Girarde Trail
Access
Starting from :
Latitude :
6.817258
Longitude :
45.276726
Map ref. :
Map and booklet "Haute Maurienne Vanoise. 103 walks and hikes - 38 trail trails. For all levels" (sold for €10 in Tourist Offices)
On a shaded north-facing slope, embark on a journey to meet the prehistoric
humans. From Chemin du Petit Bonheur to the Neolithic cave, this hike
lays out a wide array of unexpected treasures for you.
On the tranquil left bank of the Arc river, you proudly strike out on Chemin du Petit Bonheur. One of the top attractions of Haute Maurienne Vanoise, this trail makes for a pleasant excursion in all kinds of ways. Today, it takes you to the Muleney lakes where the Caribbean-blue waters are a source of eternal fascination for hikers.
And what's that cave you can see as you stop for a rest at the Balmes lookout point? A secret cave that once served as a sheepfold for our Neolithic ancestors. What was life like in those days? In the blink of an eye, you are transported thousands of years back to the "New Age" of the Stone Age, when livestock farming emerged in our mountains.
If you're lucky enough to explore this trail in spring, an extra treasure awaits you with each snowmelt. Enjoy the privilege of a visit to the Merderel waterfall, which dries up as soon as summer rears its head.
Services
Rates
Free access.
Period(s) of use
From 01/05 to 15/10
Subject to favorable weatherSubject to snow conditions
Home
Pets allowed
Things to discover nearby
Explore our hikes
Pedestrian sports
Abri de Bec de l'Aigle
Courchevel
2.6km
Walkers/hikers
170m
170m
There is a Mediterranean forest feel to this route, which takes you to a stone shelter. Do not attempt in hot weather or when heavy rain is forecast. Fires are strictly prohibited.
Pedestrian sports
Circuit de la Nouvaz
Courchevel
2km
Walkers/hikers
140m
140m
This path leads to the pretty hamlet of La Nouvaz, where it passes underneath a stone arch between 2 houses then climbs back up and loops through the forest. May be combined with Le Chemin des Chevreuils path.
Pedestrian sports
Le Petit Mont Blanc - Passage de Plassa
Courchevel
24.7km
Walkers/hikers
1300m
1300m
The route takes you to a huge cairn (3,5m), and a vast field of scree opens out in front of you afterwards, with the wreckage of a plane that crashed on December 19th 1969.
