8-In search of the hamlet of Les Prioux's secrets

Here, you’ll find the entrance to Chavière Valley with an explanatory panel about the valley and the sustainable measures in place to protect it.

The power plant is located further down, in Le Villard village in the municipality of Le Planay. It gets its name from the waters it channels through turbines. Since the first half of the 20th century, Pralognan has had a hydroelectric power plant to capture the water from the Doron de Pralognan and its smaller tributaries (Isertan, La Glière, La Vuzelle) and turn it into electricity. In Savoie, water has been harnessed for key services ever since the late 19th century, as it was considered a plentiful resource.

In 1943, construction began on Pralognan power plant following the merger of two hydroelectric development plans. But the war put the works on hold. In 1946, electricity was nationalised and the building work resumed with the national electricity provider, EDF. The plant was commissioned in 1949. Its architecture is typical of the post-war period, with imposing proportions. Nowadays, the plant’s three units, all fitted with two Pelton wheels (double turbines), generate the equivalent of the annual household needs of 64,500 inhabitants. Major efforts are being taken to ensure that the energy generated is 100% sustainable, does not emit greenhouse gases and is capable of meeting consumption peaks. 148,000 tons/year of CO2 were avoided this year.

Find out more about Pralognan power plant here (in French): https://www.edf.fr/sites/default/files/Hydraulique/pays-de-savoie/documents/EDF_Pralognan.pdf

Along this route you can look forward to scenic viewpoints over the Vanoise glaciers and La Grande Casse, the highest peak in the Vanoise mountain range.
As the birthplace of mountaineering and a pioneering resort for winter sports, Pralognan-la-Vanoise has remained a leading destination in the French mountains for more than 150 years. Steeped in legend, with a special place in locals' hearts, the resort's history and culture are deeply anchored in the Alps. Its breathtaking natural scenery and stunning vistas make it a unique and memorable playground for all mountain lovers.

At the foot of the panoramic view over La Grande-Casse, discover the typical hamlet of Chollière.

Four water abstraction points capture the waters of the Doron de Pralognan and its smaller tributaries - the Chavière, Glière, Isertan and Vuzelle - before they are transported to the power plant. This is the Chavière water point. 8m3/s transit through an underground gallery around 13km long with a diameter of more than 2 metres and join a 1,700-metre penstock with a change in gradient of 765 metres.

Find out more about the Pralognan power plant (in French): https://www.edf.fr/sites/default/files/Hydraulique/pays-de-savoie/documents/EDF_Pralognan.pdf

At the edge of Vanoise National Park, Chavière Valley unveils its natural wonders along a refreshingly varied path: the Savoyard discovery tour around Les Prioux.

Life in this hamlet, perched at an altitude of 1,700m, is still very much in step with nature and the winter and summer seasons, and residents have had to adapt accordingly. As they are cut off from the world through the long winter months, they have so much to share with you about life in the past: the mountain pastures, making Beaufort cheese, the growth of tourism and mountain crafts and trades...

This refreshingly varied path unveils the wonders of Chavière Valley to you, with its awe-inspiring peaks and more relaxing hamlets.

The route is accessible to everyone, including families with pushchairs, the elderly and wheelchair users with helpers.
• Round trip takes: 40 minutes
• Elevation gain: 10 metres
• Distance: 1km 100
People with reduced mobility can reach Les Prioux via an adapted shuttle bus.
Open from 15 May to 30 September, except if snow closes the road to Les Prioux.

On-site you’ll find a cheese dairy, restaurants and accommodation options, to make a proper holiday out of your trip!

To round off your scenic outing, the Mont Bochor cable car takes you up to an altitude of 2,010m in just 3 minutes! At the top, you’ll find an orientation table at an altitude of 2,023m, on the promontory of Mont Bochor, with 360° panoramic views over the Vanoise glaciers and peaks! In summer, this is also a start point for a range of hiking and mountain bike trails.

The history behind the Bochor cable car is a fascinating one! In the olden days, when our ancestors had to cross the mountain ravines, they used ropes on which makeshift gondolas were pulled along, carrying timber or livestock. This system was the precursor to our modern-day cable car! And this is how, in 1951, construction began on the very first service cable car for transporting tools and materials up to Mont Bochor. Timber posts supported the cables on which the cable car would travel. In 1952, the cable car was finally inaugurated after a challenging construction period, and its landmark maiden flight as it were took place that 31 December. In February 1953, it was finally commissioned: at the time it was the fastest cable car in the world!
Facts & figures at a glance:
Altitude of the bottom platform: 1416.50m
Altitude of the top platform: 2002.50m
Elevation gain: 586m
Length: 1086m
Course: 1048m
Journey time: 207 seconds
Max. slope gradient: 92%
Average slope gradient: 66%
10 trips an hour
32 passengers per car
170,000 journeys in winter

Open in the winter and summer.

Find out more in the guide Destination de légende : le téléphérique du Mont-Bochor (in French): https://fr.calameo.com/read/0010480179e1abe5e2695

At this Vanoise visitor centre, you'll find a reception and information point, a temporary exhibition space, a thematic permanent exhibition and an activity room giving you an insight into the key issues and initiatives across Vanoise National Park.

Set aside some time to learn about the fauna, flora and various measures in place to protect the natural, cultural and landscape heritage. All summer long, the warden-instructors eagerly share with you all the natural wonders of the Park. On the programme: encounters at the refuge or on the trail, film evenings followed by debates, nature awareness afternoons with organised games ... and much more besides! Contact the Maison de la Vanoise for the full programme.

Contact details:
Maison de la Vanoise
169 avenue de Chasseforêt
73710 PRALOGNAN-LA-VANOISE
+33 (0)4 79 08 71 49