Les Arcs in summer, the best walks to do

Why go hiking?

Hiking is a sport that's accessible to everyone and good for the body and mind. It helps to combat stress and anxiety. When you walk, especially in the mountains, you work on your cardio and reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes. You maintain your muscle mass and increase your serotonin, the feel-good hormone. After a hike, you're bound to feel better, and not just because you can finally sit down. As you can see, hiking is good for your health.

There are 250km of walks to suit all abilities, from short and easy ones for children to more challenging ones that involve bivouacking for several days in the mountains. It's up to you to choose the route that suits you best. The best way to do this is to go to the tourist office in the resort where you are based, whether Les Arcs 1600, Les Arcs 1800 or Bourg Saint Maurice, and ask for advice. You'll be given a free map showing all the walks in Les Arcs and Bourg Saint Maurice, as well as Peisey-Vallandry and Villaroger. Also available for sale are an IGN map and the TOPO guide with over 60 routes to discover.

If you have children, it's never too early to start hiking with them. With a child under the age of 3, you'll need an all-terrain pushchair or a physiological baby carrier, and plenty of shelter from the sun during your hike.

From the age of 3, a child can walk a few kilometres, but don't expect to walk at more than 2km/h. Children under the age of 7 should also avoid uneven ground or be prepared to carry them.

To whet their appetite, help them discover the flora and fauna, try a walk with an orienteering course or a treasure hunt with geocaching. It's a fun way to get them walking with you.

The five lakes tour

Certainly one of the most beautiful walks along the shores of the mountain lakes. As soon as you set off, you'll have a great view of Les Arcs from the Fort de la Platte.

Difficult to complete, this hike is well worth the diversions if you're used to this activity. It's 9.8km long and takes around 5 hours to complete. It's advisable to set off early so that you can take breaks around each lake and have a picnic in a magical spot before heading back.

How do I get to the start?

Leave the Bourg Saint Maurice tourist office in the direction of Le Cormet de Roselend/Les Chapieux. At the exit for Le Chatelard, turn left. Pass through several villages and reach the Fort de la Platte. This is more of a track than a road. You can park in the car park under the Fort.

You begin your hike through the mountain pastures with their incredible wildlife. You may be lucky enough to spot chamois and ibex under the Aiguille de Terrassin. You'll then arrive at the first lake, "Esola", which means "starry", followed by "Riondet" (because it's round), "Cornu" (all squiggly), "verdet" (emerald green) and finally "black" (the last and largest). Time to eat your sandwich, collect all your rubbish and return to the Fort de la Platte for a snack and goat's cheese at the farm next door.

GPS route of the walk.

The City of Glaciers

This is a great walk for the whole family, with children aged 7-8 and over who are used to walking. Allow around 2? hours' walk for a 3.9 km loop with 140 vertical metres.

How do I get to the start?

From Bourg Saint Maurice, drive to Les Chapieux and park your car there. Then take the shuttle bus (for a fee, tickets to be bought there or at the tourist office before you set off) to La Ville des Glaciers.

This is a hike through a legendary part of the Tour du Mont-Blanc, with a lovely panoramic view of the Aiguilles du Glacier and the possibility of seeing many marmots (which children are sure to love). You start your hike by following the path to the Mottets refuge, where you can have a snack and return down the car-free road for a loop. And if you like cheese, you can take home a piece of delicious Beaufort.

GPX route of the hike.

The Signal des Deux Têtes

This is the ultimate blueberry hike in Les Arcs. This hike also offers a beautiful view of the Haute Tarentaise. It is nonetheless difficult, covering 4.6 km with a 422 m climb.

How do I get to the start?

You start from Arc 1600, at the top of the Cachette chairlift.

You start your hike by admiring Mont Blanc, then cross the Malgovert forest to observe the Cembros pines and eat blueberries. You will climb up to the viewpoint on a wooden platform. To your left is the Aiguille Rouge and Mont Pourri, and you can then enjoy the beautiful panorama over the valley. You can then climb up to the Signal des Deux Têtes at an altitude of 2385m and then descend the other side.

• As far as possible, don't go off on your own. If you're on a solo holiday, you can always walk with a group of hikers or book a hike with a guide.
• Plan your route and take a hiking GPS or IGN map with you.
• Check the local weather forecast, don't set off in bad weather and turn back if the weather changes during your walk.
• Wear hiking boots, protect yourself from the sun and bring clothing in case of rain or cold.
• Use poles, especially if you are not an expert.
• Stay on the paths, don't take shortcuts, and don't go into streams.
• Finally, respect the herds if you come across any on your walk.