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Best summer walks in La Plagne: 5 family-friendly trails we love
Summer hiking in La Plagne
If you're planning a summer holiday in La Plagne, chances are you've already found guides to mountain biking, adventure parks and alpine lakes.
But if you ask me what makes La Plagne special in summer, it's something much simpler.
It's the walking.
Some of our favourite family memories have happened on the walking trails around La Plagne. Not because we've conquered huge mountain summits or completed epic hikes, but because we've spent time together outdoors.
A picnic stuffed into a backpack. Stopping to watch butterflies and marmots. Taking far longer than expected because somebody wants to climb every rock or collect every pine cone along the way.
The good news is that you don't need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy walking in La Plagne.
Many of the walking trails are accessible, well signposted and easy to adapt depending on the ages and abilities of your group. Whether you're travelling with toddlers, older children, grandparents or even the dog, there are plenty of routes that allow you to experience the beauty of the Alps without needing a full day of hiking.
These are the five summer walks we return to again and again as a family.
Some are short and easy. Some can be extended into longer adventures. All are genuinely family-friendly and offer a brilliant introduction to walking in La Plagne in summer.
Looking for more summer inspiration? Here's a full post with all my top tips for summer activities in La Plagne.
Download the La Plagne walking trail map
Before you head out, I highly recommend downloading the official La Plagne walking map.
This map shows:
- walking routes throughout the resort
- trail difficulty levels
- picnic areas
- restaurants
- viewpoints
- lift access points
- village connections
The beauty of walking in La Plagne is that many routes connect together, allowing you to shorten or extend your walk depending on weather, energy levels and how cooperative the children are feeling that day.
Why La Plagne is perfect for family walking
One of the biggest misconceptions about walking in the Alps is that everything involves steep climbs and long mountain hikes.
That's definitely not the case in La Plagne – or at least, it doesn't have to be!
Because the resort is spread across multiple villages at different altitudes, there are lots of routes that follow gentle gradients through forests, alpine meadows and mountain pastures.
Many walks have starting points from several of the villages, meaning you don't need a car. Plus, they often loop back to where you started. Or finish at a point where you can hop on one of the free shuttle buses back to your home point.
There are the:
- free resort shuttles
- the Télébus between Plagne Centre and Plagne Villages
- the Télémétro from Plagne Centre to Aime 2000
- pedestrian-accessible lifts
which make it easy to create circular walks or shorten routes if little legs are struggling. You can find out more and download all the shuttle bus timetables for winter and summer here.
Another thing I love about summer walking in La Plagne is how varied the scenery is.
In a single week you can walk:
- through forests
- beside streams
- to alpine lakes
- across mountain pastures
- along panoramic ridgelines
without ever leaving the resort. We were out hiking this weekend (June), and the kids were still playing in patches of snow from the ski season! It's one of the reasons we return to these walks year after year.
What to pack for a family walk in La Plagne
You don't need specialist hiking equipment for most of these routes, but there are a few things we don't leave home without.
- Water. The mountain air is deceptively drying. Everyone carries a water bottle in our family, even on shorter walks. And remember that you're out on the mountain, there are refil stations, so carry what you need.
- Snacks. Honestly, snacks solve most hiking-related problems. We always pack fruit, cereal bars and sandwiches. Our favourite solution are the NomNom Kids reusable snack and sandwich bags because they're easy to throw into a backpack because they are super lightweight and pack up very slim. This is not an affilliate link and I don't work for them, I just love them and they have leveled up our summer hiking and winter ski picnics.
- LittleLife Toddler Carrier. This has been one of the best decisions we've ever made. When I'm walking alone with the kids, the LittleLife Carrier makes it possible to carry everything I need:
- a tired toddler
- lunch
- spare clothes
- water.
- Trail Shoes. The whole family currently wears Salomon trail shoes. We're on our third year of buying them because they just work. The kids usually get theirs second-hand from Vinted for around €10 a pair.
Don't forget
- sunscreen
- sunglasses
- hats
- tissues
- a lightweight waterproof
- spare layer
- fully charged phone
- emergency contact information
Mountain weather changes quickly, even on warm summer days.
I also always tell somebody where we're planning to walk if I'm heading out alone with the children.
Mum-to-Mum tips for walking with kids in the Alps
This might be the most important section of this entire guide.
If you're hiking with children, lower your expectations.
Then lower them again.
The best family walks aren't usually about reaching the destination. They're about everything that happens along the way.
The conversations.
The discoveries.
The flowers.
The bugs.
The random sticks that suddenly become essential treasures.
We've spent entire walks stopping every few minutes because somebody found a beetle.
And honestly? Those are often the walks we remember most. Don't focus too much on distance.
Focus on:
- enjoying the scenery
- stopping for photos
- having a picnic
- spotting wildlife
- exploring together
If the kids are having fun, the distance takes care of itself.
Top 5 family walks and hikes in La Plagne
These aren't epic mountain expeditions or full-day treks that require specialist equipment. They're the walks we've genuinely enjoyed as a family over the years, often with a picnic in the backpack, a toddler who may or may not decide to walk, and plenty of stops along the way.
Some of these routes are short and easy. Others can be extended into longer hikes if you've got older children or simply fancy spending more time out on the trails. What they all have in common is that they're accessible, rewarding and showcase some of the very best scenery that La Plagne has to offer in summer.
Before we get into the details, it's worth remembering that walking in the Alps isn't really about the destination. Some of our favourite memories have come from the things we discovered along the way: spotting marmots, paddling in streams, collecting wildflowers, sharing a picnic with a mountain view, or stopping every five minutes because somebody has found a stick that looks like a chicken foot.
The five walks below are the routes we return to again and again. If you're visiting La Plagne in summer and wondering where to start, I'd begin with one of these.
1. Dou du Praz
- Distance: 2.3km–6.5km
- Time: 1–2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Suitable for kids: Yes
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Food stop: Restaurant and picnic areas at the top
Dou du Praz is probably the walk I recommend most often to families visiting La Plagne.
The route climbs gently through the forest before opening onto a beautiful alpine plateau with incredible views across the surrounding mountains.
What makes this walk special is the reward at the top.
There are picnic tables, open grassy areas, mountain restaurants and panoramic views towards Mont Blanc. Plus there are a few marmotte hot spots along the way, so you're likely to see some in the canyons along the way.
At the top, it's the perfect place to spread out a picnic blanket and let the kids run around. But you also have the lovely Dou du Praz restaurant which has a fabulous menu, great service and vey family friendly.
The route can be approached from:
- Plagne Centre
- Plagne Soleil
- Plagne Villages
- Bellecôte
which also means it's incredibly flexible.
We often recommend this walk to families looking for a first mountain hike because it feels adventurous without being overly demanding.
For younger children, you can even use the shuttle to Plagne Villages and shorten the ascent significantly.
Best for: Picnics, views and first-time mountain walkers.
2. Lac Vert
- Distance: Flexible
- Time: 30 mins–2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Suitable for kids: Excellent
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Food stops: Plagne Centre, Aime 2000
If you're only going to do one walk during your summer holiday in La Plagne, make it Lac Vert.
The lake itself isn't huge and you can't swim in it. But that's part of its charm.
The route is short enough for younger children but still feels like you've escaped into nature.
We usually start from Plagne Centre, but you can also pick up the trail from Plagne 1800 or from Aime 2000 and head down.
The lake makes a fantastic destination for:
- picnics – there's also a fixed BBQ point here for public use
- family photos
- nature spotting
and it's one of the easiest places in La Plagne to introduce children to mountain walking.
Check out the La Plagne walking and hot spots map here to find Lac Vert.
You'll often see dragonflies, birds and wildflowers during summer.
It's also one of the most photogenic spots in resort.
Best for: Families, younger children and anyone wanting an easy alpine lake walk.
3. Route des Balcons
- Distance: Flexible
- Time: 1–4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Suitable for kids: Yes
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Food stop: Aime 2000, the Dou du Praz restaurant if you head all the way along
This is probably the most flexible walk in La Plagne.
Because we live in Plagne Centre, we usually start by walking up from Plagne Centre via Lac Vert to Aime 2000. This lengthens the walk, by tacking on the Lac Vert walk from above. From Aime 2000, we join the Route des Balcons. But you don't have to do this.
The simplest way is to take the free Télémétro up to Aime 2000 and start from there if you'd rather save your energy.
What makes this route brilliant is that you can adapt it to suit your family.
You can:
- walk for 45 minutes
- spend half a day exploring
- drop back into Plagne Centre trhough various routes aloign the way
- head further along into Villages and Soleil
- continue all the way to Dou du Praz and then drop to Plagne Centre, Bellecote or Belle Plagne
When we're walking with the kids, we often shorten the route and drop back into Plagne Centre.
When it's just adults, we'll continue around towards Dou du Praz and make a longer hike of it.
The views across the Tarentaise Valley are fantastic throughout. You'll also likely spot loads of marmottes along this walk. Even if you don't spot them, you'll hear them whistling!
Best for: Flexibility, mountain views and choosing your own adventure.
4. Cavard
- Distance: Flexible
- Time: 1–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Suitable for kids: Yes
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Food stop: Picnic only
Cavard is one of La Plagne's hidden gems – and I hate that term! But it really is.
The route winds through beautiful forest and follows some of the area's old mining history before opening into a peaceful clearing.
You can start from:
- Plagne 1800 and walk down
- Bellecôte and head down
- Bend 5 on the Bobsleigh shuttle route and walk up
which gives you lots of flexibility.
One reason we love this walk is the feeling of being away from the resort without actually going very far.
The forest provides welcome shade on hotter days and younger children often enjoy exploring the streams and woodland sections. In the main open meadow there is a large stream which is perfect for little stick boat races, cooling off and just enjoying the Alpine vibes.
This area is also where we spent a night wild camping during a family bivouac adventure.
It's a brilliant route if you're looking for something quieter than some of the more popular summer trails.
Best for: Forest walks, hot days and family adventures.
5. Plan Bois and Chapelle Saint Jacques
Quick Summary
- Distance: 4–8km
- Time: Half day
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Suitable for kids: Yes
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Food stop: Multiple mountain restaurants
If you're looking for classic Alpine scenery, this is the walk.
The route towards Plan Bois combines:
- forests
- mountain pastures
- incredible views
- traditional mountain restaurants
which makes it one of the most rewarding family walks in La Plagne.
The walk itself is beautiful, but for many families, the highlight is stopping at one of the mountain restaurants along the way. Plus, the Cross at the top of Saint Jacques is one of the most well-known photo points in La Plagne. But not everyone has photos here because you have to work for it!
This route feels a little more adventurous than some of the others on this list but remains manageable for families with children who are used to walking.
The scenery is exactly what many people imagine when they picture a summer holiday in the French Alps.
Best for: Alpine scenery, restaurant stops and longer family hikes.
Which Walk Should You Choose?
If you've got toddlers:
- Lac Vert
- Dou du Praz
If you want mountain views:
- Route des Balcons
If you want a picnic:
- Dou du Praz
If you only do one walk:
- Lac Vert
If it's a hot day:
- Cavard
If you want lunch in a mountain restaurant:
Plan Bois
Walking with dogs in La Plagne
One of the things we love about summer in La Plagne is how dog-friendly it is. All five of these walks are suitable for dogs, and you'll see plenty of locals and visitors out exploring the trails with their four-legged companions.
Summer is a fantastic time to bring a dog to the mountains. There are shaded forest walks, streams to paddle in, open meadows to explore, and miles of walking trails connecting the villages. Some routes, particularly Cavard and parts of Dou du Praz, offer welcome shade on warmer days, while the higher trails often benefit from cooler temperatures than you might find down in the valley.
That said, walking with dogs in the Alps does come with a few additional considerations that might be unfamiliar if you're visiting from the UK.
Many of the mountain pastures around La Plagne are active farmland during summer. As soon as the snow melts, cattle, sheep and goats are moved up onto the mountain to graze, and many of the walking trails pass directly through these grazing areas.
You'll often find gates, livestock enclosures and herds of animals sharing the same routes that walkers use.
Because of this, it's important to keep dogs under close control at all times and be prepared to put them on a lead when required.
Be aware of livestock guardian dogs
One thing that surprises many visitors is the presence of livestock guardian dogs.
These are large working dogs whose job is to protect sheep and other livestock from predators. They aren't pets and they aren't there for hikers. They are doing a job.
If you come across a livestock guardian dog:
- stay calm
- keep your dog close to you
- put your dog on a lead if it isn't already
- avoid running
- continue walking steadily
- give the flock as much space as possible
Most encounters are completely uneventful, but the dogs can be agressive. It's worth knowing what to expect before you head out.
You'll often see warning signs at the entrance to grazing areas explaining whether livestock guardian dogs are present.
Summer dog walking tips in the Alps
Even on cooler days, mountain walking can be surprisingly demanding for dogs.
I always recommend carrying:
- plenty of water for both you and your dog
- a collapsible dog bowl
- poo bags
- a lead
- a basic pet first aid kit if you're heading further afield
Try to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day in July and August, especially on exposed routes with little shade.
If you're planning a longer walk, choose routes with streams, forest sections or opportunities to stop in the shade.
My local tip
If you're visiting La Plagne with a dog for the first time, I'd start with either Cavard or Dou du Praz.
Both routes are relatively straightforward, have plenty of space, and give you a good introduction to summer walking in the Alps without committing to a longer mountain hike.
Summer walking safety in the Alps
One of the reasons I recommend these walks so often is that they're all well-marked, easy to follow, and suitable for families.
That said, it's worth remembering that you're still in the mountains.
The Alps aren't dangerous, but conditions can change surprisingly quickly, particularly in summer. A sunny morning can turn into an afternoon thunderstorm, temperatures can drop once you're higher up, and a route that feels easy at the start can feel much longer when you've got tired children on the way back.
The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way.
Before heading out, I always recommend:
- checking the weather forecast
- carrying more water than you think you'll need
- packing snacks (lots of snacks!)
- wearing suitable footwear
- taking a lightweight waterproof or extra layer, even on warm days
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and it's not unusual to see people setting off in shorts and t-shirts before pulling on a fleece an hour later.
A fully charged phone is another essential. Not because you're planning for an emergency, but because it's useful for maps, photos, checking weather updates and contacting somebody if your plans change.
If you're heading out on a longer route, it's also sensible to let someone know where you're planning to walk and roughly when you expect to be back. Most of the trails around La Plagne are well-used, but it's a simple habit that's worth getting into.
When walking with children, my biggest piece of advice is not to push it.
If the kids are tired, stop. If they're hungry, have the picnic. If they're fascinated by a stream and want to spend twenty minutes throwing stones into it, let them.
The mountains aren't going anywhere.
Some of our best family walking days have involved covering far less distance than we planned, but having a much better time because we slowed down and enjoyed it.
My local tip:
In July and August, try to start earlier in the day if you can. The temperatures are cooler, the trails are quieter, and you'll often get the best mountain views before any afternoon cloud starts to build.
Mum verdict
You don't need to tackle huge mountain hikes to enjoy summer in La Plagne.
Some of our favourite family memories have come from simple walks with a picnic in the backpack and no real plan beyond seeing where the trail takes us.
If you're only choosing one walk, make it Lac Vert.
But honestly, all five of these routes offer something different and show just how beautiful La Plagne can be once the snow melts.
And if you're looking for more ideas for your summer holiday, don't miss these guides:
What are the best summer walks in La Plagne?
For families, I recommend:
Lac Vert
Dou du Praz
Route des Balcons
Cavard
Plan Bois
Are there easy walks in La Plagne?
Yes. Lac Vert and Dou du Praz are excellent beginner-friendly options.
Can you hike in La Plagne without using the lifts?
Absolutely. Most of these walks can be completed without using lifts.
Is Lac Vert suitable for children?
Yes. It's one of the easiest and most family-friendly walks in La Plagne.
Are dogs allowed on walking trails in La Plagne?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on most walking trails but should be kept under control around livestock.
What should I pack for a family walk in the Alps?
Water, snacks, sun protection, layers, a charged phone and suitable footwear are essentials.
Are the walking trails in La Plagne signposted?
Yes. Most summer trails are well signposted and shown on the official walking maps.
Can you walk in La Plagne if you're not a hiker?
Definitely. Many routes are suitable for complete beginners and families with children.
