3-An outing to the authentic listed village of Le Monal
SAINTE-FOY-TARENTAISE
3-An outing to the authentic listed village of Le Monal
Very easy
Difficulty1h30
Duration12,1km
Distance+421m
Positive Elevation-421m
Negative ElevationReturn
Course typeTarmac road : 2 km
Woddland trail : 9,6 km
1 difficult stretch
Woddland trail : 9,6 km
1 difficult stretch
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This trail begins at the resort of Sainte Foy Tarentaise, and ends at the famous village of Le Monal, which has been listed for its beautiful natural scenery and outstandingly preserved heritage. It harbours one of the finest examples of montagnettes,small seasonal settlements, in the Tarentaise area, ideally nestling opposite the glaciers of Mont Pourri. The circuit is easygoing, though brace yourselves for an energetic start over the first 30 metres! Be extra careful as you approach Le Monal as there may be a lot of cars, pedestrians and other cyclists about.
6 points of interest
Small heritage
Bon Conseil Chapel
Dedicated to St Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre, this chapel was built in 1604. In very bad shape by the late 18th century, it was abandoned before finally being rebuilt a century later, a lttle further downstream. Understated and unassuming, it has nevertheless been completely restored and boasts a striking wrought-iron doorway and window through which you can glimpse the interior. It is not open to visitors.
Water
La Raie waterfall
A few metres away from the trail, along a fun, "rollercoaster" type track through the woods, is the terraced waterfall of La Raie, 150m high.
Viewpoint
L'Echaillon hamlet
Accessed along a ledge track, the handful of houses in L'Echaillon seem to be suspended in time. There was once a chapel here but it is not known when it was destroyed. This is an ideal place to stop for a refreshing break (water body not far from the track) while catching a first glimpse of the glaciers.
Architecture
Le Monal
A shining gem of architectural heritage in the mountains, Le Monal is a Historical Monument listed hamlet for its natural and heritage interest. It stands at an altitude of 1,874m, at the foot of the glaciers of the majestic Mont Pourri (3,779m). With its 18th and 19th century mountain chalets, the hamlet harbours one of the finest examples of authentic montagnettes, small seasonal settlements, in the Tarentaise area. The stone and timber making up its natural surroundings are in full evidence in the buildings here. Water, too, features prominently in the ponds and streams that meander between the houses.
Small heritage
St Clair's Chapel
Mention is already made of this quintessential chapel in 1633. Dedicated to St Clair, it was a draw for pilgrims from neighbouring areas who suffered from sight problems. Inside there is a painting of St Clair and St Basil, and the building is graced with remarkable vaulting.
Pastoralism
Agricultural partnership "Gaec du Clou"
Come and watch the goats being milked in the listed hamlet of Le Monal, in the late afternoon. All summer long, Yvette makes Persillé de Sainte Foy blue-veined cheese from goat's milk. You can buy her farmhouse cheese on-site.
Open from June until August.
Vallon du Clou
Le Monal
73640 Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise
Tel.: +33 (0)4 79 06 58 04
Description
Running from the resort of Sainte Foy Tarentaise to the famous village of Le Monal, this route is easygoing and follows a very good track. Do brace yourselves, though, for an energetic start over the first 30 metres! And note that there may well be lots of walkers out too, so control your speed and let them know you're coming.
Follow the green waymarks: Le Monal.
E-bike rental shop:
EVOLUTION 2 SAINTE FOY
VILLARD DU BAS
73640 SAINTE-FOY-TARENTAISE
+33 (0)6 46 80 11 13
Follow the green waymarks: Le Monal.
E-bike rental shop:
EVOLUTION 2 SAINTE FOY
VILLARD DU BAS
73640 SAINTE-FOY-TARENTAISE
+33 (0)6 46 80 11 13
- Departure : Sainte-Foy Tarentaise resort, Tourist Office
- Arrival : Sainte-Foy Tarentaise resort, Tourist Office
- Towns crossed : SAINTE-FOY-TARENTAISE
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Rando Vanoise has been designed to help you pick and choose your outings, but cannot be held liable where they are concerned. The mountain offers up a wide range of routes and trails for cyclists of all levels, but remember, it is a living, unpredictable environment and it is important that you head out suitably equipped. Ask advice from cycle rental operators.
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.
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.
Information desks
station<br>73640 Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise,
http://www.saintefoy.net
info@saintefoy.net
04 79 06 95 19
Transport
From Moûtiers, take the RN 90 road towards Bourg Saint Maurice then turn on to the RD902 which will take you to the resort of Sainte-Foy Tarentaise.
Parking: Car park of the Sainte-Foy Tarentaise Tourist Information Branch
Parking: Car park of the Sainte-Foy Tarentaise Tourist Information Branch
Access and parking
From Moûtiers, take the RN 90 road towards Bourg Saint Maurice then turn on to the RD902 which will take you to the resort of Sainte-Foy Tarentaise.
Parking :
Car park of the Sainte-Foy Tarentaise Tourist Information Branch