10 activities to try this summer in Val Cenis
1. Via ferrata
Climb to the top and cross a Himalayan footbridgeIn a secret valley above the village of Bramans at Val Cenis, a 60 m-long Himalayan footbridge has been launched over the Ambin gorges. Suspended almost 100 m above the torrent at its highest point, it provides access to a via ferrata(accessible from age 10) - taking around 2 hours to complete. A vertiginous experience to be tried out this summer, with bars set into the wall, a Nepalese bridge and a monkey bridge that even takes you up into the clouds with 2 zip lines.
Why it's a must: for the vertigo experience in complete safety. And for the unspoilt setting of the wild Ambin valley.
2. Gravel
Climbing the military trails of high-altitude fortsDue to the shifting and complex borders between France and Italy until 1947, Val Cenis inherited hundreds of defensive works. The Mont Cenis massif is littered with almost invisible bunkers and vast forts accessible by military roads. Today, these forts are astonishing targets for gravel walks, via marked and secure itineraries. One route leads to the Malamot fortbuilt by the Italians in 1897 and perched at an altitude of 2,850 m! The route passes the Mont Cenis dam and then climbs the old military track, through edelweiss and alpine meadows. At the fort, it's not uncommon to come across ibex enjoying the solitude of the place and the 360° panorama. Other gravel-accessible forts on the Mont Cenis site: Pattacreuse and Variselle.
Why it's a must: Malamot is one of the highest forts in Europe. The former military track is ideal for a high-mountain gravel outing.
3. Stroll
Discover the heart of the Vanoise National Park: BellecombeLocated at 2362 m altitude, surrounded by the massif's highest and most beautiful peaks, Bellecombe is a starting point for hiking in the Vanoise, offering a multitude of trails in the valleys that lead to the passes and refuges. Bellecombe is a land of alpine pastures grazed by herds of cows whose milk is used, among other things, to make the delicious Termignon blue cheese! The area also offers magnificent panoramic views of the immense Vanoise glaciers. Just a few minutes' walk away (or access by shuttle bus), the lake offers a life-size postcard with the Grande Casse in the background. Here, glaciers, fauna, flora and lakes are the marvels of a wild and preserved nature.
A night in a refuge to discover with the whole family: Auberge de Bellecombe or the Plan du Lac or Lac Blanc refuges.
Why it's a must: ultra-easy access (car or free bus from Val Cenis-Termignon), a spot to discover the Vanoise National Park and see the marmots.
4. VTT
Around Lake Mont Cenis on an electrically assisted mountain bikeBetween France and Italy, at an average altitude of 2,000 meters, lies the Mont-Cenis plateau. This exceptional site offers a breathtaking panorama, with its immense turquoise lake, unspoilt mountain pastures, ancient French and Italian forts and peaks rising to over 3,000 meters. It's also possible to make the tour by electrically-assisted mountain bike (17km), with the pleasure of meeting marmots and seeing over 250 species of dazzlingly colorful flowers.
Why it's a must: the Mont Cenis lake offers a breathtaking panorama. Mountain biking is the best way to enjoy it.
5. Yoga
A gentle way to recharge at the summitRendezvous at 2,100 m altitude on the terrace of the La Fema chalet for a morning of well-being with a view of the Dent Parrachée and the Vanoise National Park. After an ascent via the Vieux Moulin gondola, enjoy a 1-hour Pilates session, fitness or yoga. Inhale, exhale, relax and soak up this magical setting to recharge your batteries.
Why it's a must: yoga + awe-inspiring surroundings: rejuvenation guaranteed! Bonus: La Fema's high-altitude restaurant offers a detox drink at the end of your session.
6. Italy
La Dolce vita: Italy just around the cornerSince Val Cenis and Haute Maurienne Vanoise, Italy is just around the corner! During your stay, take the time to visit Susa, just on the other side of Mont Cenis, or even Turin, just 1h30 away. Enjoy gelati, pizzas, Turin's superb museums and dolce-vita under the arcades of Piedmont's capital.
Why it's a must: Italy is just around the corner, so you might as well make a day of it!
7. Museum
Becoming a Neolithic potterAt Museum of Archaeology Val Cenisunder the guidance and fascinating stories of a ceramic archaeologist, apprentice archaeologists have a week to understand, reproduce and bring to life
Neolithic pottery methods. From grain storage and conservation, to the construction of a wheel kiln, the technique of making and assembling a vase using a pellet, to firing... children and their parents get to work together to discover the secrets of the potters who worked in this way millennia ago. It's a great way to spend a morning with the family, and take home a souvenir to boot!
Why it's a must: family fun, plus a visit to the Val Cenis archaeology museum, which displays artefacts found during the excavation of the nearby Balmes cave.
8. Trail
Running at altitudeTrail running at altitude is booming! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trail runner, you'll be tempted by this discipline in a high mountain setting with unique panoramas. The very alpine conditions, the wild and unspoilt setting: Val Cenis and Haute Maurienne Vanoise offer the ideal playground for training, learning and perfecting your skills. The world's best, such as Thibaut Baronian, make no mistake and regularly come to run at Val Cenis. For competitors, or for those who want to try out trail running, the not-to-be-missed summer event: the Trail EDF Cenis Tour.
Why it's a must: for the wide-open vistas along the way and the feeling of well-being afterwards.
9. Kayak and pedalo
Paddle Europe's highest water sports baseRefreshment and fun guaranteed at the nautical base on Lac du Mont Cenisthe highest in Europe! Perched at an altitude of 2,000 m, just a stone's throw from Italy, you can enjoy fresh air and water sports (kayaking and pedal-boating) on this magical site of turquoise waters, surrounded by majestic peaks over 3,000 m high.
Why it's a must: for its unique setting and seaside setting at the top of the mountain.
10. Beaufort
Visit the Dairy CooperativeHere, cheese has pride of place on the table. Each cheese has its own legend to tell: creamy, tender, for centuries Haute Maurienne cheeses have been made in the traditional way. Discover visit Beaufort, the prince of Gruyères, protected by an appellation d'origine contrôlée, and Bleu de Bonneval, a blue-veined cheese made from whole, raw milk.
Why it's a must: to enjoy Beaufort cheese on the local circuit!
Churches
Marvel at Baroque splendorsWith their massive, austere exteriors churches and chapels of Val Cenis and Haute Maurienne Vanoise are a treasure trove of Baroque art. Gilded angels, twisted columns, richly decorated altarpieces, frescoes and ceiling paintings... a heritage worth visiting. In particular, the recently restored churches of Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard, and the one in Termignon. Also not to be missed: the astonishing Saint Sébastien chapel in Lanslevillard, whose walls are entirely covered with paintings in the form of "medieval comics" depicting the lives of Saint Sébastien and Christ.
Why it's a must: to discover part of Val Cenis's rich heritage.
The right plan for your vacations!
With the Pass Val Cenis, enjoy all-inclusive activities in the resort. You can also take advantage of hundreds of discounted activities throughout the Haute Maurienne Vanoise area.