2-From typical villages to the mountain pasture of Plan Lombardie
Woodland trail : 10 km
Two remote but magnificent hamlets succeed one another, inhabited for only part of the year. The route is a little steep-sided but nonetheless provides you with fine views of Mont-Blanc, the Vallée des Encombres and the summit of Le Cheval Noir (2,832 metres) when you reach Plan Lombardie – an ideal spot to linger awhile and enjoy a bite to eat.

Village of La Flachère

Longefrasse Forest

Village of Deux Nants

Village of La Sauce

The Cheval Noir peak
This peak wasn't originally named “Cheval”. It came from the patois word “Lanche”, the equivalent of the word “Combe” (Coomb).
Its slopes were dark, almost black in colour
The patois name was eventually Frenchified to become the “Cheval Noir”.
The Cheval Noir’s peak connects 2 municipalities (Saint-Jean-de-Belleville and Saint François Longchamp)
The statue of the horse was recast in 2012 by Jean-Yves Sylvestre; he used stainless steel, a material that does not deteriorate with time.

Refuge Plan Lombardie
Enjoying an ideal location, this mountain hut provides outstanding panoramic views over the La Platière stream at the foot of the majestic Cheval Noir. Rising to 2,832 metres, the Cheval Noir’s summit provides a magnificent view of the Madeleine Pass and the Grand Pic de la Lauzière.
In the summer, the site becomes an extensive area of pastureland shared between several farmers. In the Middle Ages, the word “ Lombard” was used to refer to mountain pastures used by herdsmen from Lombardy who kept their livestock on them. In those days, the Savoyards tended to call anywhere beyond the Alps “Lombardy”.
Description
Short but varied route. This route starting from the hamlet of La Flachère will lead you to the Plan Lombardie refuge. Start on a forest track up to the hamlet of Deux Nants then continue on a small mountain road up to the Saulce. The last ascent to the refuge is a little steeper, but relatively short on a mountain pasture track. The Plan Lombardie hut is equipped with solar panels. You will be able to recharge your e-bike batteries in complete safety.
Follow the green waymarks: Plan Lombardie.
E-bike rental shop:
Skiset Léo Lacroix
Secteur : La Croisette , Résidence Lac du Lou
73440 Les Ménuires
+33 (0)4 79 00 28 15
- Departure : La Flachère - Saint-Jean-de-Belleville
- Arrival : La Flachère - Saint-Jean-de-Belleville
- Towns crossed : SAINT-JEAN-DE-BELLEVILLE
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
If in doubt, you can take an introductory lesson in how to ride an electric bike with an instructor.
If you see a herd ahead, slow down and go round it. If there is a patou, a guard dog, climb down from your bike and walk, pushing it alongside you. Avoid making any sudden or aggressive gestures towards the dog and move away from the herd slowly and calmly. The dog will only be checking that you do not pose a threat to its herd. Respect the parkland and close gates behind you after you've gone through them.
The mountain is living, please respect it by staying on the paths and tracks.
Transport
Rail service to Moûtiers. Information: www.oui.sncf.com
Then a shuttle bus from Moûtiers to Saint-Jean-de-Belleville
Remember to reserve your shuttles at least 48 hours in advance!
Access and parking
Parking in La Flachère
Parking :
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