Hiking at Lake Clair

The Mont Cenis plateau is a place steeped in history, home to many forts,
including Fort Ronce, with its astonishing circular architecture. From this
watchtower, discover a breathtaking view of Lake Mont Cenis and the
surrounding peaks.

Description

This plateau is an historic crossing point between France and Italy. Since it
was formerly a protected border, many military works have been built there.
Fort Ronce is your first stop. The door is open, come on in and picture the
life of the Italian soldiers stationed here all year round, under the watchful
eye of the French soldiers stationed across the way! Like them, enjoy the
breathtaking view of the lake with turquoise waters and the glaciers of the
Vanoise.
Then continue your ascent on the gently sloping path to Clair lake, whose
waters are fed by glacial melt pouring in from the glaciers that overlook it.
The water's none too warm... Peace and quiet reign here, interrupted only
by the tinkling of cowbells and the whistling of the playful marmots. You'll
come across a few rock blocks scattered along the path, so take care as you
navigate through them.
As you turn back, towards the sun reflected on the distant waters of Mont Cenis
lake, a burst of colours greets your enchanted eyes: alpine flowers that only
grow at this altitude, such as violets, bluebell campanulas, and yellow trolles.

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: 12

Environments

• Waterside
• Lakeside or by stretch of water
• Lake view
• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• Presence of livestock and guard dogs

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 7km
• Route type Round trip
• Elevation gain 670m
• Negative gradient 670m
• Daily duration 02h30
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Departmental markings (PR: yellow blades)
• Nature of the land Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2760m

Opening period

From 15/06 to 15/10 daily.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

I'll get there by bus: Line 5 - Les Fontainettes stop (line equipped with a 5-seater bike rack).
By car: At the Col du Mont-Cenis, park in the Plan des Fontainettes parking lot near the pyramid. The trail starts on the other side of the road.

Documents

• Hiking at Lake Clair (pdf)
• Hiking at Lake Clair (pdf)
• Hiking at Lake Clair (pdf)
• Hiking at Lake Clair (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.