Easy Hikes in the Southern Alps: 8 Accessible Routes for All Levels
The Southern Alps have a reputation for being the preserve of seasoned mountaineers. That's a misconception. Across the Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Mercantour, the massif unfolds hundreds of kilometres of waymarked trails accessible to novice walkers, families with children, or anyone seeking grand scenery without the technical demands of high-altitude mountaineering.
From mountain lakes to hanging valleys, sun-drenched passes to ancient pine forests — the Southern Alps harbour landscapes of breathtaking beauty, often within two hours' walk of the car park. This guide selects 8 easy to intermediate hikes in the region, with GPX tracks available on OpenRando to help you plan your outing with confidence.
1. Walk to the Pedancola Suspension Bridge (Villar San Costanzo)
Distance: 6.6 km | Elevation: +46 m | Level: Very easy | Duration: 1h45
This is undoubtedly the most accessible hike in the selection. Departing from the village of Villar San Costanzo in the Franco-Italian Alpine Piedmont, this flat trail follows the Maira river to the spectacular Pedancola suspension bridge. With just 46 metres of cumulative elevation gain, it's the ideal introduction to Alpine scenery for very young children or as a gentle stretch after a long drive.
The riparian vegetation — alder, ash and willow — contrasts with the limestone cliffs flanking the valley. The suspension bridge itself, spanning the Maira gorge dozens of metres above the river, is a highlight of the walk: impressive enough to thrill children without inducing genuine vertigo.
In the late afternoon, the raking light on the gorge walls transforms the scene into something painterly.
View the full route on OpenRando
2. Ancient Swiss Stone Pine Forest Trail to Lago Bagnour
Distance: 6.1 km | Elevation: +519 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 2h30
This route climbs the wooded slopes of the Argentera-Mercantour massif through a remarkable forest of Swiss stone pine (arolla pine) — one of the Alps' most emblematic species, capable of living for over 1,000 years. These wind-sculpted trees, with their silver trunks and needles grouped in bundles of five, give the forest an otherworldly atmosphere.
The arrival at Lago Bagnour, a glacial lake nestled at 2,000 metres, justifies the effort. The water is a limpid turquoise-green, the surrounding summits reflected with mirror-like precision. It is one of those places that single-handedly justify a trip to the Southern Alps.
The 519 m elevation gain over 3 km of ascent is steady but consistent, on a well-maintained path. Children aged 8–10 can manage it at their own pace with regular breaks.
View the full route on OpenRando
3. La Brèche Loop – Lac de Saint-Apollinaire
Distance: 7.9 km | Elevation: +635 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 3h
Overlooking the vast artificial lake of Serre-Ponçon — whose blue expanse is visible from the heights — this loop around Lac de Saint-Apollinaire is one of the finest hikes in the Hautes-Alpes. Saint-Apollinaire lake, a small natural mountain lake perched at 1,450 metres, offers a pastoral, unspoilt setting that remains rarely crowded outside July and August.
The Sentier de la Brèche, the most demanding section of the route, climbs through larches and alpine meadows. The view back over the Écrins massif to the north and Serre-Ponçon to the south is stunning. On the return, the lakeside path around Saint-Apollinaire provides a peaceful wind-down.
The village of Saint-Apollinaire itself is worth a pause — its small baroque chapel and stone lanes have an unpretentious authenticity.
View the full route on OpenRando
4. Sant'Anna di Vinadio to Colle del Lausfer Loop
Distance: 8.2 km | Elevation: +419 m | Level: Easy to Intermediate | Duration: 2h30
On the Franco-Italian border, deep within the Alpi Marittime Natural Park, this loop from the sanctuary of Sant'Anna di Vinadio combines history, spirituality and Alpine scenery. The sanctuary, one of the highest in Europe at 2,010 metres, has been a pilgrimage site for centuries and still hosts processions in summer.
The path climbs steadily to the Colle del Lausfer (2,426 m) through open pastures where sheep and semi-wild horses graze. The panorama from the pass sweeps across the Italian and French Maritime Alps through 180°. On a clear day, the Ligurian coast is visible in the distance.
This is also excellent wildlife-watching terrain: marmots, chamois and occasionally ibex frequent these heights in summer.
View the full route on OpenRando
5. From the Source of the Po to Rifugio Quintino Sella
Distance: 8.6 km | Elevation: +464 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 3h
The Po, Italy's longest river (652 km), rises in Piedmont on the slopes of Monte Viso. This route, which climbs from the green valley floor to the Rifugio Quintino Sella at 2,640 metres, allows you to trace one of Europe's most important rivers to its source — a uniquely moving geographical and emotional experience.
The ascent is gradual and well-marked, through high-mountain landscapes of absolute purity: alpine turf scattered with blue gentians, glacial lakes with black water, reddish scree fields and the white dome of Monte Viso dominating the entire horizon. The rifugio, reachable on foot from the valley floor in under 3 hours, is an ideal base for those wishing to extend the adventure with an overnight stay at altitude.
The 464 m elevation gain is well spread with no technical sections. Trekking poles are recommended for stability on the rocky terrain.
View the full route on OpenRando
6. From Casteldelfino to Colle Terziere
Distance: 11.3 km | Elevation: +984 m | Level: Intermediate-Advanced | Duration: 4h
This hike, the most demanding in the selection, is aimed at walkers already comfortable on mountain terrain. The start at Casteldelfino, a medieval village in the Val Varaita, leads to the Colle Terziere at 2,579 metres through a gradient of landscapes that encapsulates everything the Southern Alps offer at their most generous: forested gorges, flower-filled alpages, granite scree and open ridgelines with views over the Queyras, the Briançonnais and the Maritime Alps.
The trail is waymarked and consistent, but the 984 m ascent demands determination and good physical fitness. Set off early in the morning to avoid the frequent afternoon storms in summer, and pack a lightweight waterproof jacket.
The view from the pass over both sides — France and Italy — is a reward commensurate with the effort.
View the full route on OpenRando
7. Canal de Malcros – Champ Fourrier Spring Loop (Saint-Michel-de-Chaillol)
Distance: 13.0 km | Elevation: +532 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 4h
In the hinterland of the Champsaur valley, east of the Écrins National Park, this loop explores little-known but superb terrain: the alpine meadows and larch forests surrounding Saint-Michel-de-Chaillol. The trail follows the Canal de Malcros — a historic irrigation channel that has supplied the alpages with water since the 18th century — before climbing to the Champ Fourrier spring, an ice-cold source nestled in a cirque of complete tranquillity.
Waymarking is excellent throughout. The first half, running alongside the canal, is very accessible (minimal elevation gain, wide path) and suits the whole family. The second half climbs more decisively into the alpages, with open views over the Écrins summits.
On the return, the village of Saint-Michel-de-Chaillol, with its old timber barns and cool fountain, is an invitation to a well-earned rest.
View the full route on OpenRando
8. Sant'Anna di Valdieri to Rifugio Livio Bianco
Distance: 14.6 km | Elevation: +873 m | Level: Intermediate-Advanced | Duration: 5h
The longest hike in this selection leads from the thermal hamlet of Sant'Anna di Valdieri in the Gesso valley (Piedmont) to the staffed Rifugio Livio Bianco. The route crosses the heart of the Alpi Marittime Natural Park — a territory of exceptional biological richness, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The ascent follows the Gesso della Valletta through a forest of Scots pine and spruce, before emerging onto high pastures frequented by ibex — one of the best-preserved populations in the Southern Alps. The rifugio, set at 2,070 metres facing the Valrossa walls, makes an excellent turnaround point or a base for an overnight stay in the mountains.
High-cut waterproof hiking boots are advisable for this route, particularly on sections with loose terrain and persistent snowfields early in the season (May–June).
View the full route on OpenRando
Practical Information for Hiking in the Southern Alps
Best season
The ideal window for easy Southern Alps hiking runs from mid-June to mid-October. Below 2,000 metres, trails are passable from April–May, but snowfields persist on higher sections and some paths can be muddy. July–August offers the greatest safety margin but brings the largest crowds. September is often the finest period: mild temperatures, golden light, near-empty trails.
Weather risks and safety
The Southern Alps are subject to violent afternoon storms in summer (especially July–August). Always set out early (7–8am), aim to be at the high point before 1pm, and don't linger on ridgelines if the sky clouds over. Check Météo France the evening before every outing.
Always carry:
- A compact first aid kit
- A survival blanket
- Your fully charged phone (emergency numbers: 112 for emergencies, +33 4 92 22 22 22 for the Southern Alps mountain rescue)
- The GPX track downloaded offline (signal is often absent at altitude)
Maps and waymarking
Southern Alps trails follow the national marking system: red-white (GR), red-yellow (GRP), yellow (PR). For this selection, IGN maps 3637 OT (Guillestre, Vars, Risoul), 3637 ET (Mont-Viso) and 3741 OT (Argentera, Aiguille de Chambeyron) are the most useful. All GPX tracks are available as free downloads on OpenRando.
Accommodation
The Southern Alps offer a dense network of gîtes, mountain huts and bed-and-breakfasts. For the hikes in this guide:
- Hautes-Alpes: gîtes in Saint-Apollinaire, Guillestre, Châteauroux-les-Alpes
- Gesso valley (Piedmont): staffed refuges at Sant'Anna di Vinadio and Valdieri
- Champsaur: gîtes in Saint-Michel-de-Chaillol and Corps
Also see our guide to mountain refuges in Provence-Alps for planning an overnight stay at altitude.
Explore more hikes in the Southern Alps
The Southern Alps are an endless territory for the curious hiker. If you want to venture further:
- Hiking around Lac de Serre-Ponçon — 8 routes around Western Europe's largest artificial lake
- Browse all regional hiking routes
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