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The Pyramid trail on foot
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Description
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.
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?
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Additional information
Open period
From 01/06 to 15/10 daily.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Updated by
Communauté de communes Haute Maurienne Vanoise - 01/09/2025
www.cchautemaurienne.com
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Environments
Lakeside or by stretch of water
Riverside
Lake view
Mountain view
Mountain location
Waterside
Presence of livestock and guard dogs
Contact
Phone : 04 79 05 99 06
Email : info@hautemaurienne.com
Website :
https://www.haute-maurienne-vanoise.com
http://www.cchautemaurienne.com/jy-vais-en
Type of land
Ground
Not suitable for strollers
Location complements
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.
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
Map and booklet "Haute Maurienne Vanoise. 115 walks and hikes - 35 trail routes. For all levels" (sold for €10 in Tourist Offices) - Itinéraire bleu n°45
Map references :
Map IGN 3634OT - Val Cenis
Reception complements
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.
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.
Animals
Yes. Pets allowed on leash only.
Data author
