed countless visitors toward popular destinations resulting in increased strain on local infrastructure. In Italy’s Dolomites region, some farmers have resorted to installing turnstiles and charging tourists €5 due to damage caused by trampling through meadows.
Mountain resorts throughout Europe face notable challenges as they promote summer tourism amidst concerns about climate change threatening conventional ski seasons’ viability. A major issue arises from many new visitors lacking experience with mountain etiquette: respecting nature’s delicacy, following local guidelines for outdoor activities, wearing suitable gear instead of relying solely on technology (we experienced two days without Wi-Fi or phone service), and ensuring adequate food and hydration supplies are packed for hikes. in France alone, calls for mountain rescue services due to inexperienced hikers have surged so dramatically that authorities now actively monitor social media platforms seeking potential trouble spots.
Programs Aiding New Hikers
To effectively tackle these challenges, Vallée des Belleville’s tourist office has initiated various programs aimed at supporting novice hikers—from skill-building activity days focused on mountain safety awareness for children to complimentary wildlife talks designed for all ages. Accessible footpaths and bike trails cater specifically towards families with young children or those needing mobility assistance while also easing pressure on local communities managing increased visitor numbers during peak times.
While well-marked trails through remote areas can be navigated relatively easily by seasoned trekkers; hiring guides is highly advisable (somthing we were grateful for when Roland helped us navigate an encounter with an aggressive dog belonging its shepherd owner).
A warm Reception at Mountain refuges
The true support system for newcomers becomes evident each evening at our accommodations—mountain refuges designed specifically with families’ needs in mind such as Refuge Plan Lombardie where we conclude our 12-mile (19 km) trek from gittamelon.
Although not first-time visitors ourselves; staying here serves as a valuable reminder about refuge culture rules while allowing my boys opportunities socialize with peers! While it’s possible park nearby before embarking on foot—many guests traveling with preschoolers appreciate taking advantage treasure hunt-style sculpture trails installed along routes enticing younger adventurers uphill!
Despite encountering minimal hiker traffic throughout daytime hours; upon reaching Refuge Plan lombardie later that afternoon—it buzzes like active marmot burrows! Arriving just before dusk reveals earlier guests already claiming deck chairs overlooking stunning views! Instead; we opt grab refreshing drinks finding available benches enjoy them before swapping out boots borrowed Crocs settling into assigned bunk beds!
A Community Experience beyond Accommodation
Moutain refuges offer more than mere lodging—they embody centuries-old traditions reminiscent transhumance where families would led livestock into high pastures during summertime months! At dinner time shared tables filled city dwellers temporarily escaping urban life including one mother visiting Chambéry who brought her four-year-old son here first time ever experiencing refuge culture together: “A friend provided me list family-friendly options—I’m starting tradition visiting one annually so he’ll grow fond memories just like I did!” she shared between bites Savoyard blueberry eton mess-inspired dessert!
Nurturing Connections Along The Trail
The previous night spent cozying up Gittamelon refuge allowed us share stories dormitory space three generations Belgian family traversing same trail opposite direction ours followed suit playing cards alongside fellow families enjoying modern child-friendly atmosphere offered by Refuge du lac du Lou located merely ninety minutes hike above Les Menuires resort area!
Navigating Growth Amidst Summer Tourism
< < p > During hike between Lac du Lou & ;Gittamelon accompanied Estelle Roy-Berthaud representing Les Menuires tourist office discussing how valley manages influx increasing summertime visitors: “Summer tourism remains relatively novel concept here thus far avoiding overtourism issues faced more established Alpine destinations.” She elaborated further explaining limited accommodation availability contributes naturally restricting overall visitor capacity within valley itself — winter offers approximately 27k beds whereas summers drop down around 8k total available spaces.”
< p > Continuing onward towards Plan Lombardie later that night found myself waking slipping quietly outside bed gazing upwards luminous starry sky illuminating surrounding terrain now cloaked darkness save distant flickering light possibly belonging shepherd stove camper torch illuminating wildness still present within Belleville Valley tonight .
< p >< em > Transport arrangements made via Flixbus departing London arriving Chambéry return fares starting £89 per person . half-board stays available ranging €39 children /€69 adults @Refuge du Lac du Lou , €46pp @refuge Gittamelon , &from €32 kids /€52 adults @Refuge plan Lombardie . Guided hikes begin around €25 half-day (guides-belleville.com ) More details accessible via lesmenuires.com .