Hiking at Lake Clair

Between France and Italy, there spreads the lake which flooded the ancient Napoleon road and hospice. The fort of Ronce overlooks this lake. Exhibition hall "La Pyramide" which tells the story of the col and passing of the Alps.For some, the Mont Cenis site is simply a passageway to Italy, a pass to add to a cyclist's list of achievements, a picture postcard of the mountains in summer with herds of cows in the flower-filled mountain pastures, hiking trails in wide-open spaces whose summits often rise to over 3,000m in altitude. You'll still marvel at the size and beauty of the turquoise lake and the marmots running through the roadside meadows. It's also an opportunity to sample local produce in the refuges and restaurants, and to buy Beaufort and tomme cheese in the mountain pasture farms. All in all, Mont-Cenis is a delicious place to discover without moderation!

The Alpine Garden, located in the magnificent site of Mount Cenis presents more than 250 species of flowers and plants of the Alps. In addition to the thematic itinerary, it offers every summer numerous activities for a family audienceThe alpine flora, and more particularly that of Haute Maurienne, is exceptional, with endemic species, particularly on the Mont Cenis site. On nearly one hectare, the Alpine Garden presents these flowers and plants in free access. For those wishing to find out more or have fun discovering them in the company of a ranger, a full program of visits and activities is offered from mid-June to early September.

From 1861, the priorities of the Kingdom of Italy were unity and territorial defense. It therefore equipped Mont-Cenis with several forts, including the Ronce fort at 2286 m altitude, a breathtaking vantage point overlooking Lake Mont-Cenis.At the end of the 19th century, the young Italy wanted to secure control over Mont-Cenis, the ancient transalpine route. Against a backdrop of diplomatic tensions with France, Italy fortified Mont-Cenis with several forts. Fort de Ronce, which dominates the entire pass, was built between 1877 and 1880 on a circular plan with two stages of fire adapted to the new capabilities of rifled artillery.

Parking area and public services (WC, interpretation, info point).

Public toilets on the Col du Mont Cenis, at the Plan des Fontainettes car park

Bus stop N°331: "Fontainettes" in Lanslebourg on the Val Cenis commune. This stop serves the botanical garden, the pyramid and the Maison Franco-Italienne - in summer only.