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.
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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 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
- $1,795
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
- $2,695
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
This trip turns the W Trek into a series of shorter day hikes, with a perfectly-located hotel in the heart of the the national park as your base. Experience the three main W Trek hikes as an integral part of…
- 5 Days
- $4,730
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
Stay in a secluded, all-inclusive luxury yurt camp where you'll wake each morning in a forest overlooking Patagonia's stunning Toro Lake. Journey through breath-taking scenery to complete world-famous hikes and other activities in Torres del Paine while being looked after…
- 6 Days
- $5,710
Tailor each day of this trip to suit you by choosing from a selection of small group excursions to Torres del Paine's most famous sights and lesser-known gems. Enjoy some solid days of hiking, or more leisurely strolls, and return…
- 5 Days
- $5,736
Stay in the most exclusive lodge in Torres del Paine with outstanding cuisine, views of the towers from your isolated villa and with the luxury of a private guide, vehicle and driver so you have complete freedom to explore at…
- 5 Days
- $6,160
This small group trekking tour combines the best hikes in Patagonia: Torres del Paine W Trek, Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. Discover Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park by boat expedition. Our tour leader and expert guides ensure…
- 12 Days
- $5,495
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
- $3,195