Valle Frances
Where to find it
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
What is it?
Valle Frances (the French Valley) is a deep valley between mountains in Torres del Paine and is one of the main hiking attractions in the national park. It is dominated by a magnificent hanging glacier, Glaciar Frances, beech forests and the French River.
It takes roughly two hours to trek into the valley before you get your first glimpse of the glacier and you can hear the rumble of small avalanches in the distance and watch ice calving from its face.
How can I see it?
You will hike the French Valley on Torres del Paine's two most famous multi-day hikes, the Full Circuit and the W Trek. It's also possible to do it as a day hike as part of a series of day trips in Torres del Paine, returning to a comfortable base each night.
On the Full Circuit you typically approach the French Valley from the east, starting from the nearest refugio, Paine Grande. On the W Trek you'd most likely start from the west, trekking from nearby Refugio los Cuernos. The weather is famously temperamental here, and a thick mist can descend making it impossible to reach the end of the valley. However if you do make it up to the end of the valley, expect spectacular views of Cerro Cota (2000m) and Cerro Catedral (2200m), a mountain which is said to resemble a cathedral facade.
Find out more about...
Photos of Valle Frances
The French Valley hike
The imposing mountains of the French Valley, Torres del Paine
Celebrating at a viewpoint over the French Valley, Torres del Paine
Craggy mountaintops seen from the French Valley
A mountain peeks through autumn foliage in the French Valley, Torres del Paine
Map of Valle Frances
Nearby landmarks
Trips that visit Valle Frances
Discover Torres del Paine's famous treks with expert guides, combining refugios with comfortable and unique accommodation. Trek to Los Cuernos, explore the French Valley and hike to the famous viewpoint at the base of the Towers, whilst also visiting the…
- 7 Days
- $3,378
This trip for experienced hikers crosses the largely unknown Oggioni Pass on a challenging, unmarked wilderness trail that cuts across from the Towers of Torres del Paine into the Dickson Valley. This itinerary takes in iconic locations such as John…
- 7 Days
- $3,950
Discover Torres del Paine's extraordinary W Trek on a series of fantastic group day hikes with constant panoramic views. Enjoy a boat trip to the immense face of Glacier Grey and spend a day watching wildlife, hopefully spotting the elusive…
- 5 Days
- $2,795
This trip fits Torres del Paine's highlights into a short timeframe. As part of a group you'll trek up close to the famous granite towers, the mesmerising French Valley and the shimmering blue ice of Glacier Grey. Expert guides, deluxe…
- 3 Days
- $2,000
Hike the original W Trek and experience the highlights of this unique region. Trek to the best lookout points for stunning views of the Torres del Paine and explore the French Valley surrounded by hanging glaciers. Follow this with a…
- 5 Days
- $2,900
The fastest way to complete the Torres del Paine circuit at great value. Trek through the isolated northern side of the park, over the infamous John Gardner Pass with the ice field beneath you and back along the W Trek.…
- 7 Days
- $3,600
This trip turns the famous W Trek into a series of shorter day hikes, with a perfectly located hotel in the heart of the national park as your base. It's one of the most comfortable ways to experience the wonderful…
- 5 Days
- $5,200
Tackle Patagonia's most iconic circuit trail, fully supported with porters and a local guide. Cross the John Gardner Pass, explore the park's remote northern sections, revel in the stunning French Valley and finish at the Towers viewpoint – this itinerary…
- 9 Days
- $3,510
Don't just trek the W-Trek, do it from comfort and in style. Stay at one of the best all-inclusive lodges in Patagonia, whilst each day completing a leg of the W Trek: Glacier Grey, the French Valley and the epic…
- 5 Days
- $5,840
Experience the stunning beauty of winter in Torres del Paine National Park from an all-inclusive luxury lodge. This flexible trip, with a choice of daily excursions, offers relaxed to challenging trekking and horse-riding. At the end of each day you…
- 5 Days
- $2,850
Hike the original W Trek independently and experience the highlights of this unique region at your own pace. Trek to the best lookout points for stunning views of the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park without the worry of having…
- 5 Days
- $1,900