The Maurienne Valley

Around the Esseillon Forts, the "sentier des Bâtisseurs" (Builder's Way)

 

District: Aussois and Avrieux          

Region: Maurienne

Road access and parking: This walk can be started at a number of different points:

Marie-Thérèse Redoubt car park (Avrieux): From Modane, follow the N6 into the Haute Maurienne. After a few kilometres, park on the left at the car park for the Marie-Thérèse Redoubt and the Esseillon Forts.

Fort Victor-Emmanuel car park (Aussois): After Modane, turn left for Aussois (7 km). At the entrance to the village, follow the "Fort Marie-Christine et Forts de l'Esseillon" signs and go down to Fort Victor-Emmanuel.

Total time, not including rest stops: 4hrs

Maps: IGN Top 25 n° 3534 OT Les Trois Vallées / Leaflet with route marked: free from TO

Start height: 1000 m           

Highest point: 1400 m

Height difference: 400 m

Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): circuit

Best season: from spring to summer, when snow free

Description:

Follow the route patrolled by the soldiers garrisoned at the Esseillon forts, an intimidating barrier built by the kingdom of Piedmont Sardinia at the beginning of the 19th century to dissuade the French from invading. Informative signs explain all the construction secrets behind this marvellous building, the only one of its kind in France.

 

From Fort Victor-Emmanuel, head up past Fort Marie-Christine to Fort Charles Albert. After crossing the stone quarry, visit the Sardinian cemetery. The path then goes above the hamlet on its way to the limekilns, the slate quarries and the Devil's Bridge (Pont du Diable). After exploring the Marie-Thérèse Redoubt, go back up through Fort Victor-Emmanuel.

To the foot of the Aiguilles d'Arves

District: Albiez-Montrond

Region: Maurienne

Road access and parking: From Montrond, follow the road through Le Chalmieu to the television mast (approx. 3 km from Le Chalmieu).

Total time, not including rest stops: 4hrs

Maps and guides: IGN Top 25 n° 3435 ET Valloire Aiguilles d'Arves

Guidebook: La Maurienne à pied - ref: P731

Start height: 1956 m

Highest point: 2578 m

Height difference: 622 m

Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): round trip

Best season: from spring to summer, when snow free

Description:

This path through alpine meadows provides stunning views of the three peaks of the Aiguilles d'Arves: the Southern, the Central and the Cat's Head. From La Basse du Gerbier you can see the Col Montignard, a traditional route from the Arves Valley to La Grave and the mountains of the Oisans area.

Follow the farm track for 2.5 km to the Chalets de Pré-Valloire. The waymarked path heads up rightwards to the Chalets de la Motte, and then follows the Ruisseau des Mulatières to La Basse du Gerbier.

Tour of the Lacs des Cerces

 

District: Valloire

Region: Maurienne

Road access and parking: From Valloire, follow the Col du Galibier road for 8 km. Just before the last bridge over the River Valloirette, park on the left in the Plan Lachat car park. 

Total time, not including rest stops: 4hrs 30min

Maps: IGN Top 25 n° 3435 ET Valloire Aiguilles d'Arves Col du Galibier

Guidebook: La Maurienne à pied ref: P731

Start height: 1962 m

Highest point: 2574 m

Height difference: 612 m

Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): circuit

Best season: from spring to summer, when snow free

Description:

Below the Galibier, the jagged mountains of the Cerces are split by several passes that give access to the "département" of Les Hautes Alpes. The Lacs de Cerces are undoubtedly the brightest jewel in the area's crown. This walk also enables you to explore the area's military history, most notably the remnants of the Maginot Line (1931/1940) at Les Rochilles.

 

Follow the track to the Granges des Mottets, and then take the path on the right to the Lac des Cerces. From the lake, follow the GR57 to the Col des Cerces. Once over the Col, a path leads down to the Lac Rond and the Lac du Grand Ban. Go round them on the right, and then go to the Col des Rochilles and the camp of the same name. Follow the track back to Les Mottets and Plan Lachat.

Lac Noir and the Grand Arc

 

District: Montsappey

Region: Maurienne

Road access and parking: From the village of Montsappey, above Aiguebelle, continue through Le Mollard, Le Torchet and Beau Mollard to Tioulévé (Lieulever). Park opposite the auberge (Relais du Lac Noir).

Total time, not including rest stops: 4hrs 30min (Lac Noir) and 7hrs (Grand Arc)

Maps: IGN Top 25 n° 3432 ET Albertville

Guidebook: La Maurienne à pied - réf: P731

Start height: 1280 m

Highest point: 2014 m (Lac Noir) / 2484 m (Grand Arc)

Height difference: 734 m (Lac Noir) and 1204 m (Grand Arc) 

Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): circuit

Best season: from spring to summer, when snow free

Description:

Between the Maurienne and the Tarentaise, at the confluence of the Arc and the Isère, the Grand Arc offers a truly splendid view of the Alps. This trail takes you through forests and over meadows, where you will find St-Bruno's Lily, gentians and rhododendrons. These unspoilt slopes also provide an ideal habitat for many wild animals.

The path goes up to the Lognane meadows and to the Col des Génisses or the Pierra Curbe. Bear right into the "Vallon du Grand Arc". Go past the peat bog to the lake. The summit of the Grand Arc is reached from the north. Follow the ridgeline, and then cross the valley to go under the Petit Arc. Follow the ridge on the right to the Grand Arc. Descend to the lake, and then go back down to the car park via the Char de la Turche.