This walk will take you on a complete loop bringing you back to the Vallorcine car park. You can choose to include the refuge de Loriaz as part of your loop or not. This beautiful family-friendly walk is suitable for all levels and has stunning views down towards the Swiss boarder and passes two waterfalls.
Vallorcine to Refuge de Loriaz
An easy walk that combines waterfalls, rivers and stunning valley views
Starting from the main car park as you enter Vallorcine close to the basketball and tennis courts, exit the car park to the left towards Le Buet and Chamonix. After less than 20 metres you’ll see a walking route sign that leads up the bank and brings you out onto the main path.
From here follow the path to the right, walking in the direction of Vallorcine and the Swiss boarder again. You’ll cross a few meadows before heading up the mountain at quite a steep gradient. On the way up you’ll be able to see right down to the Swiss border and beyond.
You’ll eventually reach a sign post where you can follow the route back down in a loop to Le Nant, past two waterfalls or continue up to the refuge before heading back down again. At this point the refuge is probably another 30-40 minutes walk.
On the route back, once you reach the valley floor the path connecting Le Buet with Vallocine is at the very bottom of the village across from the main road. The path leads along the river and is clearly sign-posted.
What to bring
IGN3630 map is recommended
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
See all Sights in Chamonix-
Visit website 
Maison de Barberine museum
Museum dedicated to life in the valley from ancient times to present day
Situated in an 18th century house, the Barberine museum is dedicated to showing pastoral life of the Vallorcine people in the valley since the 18th century.
-
Enquire 
Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Summer lifts giving you access to the Swiss border, hiking and MTB trails
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix valley in the 'Domaine de la Balme' area with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
-
Visit website 
VerticAlp funiculars and train
Just over the border to Switzerland you can journey up to the Emosson Dam
At the edge of the Franco-Swiss border lies the 'VerticAlp' experience, which is made up of a steep funicular, a panoramic train and a smaller funicular taking you up to the Emosson Dam.
-
Visit website 
Aiguille Rouge nature reserve
Walk amongst this protected natural area and enjoy beautiful scenery in the summer
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
-
Enquire 
Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
CLOSED SUMMER 2025 Head up to get great views of the Argentière glacier
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
-
Enquire 
La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
Cable car and chairlift giving access to lots of great hiking trails and Via Ferrata
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Vallorcine
See all Restaurants in Vallorcine-
Le Café Comptoir Restaurant 
Le Café Comptoir Restaurant
Situated at the end of the Foret Verte piste, near the base of the Vallorcine gondola
Café Comptoir is open winter and summer, this place serves delicious food in a beautiful mountain-side setting.
-
Enquire 
La Ferme des Trois Ours Restaurant
Savoyard cuisine made with local produce served up in this traditional wooden farmhouse
Nestled just over the Col des Montets in the beautiful surroundings of Vallorcine, this wonderful restaurant serving traditional dishes from the region.
What to do
Things To Do in Vallorcine
See all Things To Do in Vallorcine-
Visit website 
Snowshoe guided walks
Half day and full day snowshoe walks in Vallorcine
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
