Trail from Val Cenis Bramans aux forts

Name: Trail from Val Cenis Bramans aux forts
Address: 5 rue de Loutraz Bramans, Val-Cenis, 73500
Telephone: 04 79 05 99 06
Price range: Free access.

Val-Cenis

Set out to conquer the Esseillon forts. From one side of the Arc river to the
other you'll take a magical leap back in time. This shady walk takes you on
a journey to discover two hundred years of local history. Ever unperturbed,
the Redoute Marie-Thérèse awaits you!

Description

Set off at a brisk pace on the Chemin du Petit Bonheur, a trail cherished by
locals, and take in the invigorating scents of spruce and fir trees. Under the
watchful eye of the green woodpecker, you'll only hear the sound of its beak
on the weathered tree trunks.
Standing proud on its unconquerable promontory, the giant of the valley offers
you a journey into the military history of Haute Maurienne Vanoise, that takes
just a few minutes. A true emblem of the valley, Redoute Marie-Thérèse has
become the iconic representative of the five Esseillon forts. Awe-inspiring?
To say the least! Their construction began in 1817 to protect the kingdom
of Piedmont-Sardinia from possible French attacks. Massive, monumental,
they form a row at the narrowest point of the valley.
And what about Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge) as sensational as its height
above the gorges is breathtaking? But fear not, even the most faint-hearted
have managed to cross it, so you can do it too!

Equipment

Parking nearby
Trail road

Additional welcome

1/ How is trail running time calculated?
Trail times are calculated on the basis of reference paces for a regular runner who practices running on average 1 or 2 times a week.
600m/h ascent in altitude
900m/h ascent on descent
9km/h on the flat

2/ Using GPX tracks
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.