• Sport

Hiking itinerary : Le Lac des Pierres Blanches from Plan Bois

This is a lovely walk through a forest of larch, spruce and Swiss stone pine trees. Although it is quite long, the walk is relatively flat and is a good choice for families as the paths are well trodden.

Sport Hiking itinerary : Le Lac des Pierres Blanches from Plan Bois Montchavin-les-Coches

About

Departing from Montchavin-les-Coches (73210)
Average length : 03h00
Total elevation gain : 245m
Vertical drop : 245m
Distance : 16km
Signed walking trail
Animals allowed

A lovely cool, peaceful walk through the forest where you can pick blueberries and mushrooms according to the season, and see animals before arriving at Lac des Pierres Blanches where you can enjoy the superb view of our beautiful valley whilst picnicking by the side of the lake.

Way and back
Total elevation gain : 245m
Altitude max : 2118m
Vertical drop : 245m

Signs

The trail is signposted with white background and blue writing

Map references

IGN map Les Arcs La Plagne 3532ET on sale in sports stores and newsagents - You can also find all our itineraries on sale in our tourist offices (€3).

Further informations

Stone, Ground

Lac Noir Gondola departure

1/ At the gondola exit, turn right (P), pass under the Lac Noir gondola line and follow the path which remains on the mountainside and then leads to a forest track (P).
2/ Climb to the right to reach a flat area.
3/ Follow the flat forest track to the crossroads (P).
4/ Keep right, the forest road crosses a ski slope and continues for about 1 km.
5/ Leave the forest road (P), take a path which climbs to the right and leads to a small plateau (P). The trail then turns left and crosses the entire length of the plateau.
6/ The path is lightly marked in places, but soon reappears before a short climb leading to a meadow (P).
7/ A white stone path accompanies you on the right and climbs up to the small road (P).
8/ Turn right, passing between a large chalet and the arrival of the chairlift.
9/ A path (P) takes you in 50 m. to the lake on the right.

P = signpost on the circuit

The return journey follows the same route and takes about the same amount of time. If you've taken the Lac Noir gondola, be sure to ask what time the chairlift closes, and allow a little time for your return.

You can drive to Plan Bois.
From Les Coches, take the road to Les Bauches valley (speed limit 30 km/h). Go past the Vanoise Express and continue along the road to a junction marked "Le Sauget" and turn right (speed limit 30 km/h) to take you past Le Sauget and Les Praizes to the end of the road at Plan Bois (chalet Chez Laurette)
Walk up a track to the left towards a covered ski carpet and, from there, you will see the gondola or the chairlift and you can start the hike.

Prices

Free of charge.

Reception

Open to children
Animals allowed
Languages of documentation : English, French
Not adapted to strollers

Whenever you go hiking, remember to take cereal bars, plenty of water, sunglasses, sun cream and a small first aid kit, as well as suitable clothes for your outing, according to the season and the weather forecast.

Dogs are welcome, but beware of herds of cows and sheep in alpine pastures - they must be kept on a leash.

Period of practice

From 28/06 to 30/08/2025.

Services
  • Pets welcome
  • Accessible via ski lift
Equipments
  • Picnic area
  • Orientation board

Access

Plan Bois 1885m 73210 Montchavin-les-Coches
Departing from : Montchavin-les-Coches (73210)
Latitude : 45.539402 - Longitude : 6.723579

Park either in the Montchavin car parks and then enter the village in the direction of the Coches telecabin and then take the Telebufette and Lac Noir gondola or in the car park in Les Coches by taking the 1st exit on your right at the roundabout and then at the 2nd roundabout take the 2nd exit and park in the car parks and enter the centre of Les Coches.

More informations

Information update on 25/10/2024 by Office de Tourisme de la Grande Plagne