There are days like that when you don’t want “hiking” to go hand in hand with “elevation gain.” Tired legs, a little one you want to see running around freely, a desire to chill… You want flat terrain—period!
Good news: in La Plagne, you don’t have to “wear yourself out” to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the great outdoors. Greenways, forest trails, accessible viewpoints… Here are 4 ideas for easy hikes to try the next time you want to walk or bike without getting out of breath.
The Greenway (in the valley)
This tree-lined walking path, accompanied by a paved bike trail, runs along the Isère River for 14 km between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Aime— you can even follow the Isère upstream to Villaroger if you feel like extending your walk.
Keep your eyes and ears open: between bursts of birdsong, you’ll hear the joyful shouts of rafters (before you see them come barreling through the trees in their colorful rafts).
❤️ Our favorite time to go: after the baby’s nap! We load the stroller into the car, grab the big sister’s balance bike on the way, and we’re all set for a leisurely stroll in the shade of the trees to the Versants d’Aime recreation center. There, we stop to splash around in the little lake, jump on the bungee trampolines (and have an ice cream for a snack—yum!).
📍 Starting point: free parking lot located at the entrance to the Voie Verte (next to the Rive Gauche restaurant or across from the Aime pump track )
📈 About 4 hours (round trip from Aime to Bourg-Saint-Maurice) | 14 km | Very slight elevation gain
The Versants d’Aime recreation center is located just 2.5 km from Aime (about a 30-meter walk).
The Mairiers Trail (bobsled track area / Montalbert)
This lovely, wooded walk along a vehicle-accessible path will delight hikers who enjoy peaceful strolls, accompanied by birdsong and the babbling of streams.
❤️ Our favorite time to go: after a good downpour! Or even while it’s drizzling, come to think of it. We look for animal tracks in the damp earth, marvel at the raindrops glistening on the foliage along the path, and breathe in deeply the forest’s unique scent after the rain… Pure bliss!
The little extra that’ll motivate your youngest hikers: a grenadine at the panoramic terrace of Le Forperet, on the Montalbert side. A spot worth discovering, where cheese is made on-site, and where kids can meet the farm animals.
📍 Starting point: free parking at the top of the bobsled track (a chance to see what it looks like without its ice coating)
📈 3.5 hours (round trip) | 10 km | 370 m elevation gain | 360 m elevation loss
➕ More info on the Mairiers Trail
The Dou du Praz Plateau Loop (Plagne Villages / Plagne Soleil area)
Who says you have to hike for hours to enjoy an unobstructed view of the peaks? The “plateau” section of the Dou du Praz trail, high above Plagne Soleil, offers panoramic views of Mont Blanc, Pierra Menta, and Mont-Saint-Jacques—all without straining your thighs or calves.
❤️ Our favorite time to go: the day after a big hike! There’s nothing like an almost flat loop to recover from the previous day’s exertions (without sacrificing the view of the peaks, of course). Is the sun out? Pack some sandwiches for a feast with a view of Mont Blanc (picnic tables are available along the route).
Good to know: At the start of the route, you can’t miss the La Plagne cheese shop, where the cheesemaker prepares Beaufort, Sérac, and other delicacies.
📍 Starting point: Free parking lot at the summit of Plagne Villages
📈 1 hour (loop trail) | 3 km | Minimal elevation gain on the panoramic “plateau” section
➕ More info on the Dou du Praz loop
The Grand Bief de Granier Trail (Versant du Soleil)
Have you heard of “biefs”? These are traditional irrigation canals used to carry water from mountain streams to farmland (fields, orchards, vineyards, etc.); in the past, they also powered mills, sawmills, and tanneries... The Grand Bief de Granier Trail takes you on a journey to discover this heritage, which is an integral part of Savoie, through 12 fun and educational panels installed along the historic bief in the small village of Granier, on the Versant du Soleil.
❤️ Our favorite time to go: a day when the sun is beating down! There’s nothing like a stroll under the trees, along an irrigation canal, to stay cool when the temperature rises… Or in September (the start of the school year always makes us want to learn new things; might as well give our brains a workout in the great outdoors!).
📍 Starting point: free parking lot at Prachanié, above Granier
📈 1.5 hours (round trip) | 4 km | 150 m elevation gain | 150 m elevation loss
➕ More info on the Grand Bief de Granier trail
🎒Even on flat terrain, don’t forget:
- 🥾Wear proper footwear—real walking shoes (no flip-flops)
- 🚰Stay hydrated (pack water in your backpack, or bring a little cash to buy a drink at the snack bar at the Versants d’Aime recreation center)
- 🧢Protect yourself from the sun (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap…)
👀 See also the article “How to Pack Your Kids’ Hiking Backpacks Based on Their Age.”
