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In the cool of a shaded larch forest, look out over the Bessans plain from a charming terraced trail. Discover a rock engraving classified as an Historic Monument. This forest hike takes you on a real journey into the past.
difficult
Distance 9.7 km
1:45 h
440 m
440 m
2,086 m
1,671 m
If you enjoy starting your hikes off gently, the first part of this route is perfect for you. As soon as you step away from the road, you can hear the Arc River flowing, a subtle companion on the Chemin du Petit Bonheur. A few squirrels darting around bring a smile to your face. As you explore this exceptional adventure playground, keep an eye out for mountain bikers who may be sharing the trails with you. The picturesque mountain chalets invite you to take a refreshing break in the hamlet of Chantelouve le Haut. The birds are singing and you feel excitement building as you gain height. Will you be able to decipher the Pierre des Saints (Saints' Rock)? Passing torrent after torrent, you look down over the Bessans plain, your eyes drawn to the waterfalls on the south slope. What a great many waterfalls flow from the ridges and glacier of Vallonbrun! In autumn, Chemin des Alpes decks itself out in its finest gold. Take care as you climb the steps of Escalier de Solliet, carved into the stone, leading you back to the Ribon torrent.
Difficulty
difficult
Overall difficulty
difficult
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
2,086 m
Lowest point
1,671 m
Best time of year
Jan
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Track types
Show elevation profileTips and suggestions
1/ How is trail running time calculated? Trail times are calculated on the basis of reference paces for a regular runner who practices running on average 1 or 2 times a week. 600m/h ascent in altitude 900m/h ascent on descent 9km/h on the flat2/ Using GPX tracks As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are given for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.
Roadbook
To guide you in the field, consult the "step-by-step" directional diagram provided in pdf.
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Photo
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Espace Ludi'lacsBessans Information Desk
The river Arc, its gravel banks, its specific vegetation
Fishing lakes in Bessans
Coordinates
DD
45.312184, 6.989283
DMS
45°18'43.9"N 6°59'21.4"E
UTM
32T 342387 5019597
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Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!
Book recommendation by the author
Map and booklet "Haute Maurienne Vanoise. 120 walks and hikes - 36 trail routes. For all levels" (sold for €12 in Tourist Offices)
Author’s map recommendations
Map IGN 3633ET - Tignes Val-d'Isère
Map IGN 3634OT - Val Cenis
Localization
Parts of this content were machine translated from French.
Difficulty
difficult
Overall difficulty
difficult
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Distance
9.7 km
Duration
1:45 h
Ascent
440 m
Descent
440 m
Highest point
2,086 m
Lowest point
1,671 m
Weather at the starting point
Statistics
Maps and trails
Nothing selected - click and drag in the elevation profile to zoom
Distance
Duration
Ascent
Descent

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