40 years of adventure... with you !

With over 40 years of experience, La Vie Sauvage has become the leading specialist in self-guided hiking holidays across the Alps - and a trusted name for walking adventures in both France and Italy.

Our travel agency specializing in hiking holidays is based in Chateau-Ville-Vieille, in the heart of the Queyras Regional Park, a renowned mountain range in the French Alps.

Quality & authenticity

We design our trips just as we'd want to experience them - curating rich, unique itineraries paired with carefully chosen accommodations known for their warmth, location, and cuisine. Each journey reflects years of expertise in uncovering hidden gems, making every adventure truly unforgettable.

Your satisfaction is what drives us. After each trip, we welcome your feedback and read every comment with care. Your recommendations and reviews mean the world to us - and thanks to you, more and more travelers are discovering the joy of exploring with La Vie Sauvage !

See our customer reviews

La Vie Sauvage in a few dates

1976

Launch of the La Vie Sauvage chalet

Christian Cavaillon purchased the chalet and started by offering point-to-point hiking trips in the heart of Queyras park. These mountain treks initially served as training for future Sahara expeditions.

Chalet la vie sauvage Ville Veille

1976

1988

Horseback riding

Now managed by Raoul Veillet, the chalet offers point-to-point trips with horses to carry hikers' luggage.

2007

Marc and Claudine Laurans

Marc and Claudine Laurans take over the management of the Chalet and the La Vie Sauvage agency.

2007

2008

Development of family holidays

The agency now offers family-friendly tours, suitable for children aged 5 and over, featuring the company of a horse or donkey.

randonne en famille

2008

Development of holiday packages in the Southern Alps

The agency expands its offerings with new holidays in the Southern Alps - including the Écrins and Mercantour parks, and it's a success !

2008

Launch of Self-Guided Holidays

Self-guided holidays mark a true milestone in La Vie Sauvage's journey.

2014

Launch of tours across the Northern Alps

The agency expands its offerings to new destinations in the Northern Alps, including the Verdon, Beaufortain and Bauges parks.

beaufortain sejour randonnee raquettes ski

2014

2022

La Vie Sauvage in Europe

La Vie Sauvage broadens its reach across Europe with destinations from the Cinque Terre and the Dolomites to Madeira.

A social & environmental commitment

We know you care about the environmental impact of your travels, and so do we ! Being on the ground allows us to continually observe and adjust our trips year after year, helping us significantly reduce our footprint on the natural surroundings.

Our commitment to social and environmental responsibility means cutting out middlemen when sourcing products, minimizing plastic packaging in the picnics we provide, and ensuring fair wages for our guides and partner accommodations.

Get to know more about our environmental commitments

Local agency on a human scale & independent

We're a small company, and proud to be ! Every traveler who reaches out to us matters. When you speak to our team, you can count on a personalized service tailored to your needs. By booking with us, you skip the middlemen and enjoy direct, accurate information from the same dedicated contact before, during, and after your trip.

La Vie Sauvage is proudly independent. This freedom allows us to carefully craft our itineraries and set fair prices. We've chosen to focus on a select number of destinations, giving us deep, hands-on knowledge and trusted expertise in each one.

What is a trip with La Vie Sauvage like ?

A trip with La Vie Sauvage is about freedom, exploration, and authenticity - without the stress of planning. Our self-guided adventures are designed for those who want to travel at their own pace, with a carefully organized itinerary.

Whether you dream of hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with its high-mountain passes and glacier views, or wandering through the whitewashed villages and olive groves of Puglia, we've got you covered. You choose the experience that suits you :

More hiking, more elevation ? Go for the Alps, the Dolomites, or the volcanic trails of the Canaries.
More culture, more relaxation ? Try coastal routes in the Cinque Terre, the slow charm of the Amalfi Coast, or the historic paths of Crete and Madeira.

No matter the destination, we organize everything :

Handpicked accommodations (refuges, charming guesthouses, agriturismos, ...).
Luggage transfers when possible.
A detailed roadbook with maps, GPS tracks, and insider tips.
Local food recommendations and must-see spots off the beaten path.

You're never part of a tailor-made group, but you're never alone either - we're just a phone call away if needed. You walk as much as you like, from a few easy kilometers a day to full mountain treks, solo, with a friend, as a family or as a couple.

In short, it's your journey - just with all the freedom of solo travel, and none of the logistical headaches.

Our field team

Our team of guides and instructors is made up of passionate locals or long-time experts who know the region inside and out. They're not just here to lead the way - they're here to share the stories, hidden corners, and unique spirit of each destination you explore.