Hike to Tré la Tête
As told byCandice
Sales & Events Manager at Les Aubergistes Lyonnais
“I went on this hike last spring, starting from La Frasse, and it’s definitely one of my fondest memories of Les Contamines-Montjoie.”
There are some hikes you know you’ll love even before you lace up your shoes. Tré la Tête is one of them (and here’s the proof—I’m sharing my photos with you…).
From the Gai Soleil garden, you can easily spot this mountain hut perched at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters. By day, it catches the eye near the Dômes de Miage. At night, its lights shine out across the mountains, making you want to go see what’s happening up there.
The trail climbs gradually through a distinctly mountainous landscape. You’ll cross streams, pass through forests, traverse a few snowfields depending on the season, walk through flower-filled meadows, and navigate rockier sections. The terrain changes frequently, making for a very pleasant hike. You go from dirt to rocks, then to tree roots, with a new view always appearing around every bend.
What I particularly loved was the variety of landscapes. You really feel like you’re in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif. All along the route, the views are magnificent, from the Col du Bonhomme to Mont Joly and the impressive snow-capped Dômes de Miage that tower over the valley.
The most physically demanding part of the route is in the Combe d’Armancette. It’s a pretty steep climb, but there are no technical sections or feelings of vertigo. You just need a little stamina and to take your time.
Practical Information
Distance: approximately 17–20 km round trip (depending on the route)
Elevation gain: 900 m D+
Estimated time:
- A 4- to 5-hour hike
- 2 to 3 hours of trail running
Level: Athletic
This outing is best suited for hikers who are used to mountain terrain or runners who already participate in trail running. It is not really suitable for beginners or young children.
What should you plan for?
- Hiking or trail running shoes
- Water
- A cap or sun protection
- Hiking poles, if you like to walk with a little more comfort on uphill sections
There are several water sources along the route.
A nice reward at the finish line
The Tré la Tête mountain hut is the perfect place to take a real break before heading back down.
You can sit out on the terrace, enjoy the view, and recharge with simple, hearty fare: omelets, salads, pasta… exactly what you’re looking for after spending several hours on the trails.
Expect to pay about 25 € for a dish.
The lodge is open every day during the season, and you can have lunch there without a reservation. For those who wish to extend their stay, overnight accommodations are also available, but it’s best to make a reservation in advance.
Dogs are welcome to join us for lunch.
Our advice
If you’re staying in Les Contamines-Montjoie and looking for a hike that perfectly captures the beauty of the Val Montjoie, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better one.
This is a challenging, varied, and spectacular route, offering magnificent views of the peaks of the Mont Blanc region. It’s the perfect outing to experience the mountains in a different way, gain some elevation, and fully enjoy the natural surroundings of Gai Soleil.
And then, between you and me, there’s something quite satisfying about making your way up to that little mountain hut you can see from the hotel. Once you’re up there, you quickly understand why so many hikers and trail runners come back every summer.
Photo credit: Candice and her phone.