Some days, just like that, you don't feel like rhyming "hike" with "climb". Your legs are tired, your little one wants to run free, you just want to chill out... You just want to be flat, period!
The good news is that in La Plagne, you don't have to break your legs to stroll through the countryside. Greenways, forest paths, accessible viewpoints... Here are 4 ideas for easy strolls, to try out the next time you want to walk or cycle without getting out of breath.
The Voie Verte (in the valley)
This tree-lined footpath and tarmac cycle path runs for 14 km along the Isère between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Aime - you can even go as far up the Isère as Villaroger if you feel like taking it a little longer.
Keep your eyes and ears open: between two bird songs, you can hear the joyful cries of rafters (before seeing them hurtle through the trees in their colorful craft).
❤️ Our favorite time to go: after baby's nap! We put the stroller in the car, grabbing our big sister's buggy as we go, and we're ready for a gentle stroll under the shade of the trees to the Versants d'Aime leisure park. There, we stop to wade in the little lake, bounce on the bungee-trampolines (and eat an ice cream for a snack, yum!).
📍 Start: free parking lot at the Voie Verte entrance (next to the Rive Gauche restaurant or opposite the Aime pumptrack ).
📈 Around 4h (round trip Aime - Bourg-Saint-Maurice) | 14 km | Very slight gradient
The Versants d'Aime leisure center is just 2.5 km from Aime (approx. 30 m walk).
Le sentier des Mairiers (bobsleigh run / Montalbert sector)
This pretty wooded walk on a carriage road will delight walkers who enjoy a quiet stroll, enlivened by birdsong and the trickle of streams.
❤️ Our favorite time to go: after a good shower! Or even when it's raining. You can watch for animal paw prints in the damp earth, marvel at the water droplets glistening on the foliage along the path, and breathe in the distinctive scent of the forest after the rain... It's all good fun!
The little extra that will motivate your youngest walkers: a grenadine on the panoramic terrace of Le Forperet, on the Montalbert side. An address worth discovering, where the cheese is made on site, and children can discover the farm animals.
📍 Departure: free parking at the top of the bobsleigh run (an opportunity to see what it looks like without its ice suit).
📈 3h30 (round trip) | 10 km | 370 m elevation gain | 360 m elevation loss
The Dou du Praz plateau loop (Plagne Villages / Plagne Soleil sector)
Who says you have to climb for hours on end to enjoy a clear view of the summits? The plateau section of the Dou du Praz itinerary, in the heights of Plagne Soleil, offers panoramic views of Mont-Blanc, Pierra Menta and Mont Saint-Jacques. All without having to strain 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 giving up the view of the summits). Is the sun shining? Pack your sandwiches for a feast with a view of Mont Blanc (picnic tables are available along the way).
Good to know: at the entrance to the route, you can't miss the fruitière de La Plagne where the cheese maker prepares beaufort, sérac and other delicacies.
📍 Start: free parking lot at the top of Plagne Villages
📈 1h (loop itinerary) | 3 km | Low gradient on the panoramic "plateau" portion
➕ more on the Dou du Praz loop
The Grand Bief de Granier trail (Versant du Soleil)
Do you know the biefs? They're the traditional irrigation canals that carry water from mountain streams to farmland (fields, orchards, vineyards...); in days gone by, they were also used to power mills, sawmills, tanneries... The Grand Bief de Granier trail takes you on a journey of discovery along the historic reach of the small village of Granier, on the Versant du Soleil, with 12 educational panels.
❤️ Our favorite time to go: a day when the sun is shining! There's nothing like a stroll under the trees, beside an irrigation canal, to keep you cool when the mercury rises... Or in September (the start of the new school year always makes us want to learn things; we might as well activate our neurons in the middle of nature!).
📍 Departure: free Prachanié parking lot, above Granier
📈 1h30 (round trip) | 4 km | 150 m elevation gain | 150 m elevation loss
➕ more on the Grand Bief de Granier trail
🎒Even on the flat, don't forget :
- 🥾To wear proper footwear, with real shoes made for walking (not flip-flops)
- 🚰 Keep well hydrated (pack water in your rucksack, or have some money to buy a drink at the refreshment bar at the Versants d'Aime leisure center).
- 🧢Protect yourself from the sun (sun cream, sunglasses, hat or cap...)
👀 Read also the article How to prepare your children's hiking bag according to their age?
