Holidays in Champoluc

A rustic town on the French border; for lovers of food, wine and walking

The mountains around Champoluc are fantastic in the summertime. Ask any local and they'll tell you that summer is the best season! Champoluc's small French town vibes bring people back year on year. They can't get enough of the local cheese, wine and endless walking opportunities. It's like stepping into a real life re-enactment of Russel Crowe's A Good Year. If you're looking for a slower paced walking holiday, where you can really get to know the local way of life and taste the typical food, then this is the place for you. 

Champoluc, a town for locals

Everyday in Champoluc becomes more familiar. You'll leave with the feeling that you've known it all your life. Just walking along the river you'll find endless hidden gems, from the intricate wood carvings that line the riverside path, to public barbeque spots sitting in little wooded coves. There are always youngsters and locals barbequing and having a great time - giving the town its communal feel. All the hotels in this area have a really welcoming and cosy atmosphere, it's like a home away from home.

Wildflower flecked fields

The pretty village of Champoluc is made more so by the Evançon River that runs through it, with its electric-blue glacier melt. During the summer months the wildflowers will be in full bloom, freckling the meadows with delicate pastel colours. At some points it feels like you've stepped into a painting by Monet. It's not all about the views on the ground though, if you look up you'll find yourself surrounded by some very unique mountains, each with wonderful shadowing on them. When the sun hits them in the right place, they'll emanate a glow which brightens up the whole valley.

Earn your lunch on a Val d’Ayas hike

Hike to an alpine hut that just so happens to be home to the highest elevation cheese cellar in Europe - what an accolade! The 9.4km Tchavana walk should take two to three hours and, best-of-all, ends at agriturismo La Tchavana. It not only has one of the best views of the Monte Rosa glacier but a restaurant serving local dishes, and a shop selling cheeses and cured meats to bring home or to eat on your mountain-side picnic. The Monte Rosa massif stretches from Switzerland into Italy and its peaks reach up to 4,600m - that’s the second highest in Europe after only Mont Blanc. This high-altitude terrain means there are incredible hiking trails, as well as mountaineering around the glacier, making Champoluc a great base if you’re looking for a challenge.

The Family Feeling

Champoluc is a deceptively tranquil town, because when you look closely you'll find heaps of activities popping up. The little archery school on the riverside is great fun for an hour or two of entertainment. Alternatively, head into the woods just off the main town and you'll find an adventure ropes course and paint-balling. Every now and then an outdoor games area pops up, free for anyone to come along and enjoy. It's called 'Giochi della Nonna', Granny's Games - this is a throwback to all the wooden board games that were played in the past and a great way to get children off their iPads. Drop the children off and head to the golf course which spans over a lawn near the river - make sure you watch out for flying balls though!

Why book a summer holiday in Champoluc with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Champoluc's best activities at your own pace.

Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Champoluc. Join a professional mountain guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Champoluc include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

Exclusive to Inghams: Join up to two included walks with a professional, local guide (limited availability, pre-booking is essential)

Inghams phone rep service

Includes flights and transfers

Walking in and around Champoluc

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Champoluc

From famous glaciers to glimmering lakes and alpine woodland, you'll never get bored walking around Champoluc. Each day is an adventure with a different type of scenery to discover every day. If you head to the Blue Lake you can stop for a spot of sun-bathing or if steeper climbs are your thing, head up Monte Rosa, which is the second highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe. Champoluc's definitely a hidden gem when it comes to active, nature-filled summer holidays!

Guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of Inghams guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Getting around Champoluc

Lifts

There are nine lifts open in Champoluc during the summer. Opening times vary between the lifts. Lifts start opening at the end of June, with all lifts open by the end of July. Up until the end of July, some lifts may only be open on weekends. Make sure to check lift opening times before heading off.

Please note, the above is based on 2023 opening information, 2024 may vary.

Guided Walks

Guided walks

We’ve included two full-day walks per week in Champoluc, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional mountain guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

The walks will run every Monday and Friday. The days of your walks will be allocated to you by your rep and details given during your welcome meeting. You can add the walks onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us on 01483 319 652.

Routes may vary from week to week but as a guide you can see some of our planned routes below:

Lago Blu & Plan di Verra

Starting from St Jacques you'll hike up towards Plan di Verra where you'll get a fantastic view of the Monte Rosa massif. Continue towards Lago Blu, a small picturesque glacial lake. You'll then cross over to the Pian di Verra Superiore where the Evançon river descends from the glacier and braids and then follow the river back down to St Jacques. 

  • Grade: Moderate (a decent fitness level is required and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 5.5km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 3 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 600m
  • Terrain: Mountain trails with some loose rocky terrain
  • Useful information: You'll have a few opportunities for comfort breaks on the way and a chance to buy refreshments (payable locally). You'll stop for a picnic lunch during the walk, so make sure you come prepared with a packed lunch and at least a litre of water.

Lago Perrin

This is a really scenic hike from the centre of Champoluc which takes you to the beautiful Lake Perrin which is positioned between two mountains – Gran Cima and Monte Perrin. The lake feeds into the Mascognaz river which you'll follow for the descent into the Mascognaz valley. The walk will take you in a loop back to Champoluc.

  • Grade: Moderate to challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 8km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 4 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 600m (ascent)  &  1000m (descent)
  • Terrain: Mountain trails with some loose rocky terrain
  • Useful information: You'll have the opportunity to stop at various points along the walk and you'll stop for a picnic lunch by the lake so make sure you come prepared with a packed lunch and at least a litre of water. You'll take a gondola from Champoluc all the way up to 2000 metres (payable locally, approx. €10 one way).

Rifugio Belvedere & Lago Ciarcerio

Start in the centre of Champoluc you'll hike towards Loc. Crest. From there you'll head towards the Rifugio Belvedere which is located at Alpe Saler where you'll get a fantastic view of the Cime Bianche, Matterhorn and Grand Tournalin peaks. From there you'll head down to Contenery and hike towards Ciarcerio Lake. From there you'll start the descent and head down towards La Mandria restaurant where you can have some lunch. Finally you'll begin the final leg of the walk back down to Frachey.

  • Grade: Moderate (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 6km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 3.5 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 600m
  • Terrain: Mountain trails with some loose rocky terrain
  • Useful information: You'll have the chance to take a few comfort breaks along the way and you'll be able to stop at La Madria restaurant for lunch (payable locally). There will be a few places to stop along the walk in Buisson and Chamois if you need a break. On the walk you'll have the option either to take a gondola from Champoluc to Crest (payable locally, approx. €10 one way) or from Ciarcerio to Frachey (payable locally, approx. €10 one way).

Rifugio Tournalin

Starting from the village of Magneaz, you'll follow a trail which leads to Colle Vascotcha in a small valley. At the top of the pass at 2500m you'll get a great view of the Monterosa Massif and surrounding mountains. From there you'll hike along a flat trail all the way to the Nana Pass which borders Valtournenche. From there you'll begin the descent, stopping at Rifugio Tournalin for lunch or an snack on the way. You'll end the the walk in St Jacques and take a shuttle bus back to your hotel.

  • Grade: Moderate - challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: 10km
  • Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 5 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: 1000m
  • Terrain: Mountain trails with some loose rocky terrain
  • Useful information: There will be a few opportunities to have a comfort break along the walk and you'll have the chance to stop for lunch at the Rifugio Gran Tournalin (payable locally). There's a free shuttle bus that will take you to the beginning of the walk and back to your hotel at the end of the walk.

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash for mountain huts/transport. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Our Favourite Walks

The walking in Champoluc is so good that every route could be classed as a favourite, but here are just a few routes that we really love:

Lago Blu 

  • Moderate walk 
  • Duration of hike is 4 hours  
  • Lago Blu lake sits at the bottom of the Monte Rosa mountain 

Starting from Saint Jacques, the walk is easily accessible from Champoluc. Walking up through the hills, passing through ‘Fiery’ a small mountain village. As in the name of the walk, the Lago Blu is the star of the show and a popular tourist spot. Burrowed between the sky, glaciers and moraine, you'll find the Lago Blu with its glacial water which is an incredible deep blue colour- a sight not to be missed!

Lochian Lake 

  • Moderate walk   
  • Can access hike by foot or bus 
  • Beautiful view of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa

The Lochian Lake hike is known as Champoluc's trail of excellence. Starting from the centre of Champoluc, you'll head through the foothills of Monte Rosa to a remote hidden gem - Lake Lochian. Look out for the Castore, Polluce and Roccia Nera glacier observation points - they're the best places to take in the views and snap that perfect shot for Instagram.

More great walking route inspiration

You can more recommended routes on the Aosta Valley website, where you can find photos and more detailed descriptions of routes around the Aosta Valley.

Useful Information & Guidelines

Recommended equipment

Comfy walking boots, waterproofs, rucksacks. Walking poles are recommended when on more challenging/uphill hikes. 

Hiking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

  • Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
  • Take all the recommended equipment
  • Make a note of emergency numbers:
    • Italian Emergency Services: 112
  • Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
  • Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
  • Always leave gates as you found them
  • Leave no trace

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Hotel Le Rocher (13) (1)

 Hotel Le Rocher's traditional alpine style, and welcoming hosts make it one of our favourite places to stay in Champoluc. During the day relax in the hotel's spa or garden and by night enjoy the local Italian cuisine served in the hotel's restaurant.

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    3.5 Rating

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Lounge Area

Hotel Petit Tournalin is a warm, welcoming hotel with fantastic food and a comfortable place to stay after a day of walking. You're around 500 metres from the centre of Champoluc providing some serenity in the mountains whilst still having access to some great walking routes.

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Estate

The Hotel De Champoluc offers a fantastic location in the town centre with easy access to local shops and restaurants as well as walking trails in the area.

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CASTOR ESTERNO ESTATE ENTRATA Min

The Hotel Castor is a great choice if you want easy access to the mountains. It's centrally located close to the chairlift and mere metres from the bus stop so you can easily venture further afield. The friendly staff and cosy atmosphere will be waiting when you return.

Things To Do

Active adventures 

Looking for an action packed holiday full of adventure? Look no further than Champoluc. Test yourself at the adventure park, located right in the the thick of nature. Make your way across the tree-top platforms, bridges, and up stairways! Enjoy a high-altitude horse ride with views of the Monte Rosa glacier or grab your bike and enjoy an afternoon of mountain biking. The Val d’Ayas has mountain paths and trails for you to explore and the perfect terrain for some hard-core mountain biking.

Relax and unwind

A trip to the Monterosa Spa is a must, located at the foot of the Monte Rosa, with breath-taking panoramic views. You can easily spend a whole day here, and you're sure to come out feeling very relaxed! There's loads to do at the spa with pools with hydro-massage points, thermal baths, saunas and more. You can also treat yourself to a calming massage at the massage centre.

Immerse yourself in local culture

Champoluc is filled with culture and history; you'll be spoilt for choice with castles, settlements and more. Into fashion? Make sure to visit the Sabotier workshop in Antagnod and learn about Sabot, typical wooden footwear from the upper Val d’Ayas. They'll even make you your very own pair! If you're looking for a relaxing afternoon activity head to Sant'Anna Cinema, it's not just a cinema, but a building steeped in history and religion... The building was first built back in 1659 and was originally the church of Sant'Anna.

Good to know

Hiking trails: 2,000 hiking trails in the Aosta Valley to explore

Terrain: Varied terrain from forest walks to exploring the glacier

Best time to go: Late June to early September. 

Recommended for: Experienced walkers, regular walkers

Fly into: Milan Malpensa airport (approx. 2 hours)

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours by coach

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