Imagine high alpine glacial valleys dotted with wildflowers, rugged peaks rising sharply to snow-capped summits, and pristine lakes reflecting clear skies. This fairly gentle three-day hut to hut hike near Bourg Saint Maurice in the French Alps offers families the ideal combination of great trails, opportunities to spot wildlife, and welcoming mountain huts serving good French food. It’s an excellent introduction for families keen to explore the mountains on foot.
In this post, I’ll guide you through a delightful 3 day, 2 night hut to hut hiking itinerary starting from the charming hamlet of La Savonne near Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise. We’ll spend our nights at Refuge d’Archeboc and Refuge du Ruitor, exploring stunning trails, tranquil lakes, and spectacular mountain scenery.
This blog post covers everything you need to plan your trip!
Planning this hut to hut hike in France: Logistics
About the route
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
- Start point: La Savonne (Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise)
- End point: La Savonne (circular route)
- Daily distances & elevation: Moderate, suitable for children comfortable walking a few hours per day
- Difficulty: Family-friendly with manageable distances, moderate elevation gains and well-marked paths. Day two is the most strenuous with almost 500 m of elevation over 3 km, and the same amount of descent / distance on the the other side of the pass. This would be suitable for active families with kids aged 6+.
Why this is perfect for families
This route offers a gentle introduction to hut to hut hiking, ideal for families thanks to manageable daily distances, clearly marked paths, and a landscape packed with natural highlights. Kids will love spotting wildlife such as marmots, keeping an eye out for ibex, and even for big birds of prey soaring above.
Along the route, you’ll explore pristine alpine lakes; have the satisfaction of hiking up and over a mountain pass (where you’ll also find the beautiful Lac Noir), and enjoy panoramic views of surrounding peaks. Staying overnight in family-friendly mountain huts adds an exciting dimension for children, who’ll enjoy the adventure of sleeping high in the mountains.
Traditional hamlet
Wildlife spotting- Stunning scenery
Getting to Bourg-Saint-Maurice
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The best way from the UK is by train via Paris. Take the Eurostar to Paris, then hop on the Paris RER (like the metro) for 2 stops to the Gare de Lyon (you can by your Paris metro tickets on board the Eurostar in the café). From the Gare de Lyon, board a TGV direct to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The train’s journey into the Alps is breath taking, with panoramic views of the valleys and peaks as you near your destination.
Booking your train tickets online is quick, convenient, and often the best way to secure great prices – especially for high-speed or sleeper trains. I recommend using Rail Europe for booking your tickets, as it’s a user-friendly platform that allows you to search for and book trains across multiple European countries in one place.
With Rail Europe, you can easily compare routes, find the best fares, and reserve seats in advance. This is particularly helpful for popular routes to the Alps, which can book up quickly during peak seasons. Using my affiliate link supports this blog, so thank you for considering it!
If you want to save time, you can fly into Lyon and transfer by shuttle or rental car. The journey from Lyon airport to Bourg-Saint-Maurice takes about 2.5 hours by car.
Getting to the start point of the hike
France doesn’t have the public transport infrastructure that Austria and South Tyrol has in terms of hiking buses or even local buses, so unfortunately driving to the start point of this hike is the only option.
From Bourg-Saint-Maurice, it’s a 30 minute drive through Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, the village of La Masure, and then the hamlet of Le Crot to La Savonne, a tiny and traditional alpine hamlet above Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise. It’s a little bit winding, so take car sick tablets if you’re prone to feeling queasy!
If you don’t have a car with you, try contacting AlpTrans, a local taxi service. Here is a list of other taxi companies in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. You can arrange a drop off and collection for a couple of days later.
If you’re driving your own (or a rental) car, parking isn’t permitted in the tiny hamlet of La Savonne itself, as spaces there are reserved exclusively for residents. Instead, there are two convenient parking areas for hikers to use. The first is near the hydroelectric power station, and the second, about 300 metres further up the road, marks the last available parking spot before reaching the hamlet. From there, it’s an easy walk along a quiet tarmac road to the start of your hike. This arrangement helps prevent congestion in the village and keeps La Savonne peaceful for everyone.
Our Komoot route
Booking the mountain huts
If it’s your first time staying in a mountain hut, you might have some questions about what to expect, from hut etiquette and meal arrangements to essential items you need to bring with you like a sleeping bag liner. My Beginner’s Guide to Mountain Huts covers all these practical details, so you’ll arrive feeling confident and prepared and ready to enjoy the experience.
I recommend reserving your stay early, especially if you’re after a private room or you’re hiking at the weekend (beds in the refuges are always more in demand at weekends than weeknights). Hut guardians and locals greatly appreciate visitors who make the effort to speak even a few basic words of French. Here are the contact details for each overnight stay, and how to reserve:
- Refuge de l’Archeboc
Refuge du Ruitor – photo credit https://www.ruitor.com/
Staying in Bourg-Saint-Maurice before or after the hike
Bourg-Saint-Maurice makes an ideal base for summer adventures in the French Alps, combining mountain charm with unbeatable convenience. Thanks to its excellent train station, it’s easily accessible by high speed rail directly from Paris.
From here, you’re ideally placed for endless mountain fun, including hiking, mountain biking, swimming, rafting, and exploring nearby national parks. The lively and traditional town centre offers plenty of accommodation options, excellent restaurants, and local shops, like great French bakeries, providing everything you need to rest, recharge, or stock up on supplies before your next adventure.
- Bourg-Saint-Maurice pedestrianised street
I’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly stays in Bourg-Saint-Maurice if you’re extending your trip or need somewhere comfortable pre- or post-hike.
Family-friendly stays in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Located in the heart of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Hôtel Restaurant Angival offers both rooms and apartments, making it a versatile choice for families. The on-site restaurant provides convenient dining options, and its central location ensures easy access to local amenities.
The Hostellerie du Petit Saint Bernard features family rooms, accommodating various family sizes. Guests have praised its cleanliness and the helpfulness of the staff. Its proximity to local attractions makes it a convenient base for family activities.
A modern hotel with minimalist design, Hotel Base Camp Lodge offers a range of accommodations, including dormitories suitable for families or groups. The trendy bar and restaurant provide communal spaces for relaxation after a day of exploration.
Ideal for larger families, Refuges en ville offers accommodations that can comfortably host bigger groups. Guests have highlighted its spaciousness and suitability for extended family stays.
Situated in the heart of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Hôtel Arolla offers family rooms and is known for its welcoming atmosphere. Guests appreciate its proximity to local attractions and the friendly service provided by the staff.
Hôtel Restaurant “La Petite Auberge” offers family-friendly accommodations with an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. Guests have noted the cleanliness of the rooms and the helpfulness of the staff, making it a comfortable choice for families.
Camp de Base: Bourg-Saint-Maurice – This large and comfy apartment sleeps 8 and is located in the centre of Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The spacious apartment has a terrace with mountain views and a full kitchen and makes a good base for a longer stay.
Day 1: La Savonne to Refuge de l’Archeboc
- Hike distance: Approx. 5.2 km
- Elevation gain: 300 m
- Overnight at Refuge de l’Archeboc: A welcoming hut with hearty French meals and fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Your adventure begins in the charming alpine village of La Savonne at 1750 m, a picturesque stone hamlet offering a glimpse into the ancient traditions of the mountain farmers’ way of life. This sets the tone for the high alpine pastoral landscapes you’ll encounter along this circular route.
The well-marked trail gains elevation consistently but gently and soon leads you into a tranquil forest before opening into lush meadows in the Mercuel valley. You’ll soon reach the pretty hamlet of Côtes, passing a couple of quaint stone cottages and the historic chapel of Saint Roc with its distinctive slate roof. As the hamlet slips behind you, Refuge de l’Archeboc soon appears ahead; also built in the traditional local stone, offering a welcoming place to rest and recharge after a delightful first day’s walk.
Overnight at Refuge de l’Archeboc: This welcoming hut offers simple, comfortable dormitory accommodation along with a few private rooms and serves delicious, hearty mountain meals.
- The views on the hike
- My parents and nephew at Refuge de l’Archeboc
Day 2: Refuge de l’Archeboc to Refuge du Ruitor via the Col du Montséti and Lac Noir
- Hike distance: Approx. 5.6 km
- Elevation gain: 480 m
- Overnight at Refuge du Ruitor: A friendly hut with simple rooms and a great tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tart)
Your second day is spectacular! You’ll have a steady climb ahead – about 500 metres of elevation over a fairly short distance (around 3 km). So yes, it might feel challenging at times, especially for younger legs, but slow and steady is the key. Take plenty of short breaks, and keep snacks handy to keep everyone’s energy levels up – our kids hike for Haribo! You could also try playing games like “Who am I?”, or telling stories to distract them.
Just before the Col du Montséti (the pass), you’ll reach the Lac Noir, a beautiful alpine lake whose calm waters reflect the rugged peaks above. Pause here for a moment to soak in the peace, (this is the perfect spot for a picnic break), before continuing the few hundred (mercifully flat) metres to the pass: the Col du Montséti. The climb may test your legs, but the spectacular views over the Sassière valley below are well worth it; this is an ideal spot for a rest to enjoy the panorama.
From the col, you’ll descend into the picturesque Sassière valley, characterised by rocky terrain, scattered boulders, and dramatic alpine scenery. The Refuge du Ruitor soon comes into view, nestled comfortably in this impressive landscape. The path is well marked the whole way. Set down your packs and enjoy this welcoming hut after a rewarding day’s hike.
Overnight at Refuge du Ruitor: This charming mountain hut boasts cosy dormitories and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Enjoy another delicious mountain meal, and rest tired legs!
Lac Noir – photo credit https://www.ruitor.com/- Refuge du Ruitor – photo credit https://www.ruitor.com/
Day 3: Refuge du Ruitor back to La Savonne
- Hike distance: Approx. 2.7 km
- Elevation gain: 0 m (280 m downhill)
Descend gently back towards La Savonne through a lush green valley dotted with shrubs and wildflowers, following a clear trail that gently winds its way between rocky slopes. In the distance, rugged peaks rise dramatically, some still capped with snow even in summer. The route is well-signposted, so you can relax and enjoy the alpine landscape for the last time before arriving back at your start point.
Practical Tips for Families
For more tips, check out my Hut to Hut Hiking with Kids guide. It’s packed with route ideas and planning tips for your family adventure!
Final Thoughts
This hut to hut route is a fantastic introduction for families looking to experience a great mountain hiking adventure in France. The manageable trails, cosy mountain huts, and incredible alpine scenery make it a memorable trip for all ages. Feel free to get in touch if you need any help planning your family adventure!
