Les Mandes walking tour

Travelling from stream to stream, explore a south-facing slope where alpine meadows merge with forests. Accessible almost all year round, this route is full of variety. In winter, the frozen streams attract your attention.

Description

After a gradual ascent, venture through the Pierres Longues pastures, to the sound of whistling marmots. They live here in the sunny season. In spring and autumn, herds graze peacefully. In the height of summer, it's not uncommon to spot farmers haymaking. A quick detour to your left and a short break in the sheltered rock caves of Les Mandes make you picture the Belle and Sebastian film set. Cool off at the Ravine stream. In the Pramaria Forest, you might just receive a visit from a few deer. Hidden from view, they share their home with the mountain hare. Waterfalls and streams create the backdrop of choice for your journey to the Adroit meadows. Don't forget to take a break at St-Jean Baptiste chapel for a taste of culture before heading back to Val Cenis - Lanslebourg, along the peaceful Chemin du Petit Bonheur. Don't you feel like you've now gone through all the myriad moods of a mountain village?

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: 10 years

Environments

• Close to a public transportation
• Near shuttle stop
• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• Presence of livestock and guard dogs

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 11km
• Route type LOOP
• Elevation gain 600m
• Negative gradient 600m
• Daily duration 3:45 a.m.
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Mixed signposting (PR and GR)
• Tricky passage Numerous streams (of varying strength) in spring due to snowmelt.
• Nature of the land Rock, Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 1850m

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

Labels

• Listed on the PDIPR

Location

By bus: line S52 or S53 - Lanslebourg Tourist Office stop.
By car: park in the parking lot in front of the Gendarmerie.

Documents

• Les Mandes walking tour (pdf)
• Les Mandes walking tour (pdf)
• Les Mandes walking tour (pdf)
• Les Mandes walking tour (pdf)

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement : No

Pets allowed on leash only.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

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