Tour of the Mont-Cenis lake (Maurienne, Savoie)
Duration : 3 days
France, Northern Alps
Level : good hiker
from 420 € / p. from 4 to 12 persons
Infos & Booking
Description
In the heart of Savoie and the Maurienne valley, I propose a hiking circuit that goes from remarkable biotopes to breathtaking panoramas. Without forgetting the military vestiges which remind us that the Alps are made of rich and eventful past histories.
In spite of this, you will experience hikes where only the cries of marmots and the sound of cowbells resound.
Around the lake of Mont-Cenis, you will discover an extraordinary natural and historical heritage: 700 plant species are listed, 27 of which are protected, and a thousand year old past with the passages of Hannibal and his elephants (maybe), Napoleon's armies, etc.
Around Mont-Cenis lake, you will discover an extraordinary natural heritage: 700 plant species are listed, of which 27 are protected, two are of Community interest, two others are endemic to Mont-Cenis and the Savine valley, and 85 have a high heritage value. The Mont-Cenis pass and massif also have a history that goes back more than a thousand years, with (perhaps) the passage of Hannibal and his elephants as they conquered Rome, the Napoleonic armies, the "marrons" who enabled wealthy travellers to cross the Alps, the fortified heritage dating from different eras (from the end of the 19th century to the 2nd World War) and the epic of hydroelectricity with the construction of the Mont-Cenis dam.
Highlights of this trek:
- Lake Mont-Cenis and its blue hue.
- Remarkable biodiversity.
- Places steeped in history.
If you like trekking for several days, I also propose other hiking itineraries in Savoie: the 5-day Haute Route of the Vanoise, the Maurienne balcons trekking, a 6-day trek from Etendard to the Aiguilles d'Arves, and, a little further south, the Aiguilles de Chambeyron tour in Ubaye and 2-day autumn hikes in Piedmont.
Program
D1: Mont-Cenis pass - sentier des 2000 - Ronce fort - Paradis quarry - Gran Scala hotel.
Meeting point at the Mont-Cenis pass, about 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Chambéry or Albertville.
This first day overlooks the lake of Mont-Cenis, and involves a little distance but without any technical difficulty and with a small difference in altitude.
Possible variation with a detour by the lake Clair (under the point of Lamet), but longer and more uneven.
About 5 hours of walking, positive altitude difference: 365 meters, negative altitude difference: 570 meters.
D2: Gran Scala - Pattacreuse fort - Petit Mont-Cenis refuge.
Today you hike on the other side of the lake, from the Varisselle fort to the Pattacreuse fort.
Possibility of variants to go higher and further, to the Malamot fort and to the Pointe Droset.
About 6 hours of walking, D+ : 870m, D- : 630m.
D3: Petit Mont-Cenis refuge - Grand Plan - pas de la Beccia - fort de la Turra - Mont-Cenis pass.
This last stage is the most alpine and the most committed, to finish with a superb panorama on the Maurienne valley and the Mont-Cenis lake.
About 6.5 hours of walking, D+ : 640m, D- : 670m.
The price includes
- Supervision by the mountain leader.
- Accommodation and meals.
- The taxes of stay.
- Eventual transfers (bus, cab, etc.) during the tour.
The price does not include
- Transport to and from Mont-Cenis pass.
- Snacks.
- Drinks.
- Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".
Accommodation
Lodge and refuge.