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On a shaded north-facing slope, embark on a journey to meet the prehistoric
humans. From Chemin du Petit Bonheur to the Neolithic cave, this hike
lays out a wide array of unexpected treasures for you.
humans. From Chemin du Petit Bonheur to the Neolithic cave, this hike
lays out a wide array of unexpected treasures for you.
easy
Distance 8.1 km
1:20 h
300 m
300 m
1,550 m
1,269 m
On the tranquil left bank of the Arc river, you proudly strike out on Chemin du Petit Bonheur. One of the top attractions of Haute Maurienne Vanoise, this trail makes for a pleasant excursion in all kinds of ways. Today, it takes you to the Muleney lakes where the Caribbean-blue waters are a source of eternal fascination for hikers.
And what's that cave you can see as you stop for a rest at the Balmes lookout point? A secret cave that once served as a sheepfold for our Neolithic ancestors. What was life like in those days? In the blink of an eye, you are transported thousands of years back to the "New Age" of the Stone Age, when livestock farming emerged in our mountains.
If you're lucky enough to explore this trail in spring, an extra treasure awaits you with each snowmelt. Enjoy the privilege of a visit to the Merderel waterfall, which dries up as soon as summer rears its head.
And what's that cave you can see as you stop for a rest at the Balmes lookout point? A secret cave that once served as a sheepfold for our Neolithic ancestors. What was life like in those days? In the blink of an eye, you are transported thousands of years back to the "New Age" of the Stone Age, when livestock farming emerged in our mountains.
If you're lucky enough to explore this trail in spring, an extra treasure awaits you with each snowmelt. Enjoy the privilege of a visit to the Merderel waterfall, which dries up as soon as summer rears its head.
Difficulty
easy
Overall difficulty
easy
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Highest point
1,550 m
Lowest point
1,269 m
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Restaurant L'OutaTips 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.
Rest stop
Nearby
Top Partner
Waypoint
Start point
End point
Low point
High point
Forecast
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Photo
Video
French ski school ESF Val Cenis TermignonEvolution 2 Val Cenis
Christian Vair - Mountain guide
Archaeology Museum
Restaurant L'Outa
La Bibli - Termignon municipal library
Coordinates
DD
45.276734, 6.817261
DMS
45°16'36.2"N 6°49'02.1"E
UTM
32T 328797 5016010
w3w
///rocket.naivety.retrain
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
easy
Overall difficulty
easy
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Distance
8.1 km
Duration
1:20 h
Ascent
300 m
Descent
300 m
Highest point
1,550 m
Lowest point
1,269 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

User Questions