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The Cradle of the House of Savoy
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Description
This family hike offers unique panoramic views over the Maurienne and Arvan valleys and the Aiguilles d'Arves. Along the way, on an open trail with a few forest passages, you'll pass through places steeped in history.
We invite you to visit the Saint-Marin chapel and the Tour d'Bérold de Saxe. The oldest tower in our département (mentioned in a text as early as 887), it bears the name of the legendary ancestor of Humbert au Blanche-Main, founder of the House of Savoy.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Additional information
Updated by
Office de tourisme Intercommunal Cœur de Maurienne - 26/12/2025
drone-de-regard.fr/vr/mcm-2/saint-jean/
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Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
Topoguide available for €5 at Explore maurienne tourist offices during our opening hours.
Map references :
TOP 25 IGN 3433 and 3435
Open period
All year round daily.
Subject to favorable weather.
Contact
Phone : 04 79 83 51 51
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Departure point: Church of Notre-Dame du Châtel. Park at Plan Loyat.
1/ Take the small path on the right that runs alongside the parking lot towards Notre-Dame du Châtel and other historic sites.
2/ At the church, you can climb up to La Tour de Bérold by turning left (round-trip option: approx. 20 min / 600 m). To continue the loop, follow the path straight ahead. The path will gradually become clearer, with a breathtaking view over the valley.
3/ At the crossroads, turn right to continue the EN01 loop (downhill through the forest for approx. 500 m). Alternatively, continue straight ahead to discover the Chapelle Saint-Marin (round-trip variant: approx. 10 min / 300 m).
4/ After crossing the bridge over the Rieu Salomon stream, you come to the junction with path S05 (right towards Hermillon) and the D77 road. Turn left onto the stone path that leads up to the hamlet of L'Echaillon and past farmland.
5/ As you leave the hamlet, take the left-hand path at the sign to return to Plan Loyat or Prieuré du Châtel. You will then cross a few meadows before arriving at the parking lot.
Animals
Yes. Pets allowed on leash only.
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