Summer Hikes from Tignes: Our Favorite Trails Around Taos
In the summer in Tignes, the snow gives way to trails that wind through the Vanoise National Park, past high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, and alpine pastures. From le Taos, several trails are easily accessible by car, offering short or slightly longer hikes depending on your mood that day.
Lake Sassière, in the heart of the nature reserve
Held back by a dam at an elevation of over 2,000 meters, this lake lies in the heart of the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve. The hike is easy and accessible, requiring about 2 hours of moderate walking. Along the way, it’s not uncommon to encounter marmots, alpine cows, chamois, or ibex, surrounded by waterfalls, streams, and hundreds of flowers in the summer.
The lake is unique in that it lies nestled at the foot of imposing peaks, notably Mount Tsanteleina, which rises to 3,602 meters and is reflected in the lake's calm waters.
To reach the starting point, head toward Val d'Isère until you reach the Chevril Dam, then turn left after a few tunnels toward Villaret du Nial. Once you’ve passed the village, continue to the parking lot at the Saut Dam, a few turns further up: this is where the wide dirt path begins, following the valley to the lake. For a different route back, you can cross the Chevril Dam and head back down via a trail on the right that leads directly to the Saut Dam parking lot.
These two bodies of water are among the most popular hiking destinations from Tignes le Lavachet. The Gouille de Salin is known for its crystal-clear water and unspoiled scenery, with Lake Chevril in the background. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Tignes le Lavachet to the pond, then another 10 minutes to reach the base of the waterfall: a 1.5-hour round trip if you take the time to enjoy the scenery.
The trail isn't particularly difficult, but good hiking shoes are still recommended. Every summer, the town of Tignes sets up botanical information signs along the path, which winds through a wide variety of mountain flowers. At the various intersections, simply follow the signs for "La Gouille de Salin," staying on the trail that continues straight ahead.
The best time to enjoy the sun-drenched pond is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This turquoise pool, nestled deep in the forest, flows into a waterfall several dozen meters high: to reach it, you’ll need to walk slightly uphill and then take a trail that descends to the right (or to the left if coming from Lavachet), toward the waterfall and Lake Chevril. Allow another 10-minute walk to get there, with the option to cool off in the water if the mood strikes.
This is the easiest hike we recommend starting from Tignes, about a 30-minute drive away. The hike begins in Tignes-les-Brévières, where a large parking lot at the entrance to the village makes it easy to park. You can hike in a loop around the stream, but the round-trip route through the forest is more pleasant than walking along the road.
The place is perfect for a picnic, with wide-open spaces and turquoise water that almost looks like a lagoon.
Tignes is part of the Vanoise National Park. During your stay in Taos, you can also check out our suggestions for services and activities around the Tignes destination.
The Brévières hike remains the most accessible, with just a 30-minute drive to the trailhead and a leisurely round-trip walk along the forest.
Yes, especially on the trail to Lac de la Sassière, where it’s common to come across marmots, chamois, ibex, and alpine cows, in addition to the views of the peaks.
Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun shines directly on the turquoise pool; outside of this time frame, the area remains in the shade.
A good pair of hiking shoes is all you need for these trails, as none of them are technically challenging. A water bottle and sunscreen are still useful, as the altitude and the mountain sun can quickly take their toll.
Yes, all three routes are suitable for families, with special mention going to Les Brévières and Lac de la Sassière, which are shorter and have no significant elevation gain.