Lac des Vaches walk – Vanoise Park

Discover Lac de la Vanoise in the heart of the Vanoise National Park.

Head towards Pralognan La Vanoise, then in the village turn left and follow the signs for “Les Fontanettes”. 

From the Les Fontanettes car park (1644 m), take the shaded path that leads to the Barmettes refuge. You will cross the Glières torrent, then the track will be lined with low dry-stone walls, and you will cross the torrent again at Pont Chaton. 

The lake will soon be in front of you, with its stone slabs allowing you to cross without getting wet. 

Key figures 

Approximately 9 KM

3h – 3h30

From the Barmettes refuge, it will take you 1 hour to reach the lake. 

If you want to shorten the walk, take the Mont Bochor cable car or the Génépi chairlift to avoid a 250-metre climb. From there, take the balcony path to the Barmettes refuge.