VANOISE - INTO THE FRENCH ALPS

In 1997 I did a multi-day hike in the French Alps, in an area called Vanoise. The Vanoise is actually bordering the Gran Paradiso in Italy, an area I hiked in 1995. The Vanoise proved to be a magnificent area; dramatic landscapes, good huts, well maintained trails.

The start was a very cold one, because when we got out of the tent the morning of our start, it had even snowed in the valley. The ascend was tough but once up in the mountains it was very much worth it - snowcapped mountains everywhere, sun came through - it couldn't be better!

The next days the weather was quite nice to very good, and the hikes were pleasant. We did a perfect circle which meant we could return to our car without having to take a bus or so.

The Vanoise was definitely one, if not the best place in the Alps so far for hiking. I really hope to return one day.