Back hike

The Pyramid trail on foot

Val-Cenis
The Pyramid trail on foot - OT HMV

A walk like no other, inciting you to daydream in the great outdoors From
an offbeat church to traditional gardens, passing by fortifications from all
ages, this hike is bursting with variety! And let's not forget the star of the
show: the iconic Mont-Cenis lake.

Description

No sooner is your backpack on your shoulders than you're drawn to this
impressive first attraction. A priory in a pyramid? There's nothing like it in
Haute Maurienne Vanoise. Its museum invites you to discover the history of
the Mont-Cenis pass, a legendary passage between France and Italy.
In the alpine garden, over 250 species of flowers and plants bring joy to the
bees as they feast on their nectar. A kaleidoscope of colours and scents to
celebrate the summer!
As a backdrop, the Mediterranean colours of the lake sparkle with a thousand
light, inviting you to take a contemplative rest. Herds of Tarine cows peacefully
graze on the tender grass. It's a guarantee of taste for the Beaufort AOP and
Bleu de Bonneval cheeses, to be found in the nearby farms.
Time to go on exploring, cooled by the breeze that blows across the Mont-Cenis
pass. All these fortifications bear witness to the rich historical heritage of the
border region. To come back to the present, how about a delicious meal at
one of the restaurants in Plan des Fontainettes?

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

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

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

  • Distance 2km
  • Route type LOOP
  • Elevation gain 100m
  • Negative gradient 100m
  • Daily duration 00h45
  • Signposted itinerary Yes
  • Beaconing accuracy Departmental signposting (PR)
  • Nature of the land Ground, Not suitable for strollers
  • Maximum altitude 2100m

Opening period

From 01/06 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 - Col du Mont-Cenis stop (vehicle equipped with a 5-seater bike rack).
By car: park in the Plan des Fontainettes parking lot on the RD1006 after passing the Col du Mont-Cenis in the direction of Italy.

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement : No

Pets allowed on leash only.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

  • From the Pyramid, walk down to the gardens and then to the lake before following the gorge of the Ronce stream up to the Maison Franco-Italienne. Alternatively, you can do the walk the other way round.

The Pyramid trail on foot
Plan des Fontainettes Route départementale 1006 Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis 73480 Val-Cenis
  • Distance 2km
  • Daily duration 00h45
  • Elevation gain 100m
  • Negative gradient 100m
Prepare your hike
Documents