recommended route
La Girarde
Hiking route
· Haute-Maurienne-Vanoise
-
Termignon vue de la GirardePhoto: OT HMV
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.
humans. From Chemin du Petit Bonheur to the Neolithic cave, this hike
lays out a wide array of unexpected treasures for you.
easy
Distance 8.1 km
2:30 h
300 m
300 m
1,550 m
1,269 m
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.
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.
Difficulty
easy
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
1,550 m
Lowest point
1,269 m
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
La Petite FermeRestaurant L'Outa
Tips and suggestions
APIDAE tourism data updated on 27/07/2022 by "Communauté de communes Haute Maurienne Vanoise".Spotted an error? Write to the owner with the following information:
File name: Boucle de la Girarde | Record identifier: 5051881 | URL (link) for this Outdooractive page.
Start
Coordinates:
DD
45.276734, 6.817261
DMS
45°16'36.2"N 6°49'02.1"E
UTM
32T 328797 5016010
w3w
///rocket.naivety.retrain
Coordinates
DD
45.276734, 6.817261
DMS
45°16'36.2"N 6°49'02.1"E
UTM
32T 328797 5016010
w3w
///rocket.naivety.retrain
Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!
Book recommendation by the author
Blue route n°41
Author’s map recommendations
Map and booklet "Haute Maurienne Vanoise. 103 walks and hikes - 38 trail trails. For all levels" (sold for €10 in Tourist Offices)
Book recommendations for this region:
Show more
Difficulty
easy
Distance
8.1 km
Duration
2:30 h
Ascent
300 m
Descent
300 m
Highest point
1,550 m
Lowest point
1,269 m
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 7 Waypoints
- 7 Waypoints
-
Route
-
Gradient
-
Snow Depth Unlock with Pro+
km
Distance
: h
Duration
m
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
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