Refine your search for walks in Mont-Cenis (Massif)
Mont-Cenis (Massif) walks
Lac de Savine - Col du Clapier
Visorando Member
9.12 mi
+1,453 ft
-1,450 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Bramans (Savoie)
Route following the hypothetical passage of Hannibal and his elephants across the Alps. At the end of the wild and long valley lies the superb and large Lake Savine, at the foot of the Dents D'Ambin. A little further on, the Clapier border pass offers a magnificent view. On the way back, take a short detour to the Perrin Lakes.
Avérole refuge - Cabane des Bergers via the Pas de la Mule
9.05 mi
+2,451 ft
-2,425 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Bessans (Savoie)
Loop via the Avérole refuge above the hamlet of the same name, then an excursion in the fairly wild Lombarde valley to the Pas de la Mule. From the Cabane des Bergers, the return via the balcony offers a beautiful view of the valley and the refuge.
From Lac du Mont-Cenis to Lac Clair
4.34 mi
+2,247 ft
-2,247 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
An easy hike above 2,000 metres. It starts near the Col du Mont-Cenis, a pass known since ancient times for crossing the Alps.
Starting from the superb Lac du Mont-Cenis, it leads to the modest Lac Clair at the foot of what remains of the Lamet Glacier.
Landry's Treasure
3.00 mi
+545 ft
-571 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Lanslevillard (Savoie)
A short circuit accessible to children. You cross streams where they can play. The part in the forest is very pleasant, especially when it's hot. What's more, they can find wild strawberries and raspberries. The route is dotted with information panels about village life.
The Refuge de Bramanette
Association / Club / Walk leader
2.24 mi
+1,575 ft
-138 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Bramans (Savoie)
This short hike is the starting point for a magnificent three-day trek between Haute Maurienne and Val de Suze (Italy), with beautiful lakes and numerous small glaciers.But the setting and the welcome at the Refuge de Bramanette are such that they alone justify spending the night there and descending back down to the valley the next day!
Fort de la Turra and Pas de la Beccia circular route
6.92 mi
+2,398 ft
-2,411 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
This circular route, which is mostly above 2,000 m, takes you to both French and Italian military heritage sites. It also offers beautiful views, particularly of the Vanoise and Lac du Mont Cenis. Marked by directional signs but also by numerous paint marks of all shapes and colours. However, look out for the blue stars on a white background.
From (3) to (6), the route is not very busy.
From Lake Mont-Cenis to Lake Clair via the Ronce stream
4.61 mi
+2,306 ft
-2,287 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
A lovely hike from Lake Mont Cenis to the small clear lake.
The route offers beautiful views of Lac de Mont-Cenis (although it was cloudy the day we did it). A fairly family-friendly hike.
La Pierre des Saints from Lanslevillard
8.56 mi
+2,746 ft
-2,740 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Lanslevillard (Savoie)
We did this hike on the north-facing slope of Val Cenis, starting with the aptly named Chemin du Petit Bonheur, then climbed up through the forest to Pierre des Saints and reached the small Lac de l'Arcelle via a veritable balcony overlooking Haute Maurienne and Vanoise, before finally descending in the footsteps of skiers. A breath of fresh air and a day of absolute happiness.
Lac Noir via the Ambin Refuge
10.89 mi
+3,153 ft
-3,153 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Bramans (Savoie)
Less well-known than its neighbour, Lac d’Ambin or Lac Bleu, Lac Noir, nestled at the foot of the summit of Petit Vallon, is well worth a visit to this peaceful and very pleasant spot.
The Pas de la Beccia from the Col du Mont-Cenis
9.08 mi
+2,746 ft
-2,746 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
This is a circular hike passing by the Old Fort of La Turra before crossing the Pas de la Beccia at 2,717 m and descending with a beautiful view of Lake Mont-Cenis and its dam.
Lake Savine and the Col Clapier or Col de Savine as seen from Le Suffret
10.72 mi
+2,887 ft
-2,867 ft
7h 25
Moderate
Departure from Bramans (Savoie)
A long hike offering the chance to follow in the (potential, as they are unproven) footsteps of Hannibal and his elephants during his war against the Roman Empire.
Aside from this historical fact, this walk winds through the beautiful and wild Savine valley, leading to the lake of the same name and to the Col du Clapier or Col de Savine on the France–Italy border.
Lake Liael and the Col de Bramanette
9.72 mi
+4,265 ft
-4,275 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Bramans (Savoie)
A beautiful circular route in the Haute-Maurienne via the Etache Valley and the Bramanette Valley.
Steep gradients.
The Ribon Valley to Bessans
13.89 mi
+2,178 ft
-2,178 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Bessans (Savoie)
On the edge of the Haute Maurienne valley lies a world apart, a haven of tranquillity and light nestled in its mountain setting: the vast Ribon valley, which rises gently and in a straight line up to the Rochemelon glacier. It is very easy to reach from Bessans, and the hours you spend there will be unforgettable.
Pointe du Lamet
Tourism professional
10.47 mi
+4,846 ft
-4,849 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
A hike for experienced walkers that takes you to an altitude of 3,500 metres – one of the highest in France – without the need for specialist kit. No major difficulties apart from the elevation gain and the narrow corridor leading out of the steep slopes, but at the summit, if you’re lucky enough to avoid the nebbia, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view (Rochemelon, Charbonnel, Pointe de Ronce, Giusalet...).
Short circular nature loop in Bessans
4.18 mi
+1,014 ft
-1,010 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Bessans (Savoie)
Starting from La Goulaz in Bessans, just above the cross-country ski trails and at the foot of “Tièrce”, you can take a short circular route partly along the Chemin du Petit Bonheur. It follows the botanical trail, dotted with small signs giving the names of the flowers and their uses.
From the Bramanette Refuge to the Ambin Refuge
8.50 mi
+4,186 ft
-3,665 ft
7h 35
Difficult
Departure from Bramans (Savoie)
A beautiful route, sometimes off the beaten track or on poorly marked paths. From the top of the passes, you can see both the peaks of the Vanoise (the Dent Parachée) and the Barre des Ecrins.This hike follows on from the "Le refuge de Bramanette" route.
The hidden side of the Maurienne
22.39 mi
+9,124 ft
-9,035 ft
3 days
Difficult
Departure from Bramans (Savoie)
The lower part of the Maurienne Valley is better known for its motorway – which people drive along without stopping – than for its wild high-mountain landscapes.
This route, starting from St Pierre d’Extravache and winding through rocky landscapes, deep blue lakes and ever-present glaciers, disproves the reputation that the valley may have been given. You’ll be walking for three days amongst mountain pastures and high peaks, whilst remaining in mid-mountain terrain.
The Vallonbrun Refuge, starting from Lanslevillard
7.62 mi
+2,854 ft
-2,825 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Lanslevillard (Savoie)
A lovely day’s hike, starting from the centre of Lanslevillard. The flora of the Vanoise, marmots, perhaps even the bearded vulture, and magnificent panoramic views await you on this hike, which includes a stop at the refuge, where the wardens are very friendly.
Circular Fort de la Turra from Lanslebourg
8.13 mi
+3,645 ft
-3,615 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
A superb hike through woodland and mountain pastures leading up to Fort de la Turra, which overlooks the Col du Mont-Cenis and the lake of the same name. The start is a bit challenging but offers a superb panorama. On the way back, you can enjoy the pastures on the opposite slope and the trails. It’s enough to make you want to put on your skis in winter.
From the Ambin Refuge to Le Planey
11.65 mi
+3,363 ft
-5,233 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Bramans (Savoie)
A very beautiful route amongst glaciers and lakes, which crosses the Italian border (beautiful view of the Val di Suza) and returns to France via the Col Clapier, which Hannibal and his elephants probably passed through.
This route follows on from the hike “From the Bramanette Refuge to the Ambin Refuge”, but can easily be done starting from the Ambin Refuge alone.
The edelweiss at Fort Foens
2.13 mi
+1,027 ft
-1,040 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from Oulx (Torino)
A short walk amongst the edelweiss for anyone planning to camp at Fort Foens and wishing to take a short stroll before or after spending the night there, to view the fort from above. You’ll discover the surrounding mountains and the little stream at the bottom of the narrow gorges.
Former Fort de la Ronce and Balcon du Lac du Mont-Cenis
4.30 mi
+1,204 ft
-1,201 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis (Savoie)
This walk avoids too much elevation gain and takes you back along the lake via a short, technical path that at times resembles the customs officers’ path. There are deckchairs halfway along the route, offering a lovely view and a well-deserved rest.This walk is best done in summer as the pass is closed in winter.
Circular via Les Marmottes and Le Pracara from the cable car
2.07 mi
+1,125 ft
-1,148 ft
2 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Villarodin-Bourget (Savoie)
A short loop with good slopes, both uphill and downhill.
The Sentier des Sources snowshoe trail from the cable car
1.97 mi
+236 ft
-801 ft
1.5 hrs
Easy
Departure from Villarodin-Bourget (Savoie)
A lovely, easy walk in the peaceful forest, starting at the top of the gondola lift and returning by chairlift.
