Summer Hikes in Les Menuires: Our Favorite Trails Starting From le Hameau de la Sapinière

For a gentle first outing, head to the Bruyères lake, at the bottom of the resort. The trail runs along the Doron, the river that flows through the valley, amid vegetation and groves. There are three ways to hike it, depending on how energetic you feel that day: 

• The most accessible version : Take the free shuttle from the Montagnette Sapinière stop to Le Setor restaurant. Once there, you’ll find a small 18th-century chapel, Notre-Dame de la Miséricorde, picnic tables, barbecues available for use, and public restrooms. The trail is 900 meters long, with no elevation gain, and is well-suited for strollers. 
• To make the walk a bit longer : a loop of just over 3 kilometers offers a longer hike with a few uphill sections. 
• For those who really want to walk: Trail No. 6, known as the “Plan d’Eau” trail, starts at the base of the Pointe de la Masse gondola, which is accessible from the Croisette via the chairlifts. The round-trip is 5 km, taking about 2 hours, with an elevation gain of just 40 meters. 

Here’s a tip if you’re traveling with kids: the tourist office has set up an orientation trail around the lake. You can pick up the booklet at the Maison de la Montagne on the Croisette, and it turns the walk into a little scavenger hunt, with prizes to be won. 

This is one of the most popular hikes in the valley, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks. From the Bruyères neighborhood, follow the switchbacks that lead to a road running along a ledge overlooking the valley. After about ten minutes of walking, you’ll reach the access road to Val Thorens : keep to your right and head down to the hairpin turn, cross it, then follow the road back up. 

After two more hairpin turns, a long straight stretch leads you to Chez Pépé Nicolas, a well-known spot among regulars in the Belleville Valley, where you can see farm animals, buy local products, or simply sit down for a meal. Continue to the bench located past three small chalets, on the right below, then follow the loop, which features a notable landmark every 100 meters: a hay shed, a village of cairns, an old stone wall... 

If you prefer a shorter route, the free shuttle to Val Thorens will drop you off right at the Chez Pépé Nicolas parking lot, where you can enjoy a much more accessible 1.5-km walk. 

It is the largest lake in the Belleville Valley, nestled in a small valley with no ski lifts, which creates a real sense of tranquility once you arrive. Just above it, the trail to Lake Pierre Blanche is also marked, for those who want to extend their outing. 

The hike begins at the parking lot by the Bruyères lake, which is accessible via a free shuttle from the Montagnette Sapinière stop. It’s about a 5-kilometer, 2-hour walk to the lake. There’s a mountain hut there where you can grab a bite to eat or simply enjoy a drink in the sun before heading back. 

A more challenging loop that requires you to plan your day: about 6.5 hours of walking, 9 km, and 812 meters of elevation gain, reaching an altitude of 2,532 meters. The view of the valley at the top of the trail more than makes up for the effort. It’s best to bring a picnic lunch or stop for a break at one of the mountain restaurants along the way. 

The trailhead is located near the Masse 1 gondola. After a zigzagging ascent facing Les Menuires, a detour via Le Teurre offers a striking view of the Belleville Valley. The trail then winds gently from one lake to the next, at a pleasant walking pace all the way to the end. 

Even in summer, the mountains have their own rules. The sun beats down harder at higher elevations than in the valley, and temperatures can drop fairly quickly as the day comes to a close, especially near the lakes. A light backpack with a few essentials is all you need to set out with peace of mind: 

• good walking shoes 
• a water bottle 
• sunscreen 
• a cap or a hat 
• a light sweater or a windbreaker for the cool evening air 
• a snack for the longest hikes