Spring activities in Val Cenis

Marmots playing in spring in Haute Maurienne Vanoise

Marmot walk on Mont Cenis

As soon as the road linking Val Cenis to Italy opens (D1006, scheduled to open on the 2nd Friday in May, date may vary depending on snow conditions), climb up to the Mont Cenis plateau.

You'll come across marmots along the way. But be careful, keep up the pace! Still a little sleepy after their long hibernation, marmots tend to cross the tarmac without a care for vehicles. The little marmots play and run around their burrows (guaranteed avalanche of "likes" on social networks!).

Take advantage of this route to drive all the way down to Italy! Enjoy an ice cream in Susa or a day of shopping and museums in Turin (1h30 drive from Val Cenis).

And for groundhog fans:

Where can you see marmots in Haute Maurienne Vanoise ?

10 things to do in spring at Val Cenis : on mountain bike trails and paths!

MOUNTAIN BIKING

On paths and trails!

Another way to discover spring landscapes: by bike! As soon as the snow melts, it's off to the singles!

For mountain bikers (classic or electric), the melting snow will set the pace! While some trails are only accessible late in the season, such as the ascent to the Replat des Canons or the Arcelle single track, you'll still have plenty of opportunity to practise your skills on the Chantelouve fun trail.

From May onwards, the unmissable Tour du Lac du Mont Cenis allows you to admire the lake change from frosty blue to turquoise or emerald. And then, of course, there's the Chemin du Petit Bonheur, ideal for mountain biking or gravelling along the valley floor.

Mountain bike routes in Val Cenis !

Rafting Val Cenis, Arc river, cool activity, heatwave - Val Cenis

Mountain activities

Via-ferrata, climbing, whitewater

In spring, slip on a neoprene wetsuit and enjoy white-water activities: rafting, hydrospeed, canyoning, river-tubing... With the snow melting, the water flows promise great sensations!

It's also time to put on your harness again: the walls are warming up and the major routes are once again accessible to climbers. On the via-ferrata side, mountain guides and climbing instructors are on hand to guide you through the impressive gorges du Diable, at Le Planay or on the Val Cenis side.

And if the weather is uncertain (and yes, it does happen in spring!), why not challenge yourself and your friends or family with an escape game?

The churches

Discover the religious heritage of Val Cenis

From Saint Pierre d'Extravache to Saint Sébastien, via the countless chapels in the area, explore our religious monuments and their unique ornaments this spring.

In Val Cenis, don't miss the walk to Saint Pierre d'Extravache, a real postcard image! On the Baroque side, the churches in the villages of Termignon and Lanslebourg are simply sumptuous. And if you're coming with the family and the kids are worried about getting bored, take them to discover the Saint Sébastien chapel. They'll find themselves in a... medieval comic book! With murals recounting the lives of Christ and the Saint.

In fact, did you know that each saint assigned to a church played a very specific role in protecting the Haute Maurienne? Saint Anne protects from avalanches, Saint Landry from rain... And that explains the multitude of chapels and churches to visit in the area.

I plan my visits!

Val Cenis église Saint Pierre Extravache, spring crocus

Archaeology museum, visit, children, Val Cenis

Museum of Archaeology

Culture for every taste at Val Cenis

The Val Cenis archaeology museum bears witness to the occupation of the inhabitants of Haute Maurienne Vanoise dating back to the Neolithic period. The museum features remains excavated from a nearby cave: flint arrowheads, bone tools, pottery, serpentine ornaments... An exhibition suitable for the whole family.

Book a visit to the museum

And to extend your visit, discover the engraved rocks of Haute Maurienne Vanoise : pierre aux pieds in Val Cenis, parc des Lozes and Espace d'interprétation des gravures rupestres in Aussois... A fascinating age-old heritage that still hides many mysteries...

Rock heritage in Haute Maurienne Vanoise

Fishing

Fishing in the Arc: fario and beautiful walks

At Val Cenis you'll find plenty of fishing enthusiasts. Torrent or lake fishing, the choice is yours.

The Arc, the torrent that runs from Bonneval sur Arc down to the valley floor, is a popular playground for local anglers. Sport fishing, fario and rainbow trout are on the menu. In Val Cenis, some areas also offer "catch and release" courses. Beware, however, that in spring, the flow depends on the melting snow.

As for mountain lake fishing, you'll have to wait until June. A wait that should be amply rewarded by some great outings: the Mont Cenis lake is home to cristivomers, some specimens of which exceed 80 cm!

Fishing cards on sale on the national website and at Tourist Office offices.

I fish at Val Cenis !

10 things to do in spring at Val Cenis : Fishing in the Arc: fario and beautiful walks

Book your spring accommodation now

Find out more about our furnished accommodation available for this period! Our reservations department will be happy to help you with your search on 04 79 05 99 10.

Book your accommodation and leisure activities in Haute Maurienne Vanoise