The French Valley is one of the most iconic sections of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. Located in the heart of the park’s famous W Trek, this hike offers a dramatic combination of hanging glaciers, towering granite peaks, and lush forested trails. It’s a must-do for trekkers looking to explore the core of Patagonia’s natural beauty.
Where It Starts: Paine Grande or Los Cuernos
The trail to the French Valley can be accessed from either Refugio Paine Grande or Refugio Los Cuernos, depending on your route through the park. Both trails converge at Campamento Italiano, the entry point to the French Valley itself.
- From Paine Grande: A flatter, scenic walk along Lake Sköttsberg (approx. 7.5 km / 4.6 mi)
- From Los Cuernos: A more rugged route with ups and downs (approx. 5.5 km / 3.4 mi)
- From other areas: you can (usually) also reach the French Valley lookout point doing a full day experience from Puerto Natales or another point inside the National Park. This means that in many times, you don’t have to do the W trek to visit this valley, although you probably won’t be able to reach the Britanic lookout point.
Trail Overview
- Total Distance: Around 19–26 km (11.8–16.2 mi) round trip, depending on how far you go into the valley
- Time: 7 to 9 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Highest Point: About 549 meters (1,800 feet) above sea level
From Campamento Italiano, the trail climbs gradually through a forested valley, revealing stunning views of the French Glacier perched on the slopes of Paine Grande. You’ll hear the echoing sound of ice calving from the hanging glacier above—a powerful reminder of Patagonia’s wild character.
Continuing upward, the trail opens into a high alpine amphitheater surrounded by jagged peaks like Cerro Catedral, Aleta de Tiburón (Shark’s Fin), and Los Cuernos. The hike can be extended to the Británico Lookout, one of the most breathtaking panoramic viewpoints in Torres del Paine.
Highlights Along the Way
- Hanging glaciers and massive icefalls
- Towering granite spires and colorful rock formations
- Scenic forest paths and river crossings
- Panoramic viewpoints perfect for photography
When to Go
The best season to hike the French Valley is between November and March, during the Patagonian summer. Weather is more stable, and the trails are fully accessible. However, always be prepared for sudden wind, rain, or sunshine—sometimes all in one day!
Tips for Hikers
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities inside the valley.
- Wear layers, as conditions can change quickly.
- Start early to avoid afternoon clouds at the lookout points.
- Consider staying at nearby refugios to break the hike into segments.
Final Thoughts
The French Valley is a spectacular middle section of the W Trek, and easily one of the park’s most rewarding day hikes. Whether you reach the Británico lookout or just make it halfway into the valley, the journey offers a powerful connection to the raw, sculpted landscapes of Patagonia.
We’re a local tour operator based in Buenos Aires, which offers custom tours in Patagonia (both Chilean and Argentinian sides) and other regions of Argentina and Chile. We invite you to contact us, and start planning your next incredible journey to South America!
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Fitz Roy Trek & W Trek – Patagonia Trekking Tour
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