|
|
| |
|
|
An outsanding area
The Mont Cenis Pass (2082m.) with its high mountain fortresses forms a cultural crossroads, leading you as far as Susa and Turin where you can sample the pleasures of Italy.
The Iseran Pass (2770m.) is the highest road pass in Europe.
An Alpine Garden
The Mont Cenis Pass is one of the most interesting locations in which to appreciate and enjoy the enormous variety of alpine plants. The area has remained a garden of natural harmony – there are no “imported” flowers, here it is Nature herself who selects the plants. Having taught horticulture for 40 years, Abbé Fritsch devoted himself for 14 summers to the Mont Cenis Alpine “garden” which is made up of true alpine flora, that of the Alpine Arc.
|
PASS OPENING |
Although snowbound during the winter months, the Pass is open to traffic from mid-May to November. |
|
|
well worth a visit
The Mont Cenis Lake
A
magnificent 668 hectares in surface area which can hold up to 315.4 million cubic metres of water.
The Mont Cenis Dam
This dam, constructed of huge boulders and compacted earth, blends well into the scenery. Built between 1961-9, the structure is 120 m. high and 12 metres deep at the top, broadening to 460m. at its base. The dam provides the Italian power station at Venaus with 240,000kw. of electricity and the French power station at Villarodin with 360,000 kw. of power.
The Mont Cenis Pyramid
This was built in 1968 by EDF and its shape recalls the Egyptian Campaign of Napoleon Bonaparte. A permanent exhibition entitled “Mont Cenis, ancient doorway to the Alps” is to be found there.
|
WALKING ROUTE |
Walking route 1 – Lake circuit (climb of 200m. altitude) 5 hours duration.
Take the RN6 , towards the Mont Cenis Pass. At the last bend on the right before the Pass, under the chapel,?stationnez la voiture / park your car? take the “Sentier des 2000” as far as the fortress of the Ronce. Continue long the military road as far as the RN6. Go along it for about 50 metres then cross over and go down the military track to Grand Croix. Take the path which goes back up to the fort of Variselle. On the left will be a track which takes you back to the Chapel of Saint-Barthélémy. Continue along the lake and up to the Pass to arrive back at your car. |
|
extending your experience
Escape to Susa...
where you would have a guided visit of the Roman town and the old quarters in the morning and, in the afternoon, would visit the cathedral, followed by free time to stroll around and purchase regional specialities.
Return via Mont Cenis, stopping in the alpine garden there and the “Maison Franco-Italienne”.
The excursion would be accompanied by a government-accredited guide.
... or travel to Turin !
Ancient capital, doorway to Italy. Spend the day exploring Piedmont, Turin and the Susa Valley. Sights include the church of Saint-Laurent, the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, the medieval town, a presentation about the 2006 Winter Olympics. There will be free time and a stop in Susa. The coach will go via the Fréjus Tunnel and return over the Mont Cenis Pass.
TO VISIT |
Guided visits of Susa and Turin
Guided day excursions depart from Modane and can be booked at the Val Cenis Tourist Office. |
|
WALKING ROUTE |
Walking Route 2 – the Royal Road (from the Mont Cenis Pass to Susa)
Take the RN6. After the Mont Cenis Pass, park your car at the fork in the road for Petit Mont Cenis. Go as far as the chapel of Saint Barthélémy. On the left you go along the lake as far as the fort of Variselle and follow the way up along the short valley of Crève-Coeur. During the descent you pass the marble quarry, Lake Roterel and the Arpon Dam as far as Bard Cenisio. Climb up again for 300metres and, on the right, after a small military monument, follow the Monks’ Track (Sentier des Moines), a path which leads to the charming village of Moncenisio. Take the road again and the Strada Reale to arrive at Novalesa, then Susa, from where you will catch the bus back to your car from the square by the Tourist Information Office. |
|
|
|
|
|
