Mountain Adventures in the Maurienne

Discover the full range of summer adventures available in the Haute Maurienne, from alpine day walks and mountaineering routes on the rocky summits above Termignon and Val Cenis to via ferratas, rock climbing, mountain biking, road cycling, and multi-day walking tours. Bordered by the Vanoise National Park to the north and the Écrins to the south, this accessible French Alps valley offers an outstanding variety of mountain activities within easy reach of Modane and the TGV from Paris and Turin.

Suitable for families, groups of friends, and experienced mountaineers alike, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook brings together 50 routes and activities across seven disciplines in and around the Haute Maurienne valley. Routes range from pretty alpine lake rambles accessible to the whole family to sustained mountaineering routes up to PD grade, with via ferratas, rock climbing crags, mountain bike circuits, classic road cycling cols, and three multi-day walking tours also described.

Choose from 50 routes and activities across day walks, mountaineering, via ferratas, rock climbing, mountain biking, road cycling, and walking tours, covering the full range of the Haute Maurienne from Modane and Aussois in the west to the Col du Mont Cenis and the upper valley above Lanslebourg.
Tackle the mountaineering routes of the Haute Maurienne, including the normal route on Dent Parrachée, the Matterhorn of the valley and the highest peak reachable without crossing a glacier, alongside ridge traverses, 3000m circuits, and summit routes throughout the range.
Explore the via ferratas of the Haute Maurienne, including the dramatic Victor Emmanuel Fort complex at Aussois with five distinct via ferrata routes, the Le Pichet route at Lanslevillard, the Guy Favre at Balme Noir, and the Via Cordatta at the Col de la Madeleine.
Ride the legendary road cycling cols of the Haute Maurienne, including the Col de l'Iseran, the Col du Galibier, the Col du Mont Cenis, and the Aussois Loop, alongside six mountain biking circuits ranging from the relaxed Sardières Monolith route to the demanding Mont Cenis Circuit.
Navigate every route with confidence using sketch maps, topos, and profiles included for each activity, with IGN Top 25 1:25,000 mapping recommended for on-the-ground navigation and waymarked paths signed throughout the valley.
Plan your Haute Maurienne multi-activity holiday with comprehensive practical information on accommodation in Termignon and Val Cenis, travel by TGV from Paris and Turin via Modane, weather, mountain refuges, insurance and rescue, and the best time to visit from late May to early October.


Take on the walks, climbs, via ferratas, and cols of the Haute Maurienne with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From pretty alpine lakes to the summit of Dent Parrachée, this is the essential companion for a multi-activity summer holiday in one of the French Alps' most rewarding and accessible valleys.

Seasons

passes open in late May with the season lasting through to early October

Centres

Termignon and Val Cenis

Difficulty

Routes range from short walks and cycle rides for the whole family to sustained or challenging mountain routes up to PD to reach the highest summits

Must See

rocky summits towering over small Alpine villages and the highest cols guarding the valley's approaches; follow in the (possible) footsteps of Hannibal; reach the summit of Dent Parrachée; two-wheeled and roped adventures add adrenalin sport opportunities for a 'mix and match' visit!

Introduction

Geography
The Vanoise National Park
Geology
Wildlife
Plants and flowers
History
Art and culture
Travel
When to go
Accommodation
Mountain refuges
Language
Insurance and rescue
Maps and navigation
Weather
Clothing
Wet weather alternatives
Using this guide

1 Day Walks

Route 1 Lac de l'Arcelle
Route 2 La Pierre aux Pieds
Route 3 Lac Blanc and Plan des Eaux
Route 4 Vallon de la Rocheure
Route 5 Pointe de Lanserlia
Route 6 Hannibal's Crossing (Col Clapier)
Route 7 Mont Froid
Route 8 Pointe de Bellecombe
Route 9 High Valley Walk
Route 10 Pointe de l'Observatoire

2 Mountaineering Routes

Route 11 Pointe Droset
Route 12 Cr&##xea;te de la Turra and Pointe du Grand Vallon
Route 13 Pointe des Fours
Route 14 3000ers Circuit
Route 15 Lessi&##xe8;res Traverse
Route 16 Le Petit Vallon
Route 17 Roche d'Etache
Route 18 Traverse of Pointe de Cugne
Route 19 North Ridge of Cime du Laro
Route 20 Signal du Petit Mont Cenis
Route 21 Ar&##xea;te de L&##xe9;ch&##xe9;
Route 22 La Dent Parrach&##xe9;e

3 Via Ferratas

Route 23 Le Pichet, Lanslevillard
Route 24 The Pinnacles, Aussois
Route 25 Guy Favre, Balme Noir

The Victor Emmanuel Fort Complex

Route 26 Travers&##xe9;e des Anges
Route 27 Mont&##xe9;e au Ciel
Route 28 Les Rois Mages
Route 29 Descente aux Enfers
Route 30 Remont&##xe9;e du Purgatoire

Via Ferrata/Rock Climbing

Route 31 Via Cordatta, Col de la Madeleine

4 Rock Climbing

Route 32 Rocher des Amoureux
Route 33 Solli&##xe8;res
Route 34 Rocher de Termignon
Route 35 Blocs de la Madeleine
Route 36 Dalles du Mollard
Route 37 Drailles Blanches

5 Mountain Biking

Bike hire and bike shops
The routes

Route 38 Termignon and Solli&##xe8;res Circuit
Route 39 La Girarde
Route 40 Champions' Loop
Route 41 Chemin du Petit Bonheur
Route 42 The Sardi&##xe8;res Monolith
Route 43 Mont Cenis Circuit

6 Road Rides

Route 44 Col du Mont Cenis
Route 45 Aussois Loop
Route 46 Col de l'Iseran
Route 47 Col du Galibier

7 Walking Tours

Route 48 Tour of the Vanoise Glaciers
Route 49 Tour of M&##xe9;an Martin
Route 50 Tour of Pointe de l'Echelle

Appendix A Route summary tables
Appendix B Useful contacts
Appendix C Useful phrases