Summer Hiking Suggestions in Val Thorens

An area that is always open to explore without needing the ski lifts to be open is Plan d’eau and Lac de Lou just below Les Menuires and heading up towards the base of Val Thorens. During the winter months you may find it unlikely to know this area with Plan d’eau just being used for walking and cross country skiing and Lac de Lou mostly out of bounds, unless you pass through having completed the off piste track from the back of La Masse. As the winter season nears an end you can often see people trying to water ski the melted sections of the lake!

During the summer there’s lots going on to keep everyone entertained. Plan d’eau is a small lake with flat walking paths around the edge, the closest you’ll ever get to a stroll in the mountains! There is also a mountain adventure area for children with a zip wire over the lake. Just be warned you need to give it some oomph to make it to the landing area! If you have your rods, it is permitted to fish at the lake at just 11 euros per day. There are also free standing BBQs nearby on which to cook your days’ catch!

A little higher up you will find Lac de Lou which can be accessed either from the Boulevard de Cumin walking track from Plan d’eau or from the Lac de Lou parking further up. As you begin the walk you will come across the delightful Chez Pepe Nicholas which opened this weekend for the summer. During the opening procession the farm animals are paraded up to the alpage, an old tradition which continues today. A bemusing and contrasting sight from the bustling winter resort to see the cows strolling through the streets! At the restaurant itself you can sample some great local produce and it is also a lovely place for children as there are many animals roaming around for petting.

The walking path to the right of Chez Pepe will take you up to Lac de Lou. A little more strenuous than the Plan d’eau path with a steep uphill section towards the end but on the whole an easy going hike taking only around 45 minutes. At the end you will be rewarded with the beautiful sight of Lac de Lou. Be warned however, as welcoming as it looks, it is very chilly as it is snow melt. My cousin found this out a couple of summers ago when visiting on her honeymoon and was desperate to cool down - even in a wetsuit it was a pretty rapid dip!

The walk continues around the lake but it is more of a scramble over rocks so if you are not too agile then I would give it a miss. It is a great walk for people of all ages and families. If you forget to take refreshments there is a small refuge at the top which is open during the summer months.

Whilst everything is very tranquil at the moment with the opening of the Three Valleys this weekend it looks set for a good and busy summer!