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Explore Planay, Savoie, Rhône-Alpes: Natural and Cultural Gems

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This page guides you through attractions and activities accessible from Planay, Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, perfect for enriching your stay. Discover local sites, walking routes, and cultural specialities of the region. Visit the majestic surrounding mountains and enjoy numerous hiking or mountain biking trails to explore the breathtaking alpine scenery. For history and culture enthusiasts, the Museum of...See more

Walking around Planay

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Explore the walking circuits of Planay.
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The montagnettes of Planay
517 m

The montagnettes of Planay

This easy route lets you delve into the past, to a time when the main activity of men in the high valleys was agriculture and livestock farming. Ÿou will discover the montagnettes, temporary dwellings used mainly in the off-season. Note the architecture of the houses, stables, barns and coladz, buildings that kept the milk cool, as well as the dry stone walls that line the old paths. From the car park, go up to the left of the houses by a small path which crosses the road upstream of the houses, which then crosses north towards the hamlet of Mollard (1,564 m in altitude). Take the trail lined with a dry stone wall that rises above the winding road. Continue straight ahead at the boundary marker, joining an EDF track further up that leads to Pélapoët. Follow this track to the left until you reach the barn (1,614 m in altitude). Take the trail that rises to the Chalet de la Golle. Immediately upstream, leave the trail for the Tour du Merle, turning directly onto a track on the right which descends just before going up to the hamlet of Plan Fournier (1,723 m in altitude). Cross the hamlet, go up the road for a few dozen metres and take the trail on the left at a cross. This trail rises slightly up to a crossroads. Turn left onto the ascending path which plunges into the spruce forest and head north first, then go back south, slightly horizontally at first, to reach the top of the steepest part. Cross the clearing, then the forest that follows it. Then a succession of clearings leads to the Cave de Plan Fournier (or Plan Fournier Dessus) at 1,970 m in altitude. From the Cave de Plan Fournier, take the trail due south which rises towards the Gallinettes. Leave this trail after a hundred metres and go down to the right slightly after the grove. Go up a few dozen metres, still towards the south, and enter the spruce forest. The trail continues through the forest until it joins, at a near-level altitude, the Bois Blanc. At the crossroads, take the trail on the right leading down to the car park (1,805 m in altitude) of the Refuge du Grand Bec track. Go down the track as far as Plan Fournier. Cross the hamlet, but do not take the track used for the ascent. Take a small path downstream, which gœs straight down through the forest, to the Maison de Pélapoët, then again head straight as far as Mollard, where you will find the ascending path leading back to La Rochette.

4 h
6.3 km
Very easy
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Tour of Pointe de la Vuzelle - 2-day hiking trip in an alpine environment
1.3 km

Tour of Pointe de la Vuzelle - 2-day hiking trip in an alpine environment

Discover the wild and natural alpine landscape at the foot of the majestic Grand Bec. You will be amazed by the views that await you with this mountain in its purest form! The hike starts from the alpine village of Plan Fournier, with views of the Bozel Valley in the middle of the coniferous forest. At the beginning, you will follow a path through the forest, which then leads to a valley where you will wind your way through blueberry bushes and rhododendrons. The refuge is located at the top of this valley. Once you arrive at the refuge, you will overlook the valley and enjoy a beautiful view of the Vanoise glaciers and the Pralognan valley, with a guaranteed high-mountain atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to meet the outspoken refuge warden and enjoy the delicious meals she will lovingly prepare for you! After a good night's sleep, set off for the Col de Leschaux, surrounded by rocky scenery at the foot of the Grand Bec, which towers above. The climb takes you through a beautiful glacial cirque to the Col de Leschaux, where you will enjoy a stunning view of Pralognan. You will then continue towards Mont Chevrier, where you will find lush green vegetation, and a little further on, the Vuzelle waterfall, over 100 m high, classified in 1935. The water here is collected and channelled through tunnels to the hydroelectric power station below. The return to Plan Fournier will be through the forest taken on the way there. Day 1 itinerary: From Plan Fournier (1,723 m), head towards Refuge du Grand Bec, following the marked trail throughout. Cross through the forest before climbing up the valley below La Vuzelle towards the pass of the same name to reach Refuge du Grand Bec (2,403 m). Day 2 itinerary: Take the path up to the Col de Leschaux. Once at the pass, take the path that descends towards Pralognan (a slightly steep path), then a little further down, take the path that climbs back up towards Mont Chevrier. Head towards the Vuzelle waterfall, then rejoin the path you took on the way up the day before. Please note: In June, some streams and/or snowfields may be difficult to cross due to snowmelt, so please check with the park ranger beforehand. This hike is for experienced walkers, as there are some fairly steep sections along the way. Access: By car from Moûtiers, head towards Pralognan. Once you have passed through the village of Le Planay, take the small road on your left towards Chambéranger. Continue along this road, following signs for Plan Fournier (1,723 m), a hamlet where you can park.

8 h
16 km
Hard
Plan Fournier 73350 Planay
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What to do in Planay

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Azimut Rando
5.1 km

Azimut Rando

The easiest way to experience a winter wonderland. Snowshoeing is activity for all lovers of wild landscapes, you are really in the nature. Once in a lifetime experience at the Igloo Village you will spend the incredible evening and live a childhood dream. SNOWSHOEING Here is an ideal way to discover the authentic mountain environment. Put on your Snowshoes and set off to discover nature. From 4 to 99 years old, take your first steps on snowshoes with the expert advice of your mountain guide, you just need to know how to walk! He will show you how to roam the forest in complete freedom and will make you want to go further, to the borders of the Vanoise National Park, to discover snowy areas still pristine, in an impressive silence. A unique experience to change air while enjoying the benefits of nature with friends or family! Private or group formulas, half day or full day. IGLOO EVENING Go on a quirky expedition after dark in Courchevel! You live an experience in the heart of the forest from torchlight. Canadian or Inuit trapper, choose your role for this magical evening in the mountains! Comfortably installed in the Igloo, enjoy one of the gourmet formulas: • Savoyard aperitif: glass of “goat”, a typical alpine drink made up of cider, brandy and sugar. To be enjoyed with Beaufort cheese! • Caribou aperitif: Canadian-style mulled wine with pancakes and taffy with maple syrup. • Fondue Savoyarde: Beaufort cheese fondue, to share as a couple, with family or friends. Private or group formulas. Also, live strenuously with Nordic Walking, Orienteering, Treasure hunt or survival course!

483 rue de Plantret Courchevel 1850 73120 Courchevel
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What to visit in Planay

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Alpine pasture
1.3 km

Alpine pasture

Located between the village and the alpine pasture, on the sunny side, “les montagnettes” are really small villages temporary inhabited according to the transhumance of humans and animals: Gros Murger, la Rochette, Mollard, Pelapoët, Plan Fournier, Vers le Saut. The term “Montagnettes” indicates a group of houses that is located between the main village and the alpine pasture. It’s a temporary place for the families and the animals. They are occupied during different periods of the year, even when the snow is coming. Humans and animals are going up and down through the year; we are calling it transhumance or “tramoués” in a local dialect. For the families who were living like that, 3 going back and forth guided their trip : - At the end of May, each family were going up to settle in their “montagnette”, until cows were going to the alpine pasture. - Back to the village : field work and making hay - At the “montagnette”: Making hay until cows came down from the alpine pasture. Harvest of hay, and cows eat the second crop (“regain” in local dialect). - At the end of October people and animals were going down to eat the second crop. - In November, people and animals were going up again for 3 months. In February the farmer had to decide when they had to go down at the village. The decision was made according to how much hay they still have at this period. Sometimes they take the decision to go down even with the snow, that it was quite difficult. - In the village, family and animals stayed until the snow melted.

73350 Planay
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Ballandaz Gorges
1.3 km

Ballandaz Gorges

The canyons of Ballandaz are a real treasure in the heart of the mountains of Tarentaise. It is an amazing natural spot marked by the strength of the water revealing the history of Le Planay and the valley of Bozel. The water from the canyons was considered for a long time as dangerous and causing floods and disasters. It had an irregular flow. During the eighteenth and the nineteenth century the inhabitants of Tarentaise used to consider the water a danger and not a gift due to its destructive force especially when the snow melted. Roads, bridges, flood barriers or windmills were often carried along during floods and farm plots,essential to the mainly agricultural economy,were badly damaged. The beginning of the Belle Epoque changed the approach regarding the water. At the end of the nineteenth century climate stations like Pralognan emerged and thermal cures became successful. The canyons are then visited by curists from Brides-les-Bains looking for trendy healthy water. The development of thermal cures is linked with the tourism expansion: at the beginning of the century romantics are particularly sensitive to the magnificent and melancholic mountain environment : woods, waterfalls and impressive summits. This popularity is going to increase with the arrival of electricity. Clean and silent energy propels modernity to the valley. New means of transport have grown : Tramways working on electricity replace dirty steam railways that spoilt the clothes of rich customers. The strong water from the canyons becomes the power source thanks to hydroelectric development. Hydroelectric schemes are the beginning of the instrudrial adventure in Villard-du-Planay all along the twentieth century. Nowadays these facilities provide electricity for the national network. The canyons of Ballandaz are a great place of wonder full of history where the water has a powerful effect on the stones and the mountain.

73350 Planay
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Ballandaz Gorges
1.3 km

Ballandaz Gorges

While you’re there, take the opportunity to discover a site like nothing else anywhere in Tarentaise! Continue on along the forest trail to the Ballandaz Gorges, where the full power of mountain water is on view! A promontory overlooking the stream gives you a front-row seat, providing a perfect vantage point to thrill to the spectacular show that nature puts on here. A real treat! Departure from Galerie HydraulicaFrequented by Brides-les-Bains’ spa clientele and Pralognan’s mountaineers during the Belle Epoque, the site has once again become an attraction for walkers, its wonders forged by the stream. Now that the promontory has been installed and the itinerary secured, 21st-century tourists can discover and rediscover a truly outstanding site. Sheltered from the heat in high summer, the trail follows the water in all its forms: it may have been tamed for creation of hydroelectricity in the early stages of the journey, but appears indomiable once it reaches the Gorges – the unquestionable highpoint of this itinerary through the foothills of the Dent du Villard. Once you tear yourself away from the Gorges, make your way up a little higher to enjoy a splendid panoramic view over the Bozel Valley: take a short break on one of the benches to admire the landscape and breathe in the tranquillity surrounding you. There are benches along the way and the route has 2 picnic areas, one by an old trip-hammer near a brook and the other just beside Galerie Hydraulica.A family outing accessible to one and all, and an excellent introduction to Le Planay’s and the Bozel Valley’s natural heritage.

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Where to eat in Planay

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Le Laisonnay refuge restaurant
7 km

Le Laisonnay refuge restaurant

At the gates of the Vanoise National Park, the refuge restaurant has been an unmissable eatery since 1963 both for mountain lovers and lovers of typical Savoyard gastronomy. In the heart of the valley of Champagny le Haut (listed as one of France's natural sites and monuments), under the Py waterfall and a few short strides from the entrance to the Vanoise National Park, the Laisonnay refuge brings together gastronomes and hikers in a unique and friendly atmosphere. Its unique location, where the road ends and the hiking trails begin, has seen the restaurant adapt to cater to the greatest number. The restaurant: Respect for tradition Savoyard gastronomy in the restaurant is mainly based on family recipes handed down by our parents, grandparents, great grandparents ... our goal is to rediscover the forgotten traditional gastronomy and the rich flavours of the valley. Although there's no electricity, the refuge still offers quality catering as part of the quality charter of the Academy of Taste and Culinary Traditions in Savoy, of which we are founding members. Forget any preconceived ideas, taste quality Savoyard cuisine. (Re) Discover authentic traditional dishes, regional cuisine prepared the old fashioned way with local products, dishes based on cheeses and also a selection of the best regional products. We are committed to promoting our cuisine through common sense: Good products thanks to the individual and personal knowledge of artisans, farmers, cheesemakers, breeders, winegrowers, brewers ... who supply most of our raw materials. Good recipes, mostly old and traditional, which have only changed a little or haven't changed at all for several generations and, of course, the fact that our recipes are homemade. Products used: from the local market. We select our products from local or regional suppliers who are experts in their fields. We prefer local arrangements, direct sales on the farm, etc. We, therefore, look for many products on the farms we work with. We do not deal with salespeople, but rather with the people who manufacture, cultivate, and process the produce. Apart from guaranteeing that we get premium products, it helps to maintain local agriculture and craftsmanship and becomes part of the mindset of sustainable development. Operation: The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and we highly recommend that you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Le Laisonnay Champagny le Haut 73350 Champagny-en-Vanoise
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Where to sleep in Planay

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Refuge Bois
5.3 km

Refuge Bois

The refuge is located next to the Vanoise National Park, reached by car in winter and summer. At Champagny le Haut, this refuge at the entrance of the Vanoise National Park is accessible summer and winter by road (parking nearby - buses 50 places allowed). In winter, the refuge is ideally located at the start of the cross-country ski trails and at 5 km by shuttle from the ski lifts of La Plagne / Paradiski®. Sleeping in dormitories, partitioned for your comfort in "boxes" (cabins closed by curtain) of 4 single bunk beds. Duvets and pillow cases provided. It is recommended to bring your own personal cloth. Sanitary (separation Men / Women) with washbasins and individual showers. Bathroom linen not provided. If it is possible, we award a complete box even if you are 1, 2, or 3 people, without extra charge. Beautiful dining room with 80 seats (+ terrace) Possible access to a pic-nic room. It offers wheelchair access to the dining room and accessible toilets. Graceful loans of an all-way module and 3 audio guides for people with motor and visual disabilities. Accreditation by the Departmental Education of Savoie for the reception of the schoolchildren. Animation / projection / seminar room for 35/40 people, with video-projection equipment Animations offered each summer by the Vanoise National Park. The PARADISKI brand is a registered trademark owned by Compagnie des Alpes-Domaines Skiables. The refuge is located at the end of the road in winter (departure of the cross-country skiing trails) and in the centre of the valley of Champagny le Haut in summer (the road ends 3 km higher). The winter shuttle is free. - Access Champagny le Haut for coaches: limited to 3m50 high and 12m long. - References IGN map: TOP 25 3534 OT, 3532 OT, 3532 ET and 3633 ET. NEARBY : - Espace Glacialis "Discovering the glaciers": museographic space partner of the Vanoise National Park - 100 meters from the refuge. Suggested itineraries: SUMMER - Refuge and lake of "la Glière": 2h - Marmots and landscapes. - Col du Palet: 5h - Glaciers and marmots. - Lac des Echines: 3h30 - Panorama on the glaciers, chamois and marmots. - Tour du Merle: 2h - Forests and views of the valley of Bozel and Champagny. - Refuge of "le Plan des Gouilles": 2h30 - Forest and beautiful wild landscape. - Pointe de la Vélière: loop 5h30 - Belvedere on the glaciers. ITINERANCES / BACK-PACKING - Tour de la Vallaisonnay (2/3 days) - Tour de le Grande Casse (4/5 days) - Grand Tour de la Vanoise (7/10 days, depending on variants) OTHER ACTIVITES - Via Ferrata du Plan du Bouc (fairly easy) and the Big Stones (very difficult). - Tree climbing in Canada campingsite. WINTER - Artificial ice climbing tower: initiation or free access. - Cross-country skiing resort of Champagny le Haut. - Dog sledging initiation - Ski area La Plagne / Paradiski 5 km (free shuttle).

126 rue Michel Ruffier-Lanche Hameau Le Bois Champagny le Haut 73350 Champagny-en-Vanoise
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾