At 2,830m, this rocky pyramid would dominate the view from Les Deux Alpes were it not for its larger neighbour, La Muzelle.
Aiguille de Venosc hike
A long walk taking in two scenic lakes and a striking mountain peak
From certain points on the main street it's the highest point you can see, and its sheer sides certainly give it an imposing aspect. The summit offers fantastic views back into Les Deux Alpes.
Starting point: Venosc gondola bottom station.
The most popular route to the summit is via the Col du Vallon, which is not difficult but it does feel exposed. From here an airy ridge leads to the top. Our suggested route follows a loop taking in the Muzelle and Lauvitel lakes as well as the col and the peak. The peak itself tends not to be too busy, but the two lakes can attract the crowds on a hot summer day.
From Les Deux Alpes, you can either take the Venosc gondola or drive to the starting point in Venosc. At the gondola station, cross the main road and follow the signs for the Adventure Park. The track will take you down to a bridge over the River Veneon. Cross this and take the path on the left into the woods. Pass the Adventure Park and stay on the path until you reach a clearing with a bridge to your left. Do not cross this bridge but bear right and stay on the path following signs for Lac de la Muzelle and Refuge de la Muzelle. This takes you up wooded hillsides before climbing a long valley to reach the refuge and lake. Take a moment here to admire the view, and perhaps eat something at the refuge.
Skirt rightwards around the lake until you see a path leading off to the right. This is where you will leave most other hikers behind. Follow this up ever steeper mountainsides until you reach the Col du Vallon. From here, turn right and follow the airy ridgeline to the summit with its jaw-dropping views into the valley and across to Les Deux Alpes.
Retrace your steps to regain the Col du Vallon. The shortest route back from here would be to return by the same route. For our suggested itinerary though, you should turn right to descend on the other side of the col. Go down carefully until you arrive at the northern end of Lac Lauvitel. This is a very popular swimming and picnic spot. The next couple of kilometres are likely to be busy as you mix with the crowds walking to the lake and back.
After the lake, follow the path down to La Danchere. This little village has a gîte and a buvette where you can stop for sustenance. Follow the road out of the village for a few minutes looking for a path on the right. This descends gradually to the river which you can follow back to Venosc.
What to bring
IGN 3336ET map is recommended. You will need lift-passes or pay per person to use the Venosc gondola. Parts of the walk are a long way from shelter so take suitable spare clothing in case the weather changes.
What to see
Sights in Les 2 Alpes
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Ice cave
3200m above sea level at the top of the Jandry Express
Walk through a two-hundred-metre gallery to reach a magical network of rooms carved twenty metres below the surface of the snow, deep inside the glacier.
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Behind the scenes at Jandri
Discover the engineering behind the resort’s newest lift
Step inside the heart of Les Deux Alpes’ newest lift and discover the engineering behind the Jandri three-S. Every Tuesday from late December, with extra sessions during the February holidays, you can join a guided visit to the intermediate station at two-thousand-six-hundred metres.
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Sunset 3200
Sip, savour, and watch the sun set over the Alps
Enjoy a magical alpine evening with a sunset aperitif at the restaurant Le 3200. Savour a selection of sweet and savoury treats while admiring the sun setting over the peaks, casting a golden glow across the slopes.
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Funicular visit
Journey beneath the glacier to breathtaking alpine heights
The Dôme Express funicular offers a unique way to reach 3,400 m, taking both skiers and pedestrians safely beneath the glacier. Starting from 3,100 m, this remarkable transport allows visitors to access the high-altitude environment of Les 2 Alpes with ease, making the glacier more accessible to everyone.
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Horse drawn sleigh rides
Family sleigh rides around resort
Discover the joys of sleigh rides through an idyllic setting on one of our 3 daily departures: 10am, 2pm and 3.30pm (1 hr 15 minute ride).
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Chasal Lento Museum
Traditional arts & crafts museum
The aim of the museum is to preserve and display objects of bygone life in Oisans, displaying the traditions and arts of Mont de Lans.
Where to lunch
Refuge de la Muzelle is a nice place to buy lunch, both lakes are pleasant picnic spots, and there are a buvette and gîte in La Danchere towards the end of the walk.
Restaurants & Dining in Venosc
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La Porte d'à Côte Restaurant
Rustic restaurant serving traditional local specialities found in the centre of the resort
Traditional regional cuisine made with local produce all year.
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Le P'tit Polyte Restaurant
Fine gourmet dining in a charming chalet hotel with a Michelin star
This is the renowned restaurant of the 4* Chalet Hotel Mounier, famous in the Southern Alps for its fine cuisine based on fresh local produce and the inventiveness of the chef.
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Casa Nostra Restaurant
A charming restaurant serving a mixture of local French and Italian dishes
They have a great wine menu from Corsican and French vineyards, or try the Corsican chestnut beer.
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Les Melezes Restaurant and Brasserie
Award-winning restaurant and brasserie located at the foot of the Viking chairlift
This restaurant, with its view over the Massif de la Muzelle, can accommodate around a hundred diners.
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Le Paellou Restaurant
A great place for all things cheesy - raclette, fondue, tartiflette and the like
Known for its simple, but great, traditional French cuisine and reasonable prices, Le Paellou restaurant is also organiser of the unofficial "World Championship for raclette eaters".
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La Grange Restaurant
Seafood and Montagnard cuisine plus Savoyard classics overlooking the ice rink
Located next to the ice rink, this restaurant offers an extensive menu, with Savoyard specialities like fondue and raclette, as well as pizzas, grilled meats and home made desserts. A warm and friendly atmosphere with a large interior, making it the perfect place for large groups, families and friends and we hear the moules frites and steak tartare are great!
What to do
Things To Do in Venosc
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Ice cave
3200m above sea level at the top of the Jandry Express
Walk through a two-hundred-metre gallery to reach a magical network of rooms carved twenty metres below the surface of the snow, deep inside the glacier.
-
Visit website
Behind the scenes at Jandri
Discover the engineering behind the resort’s newest lift
Step inside the heart of Les Deux Alpes’ newest lift and discover the engineering behind the Jandri three-S. Every Tuesday from late December, with extra sessions during the February holidays, you can join a guided visit to the intermediate station at two-thousand-six-hundred metres.
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Visit website
Ice skating rink
Outdoor ice rink, open throughout the winter
Right in the heart of Les Deux Alpes, the open-air ice rink offers one of those classic mountain moments you never really grow out of. You’ll find the entrance beside the Saga Centre amusement arcade on Rue des Sagnes, making it an easy stop whether you’re heading out for a stroll, meeting friends or keeping the kids entertained.
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Palais des Sports
Main sports centre and conference facilities
Located in the heart of the resort, the Palais des Sports offers Les 2 Alpes a versatile space for sporting, cultural, and professional events. With 1,200m² of leisure and sports facilities, a large conference room, and an amphitheatre, the centre caters to a wide variety of activities throughout both summer and winter.
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Les 2 Alpes Swimming Pool
This summer, enjoy a refreshing swim in the heart of the resort.
Heated swimming pool located at the bottom of the slopes right next to the Alpette summer sledges.1 pool of 25 mt x 12 mt with a depth of 1.40 mt.
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Les Deux Alpes Aacqua Center
A haven of relaxation and calm with a swimming pool, gym, sauna and spa treatments
Les Deux Alpes Aacqua Center is the perfect place to head to after a long day out on the mountain.
