Walking tour of the Roche Bleue Chappe telegraph station

Go back to 1800 and follow the story of a pioneering telecommunications
marvel. How were messages circulated throughout Napoleon's Empire?
The ingenious Chappe telegraph network is a technical feat that's been
unearthed from the past.

Description

There were three of them in Maurienne, and each post had its own name.
On this surprising walk, you'll come near the monolith, that iconic limestone
giant. Picture this: cabins positioned every 10 kilometres between Paris
and Venice. At the heart of this enchanting forest dotted with Scots pines,
imagine the exchanges of visual signals between Mollard Fleury in Sardières,
Courberon in Avrieux and Plan de l'Ours in Saint-André.
To get a better grasp of how this ingenious system worked, visit the other
two sites. Easily accessible, they're suitable for all ages. Want to find out
more about the fascinating local heritage and traditions? There are weekly
guided tours throughout the summer. A brochure is available at tourist offices.

Additional welcome

The duration of hiking trails is calculated using reference paces: 300 m/h ascent, 500 m/h descent and 4 km/h on the flat.

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.

• Minimum age: 8 years

Environments

• Forest location
• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• Close to a public transportation
• Bus stop < 500 m

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 6.8km
• Route type LOOP
• Elevation gain 500m
• Negative gradient 500m
• Daily duration 02h45
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Mixed markings (PR: yellow blade and PNV: blue/white/red markings)
• Nature of the land Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 1987m

Opening period

From 15/05 to 15/10 daily.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

By bus: Line S52 - stop Eglise.
By car: Park in the Val Cenis Sardières church parking lot.

Documents

• Walking tour of the Roche Bleue Chappe telegraph station (pdf)
• Walking tour of the Roche Bleue Chappe telegraph station (pdf)
• Walking tour of the Roche Bleue Chappe telegraph station (pdf)
• Walking tour of the Roche Bleue Chappe telegraph station (pdf)
• Walking tour of the Roche Bleue Chappe telegraph station (pdf)
• Walking tour of the Roche Bleue Chappe telegraph station (pdf)

Animals

Pets allowed : No

Pets are not allowed on this hike in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• To guide you in the field, consult the "step-by-step" directional diagram provided in pdf.