Refuge du Palet
A classic hike leaving Tignes up to a refuge located in the high mountains
This classic itinerary leads you through the open meadows towards a high mountain col and a beautiful refuge.
Starting from the paravalanche tunnel on the Tignes le Lac side, you take the path on the uphill side heading south west. The route is signposted GR5 and continues for a short while towards the cross at Croix de Lognan. Here the path forks, continue west along the GR5 towards the Col du Palet.
The path steepens and passes under a chairlift before reaching the Col at 2,652m. After reaching the Col the path then dips back down where you will see the Refuge de Palet and the Lac du Grattaleu.
You can also take the left path when you reach the Col. This route will add a little more time onto your walk but will take you to the Col de la Croix des Fretes (2,647m). It's a short variation and will reward your effort with an impressive view of the north face of the Grande Casse. From here you can either head back to the Col or return to the refuge.
To return to the start of the walk, retrace your path back to the Paravalanche tunnel.
What to bring
The route can found on IGN map 3633ET Tignes - Val d'Isère and in the 'Les Sentiers de L'Ete' booklet available from the Maison de Tignes tourist office.
What to see
Sights in Tignes
See all Sights & Sites-
Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Tignes
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.
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L'Arti Restaurant
Dine in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, in a restaurant that evokes mountain charm mixed with a touch of the seventies.
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Lo Soli Restaurant
This restaurant situated on the massif de l'Aiguille Percée, between Tignes le Lac and Tignes Les Boisses is open for lunch.
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Les 3 Caves Restaurant
La Folie Douce Val d'Isère opened a new kind of restaurant: Les 3 Caves. A unique experience with exceptional products worked with flavour and refinement.
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L'Alpage des Chaudannes Restaurant
This cosy restaurant is located on the massif de L'Aiguille Percée, between Tignes le Lac and Tignes les Boisses.
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Le Butcher Restaurant
Perfect for a quick bite on the slopes, Le Butcher serves up gourmet-style burgers, sandwiches and sweet treats with speed and flavour. Enjoy your meal on the sunny terrace or take it away if you’re in a rush. Stick around after lunch and you might find yourself caught up in La Folie Douce legendary après-ski party.
What to do
Things To Do in Tignes
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Whitewater Rafting
Rafting is the most accessible water sports activity on offer. Whether you are looking for an amateur sport, a nature experience or simply a first taste of what a river can offer, you will love this activity!
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Reverse Heliski/Heliboard
Legal in France, so accessible from your doorstep, it’s the perfect way to combine helicopters, skiing / snowboarding and huge vertical meterage without bearing the brunt of full Heliski day prices. Using ski lifts to reach the summit of resort, then ski backcountry reaching terrain often inaccessible without a helicopter where you’ll get picked up and taken back to resort.
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Chemin des Berger Quad & Buggy Tour
Explore the mountain paths and take advantage of the wonderful backdrop on one of these 4x4 vehicles.
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Ski bungee jump
Thrill seekers prepare yourselves for the new winter/summer attraction in Tignes. The Bun J Ride allows you to jump a 30m ramp, falling off into a 40m drop on bungee cords, and then locks you into a zip wire taking you back down to earth.
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Le Lagon Sports Centre
Watersports complex in Tignes with swimming pool, gym and fitness suite, and a wellness centre.
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Bungee Trampoline
This is great fun for kids and young adults (up to 80kg). Safely strapped into a harness you can jump high on the trampoline and even learn some tricks.
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