In this page, you will find informations and advices we can give, based on our experience
Haute Maurienne
What to do if you have little time : Bonneval sur Arc to L'Ecot combined with Cirque of Evettes
In the heart of the Alps, Haute Maurienne lies between the Vanoise National Park and Italy. It offers a wide range of hikes, each more enjoyable than the others !
Perrin Lakes
Loop of 11 km - 2h45
355m of elevation gain
3 to 4 hours
Free
A peaceful hike past mountains, rivers, lakes and lush green meadows. The 11 km loop passes by Lac Perrin and Lac Savine (too many névés during our visit in June 2024). A downhill section is a little steep, and you'll need to use the ropes attached to the mountain. Return via the Pas des Vaches, near the Petit Mont Cenis pass, before returning to the refuge.
Access : from the Petit Mont Cenis refuge.
Ambin Refuge
4,3 km one way - 1h15
405m of elevation gain
3 to 4 hours
Free
A hike punctuated by the sound of the river as you make your way to the refuge. The 8.7 km round trip is dotted with rhododendrons in bloom if you're in the area in June. Very pretty.
Access : from the D1006, follow signs for Bramans. Continue on the D100, route du Planay. The road becomes a track. Go as far as the Refuge-gîte du Suffet and park further along the track at GPS 45°11'46.0 “N 6°52'16.9 ”E.
Averole Refuge
5,5 km one way - 1h30
460m of elevation gain
3 to 4 hours
Free
To reach the Avérole refuge, you first have to pass through the small villages of Vincendières and Avérole. Two typical stone-built villages. The river also accompanies this 11 km round trip.
Access : from the parking lot before the entrance to the village of Vincendières.
Cirque of Evettes
4,5 km one way - 1h30
580m of elevation gain
2 to 3 hours
Free
This 9.5 km round trip hike leads to a pretty cirque surrounded by mountains. During our stay in June 2024, there was still a lot of snow, so we didn't take the risk of doing the full loop, as the Gorge de la Reculaz path after the refuge was impassable due to snow and ice.
Access : from the parking lot in the village of Ecot.
From Bonneval sur Arc to L'Ecot
3,2 km one way - 0h45
215m of elevation gain
2 to 3 hours
Free
A very bucolic path between Bonneval sur Arc and L'Ecot. In June, thousands of flowers dot the path. Very pleasant. The village of L'Ecot is typical, with its stone houses. Don't miss the restaurant at the end of the village, overlooking the river L'Arc.
Access : from Bonneval sur Arc.
Iseran Pass
Mont Cenis Lake
Copyright Magali and David BELLEC