Haute-Maurienne-Vanoise

The Haute Maurienne is located in the Northern Alps and is one of the three main valleys of the Savoie region. From Modane to Bonneval sur Arc, it borders the Vanoise National Park to the north and the peaks of the Italian Piedmont to the south.

The villages and hamlets inhabited all year round, the large protected areas, the generous nature and the numerous activities make this area a popular travel destination.

Here the mountains are omnipresent and can be explored on foot, by bike or on skis. Hiking, mountain biking, unusual places, unspoiled villages, old fortresses clinging to the rocks and chapels with extravagant baroque decorations, culinary specialities... You will appreciate the Haute Maurienne for its extravagant natural beauty!

The Arc is the river that runs through the entire valley and flows into the Isère. According to legend, the word 'Maurienne' comes from the Piedmontese dialect 'Mo riu', which means 'bad stream'. In fact, it is a capricious river that caused some devastating floods in the past, such as in Modane in 1957. Today the Arc, channelled by several hydroelectric dams, is a calm river of clear beauty, ideal for trout fishing.

Another legend says that the word 'Maurienne' comes from the fact that the valley was invaded by the Moors in the 10th century. Incidentally, on the Valfréjus side there is the Pointe des Sarrasins, the Col and the Crête des Sarrasins, which are almost 3,000 metres high.

Explore the Haute Maurienne Vanoise at your own pace and on your favorite machine: mountain bike, gravel, road, the choice is yours.

Gravel up to 3000 meters!

In Haute Maurienne Vanoise, gravel is practiced in "high mountain" mode. On the border between France and Italy, the area is crisscrossed with mountain pasture roads and former military tracks that are perfect for this sport. For example, you can climb up to the Malamot fort, at almost 3,000 meters. On arrival: an ancient fortress with a Machu Picchu appearance, a breathtaking view of the French and Italian Alps and ibex, which are often in this area in summer.

Iseran and Galibier on the road

You can also try your hand at some of the greatest mountain passes, with the Iseran, Europe's highest road pass, and the legendary Galibier, Glandon and Croix de Fer just a few pedal strokes away. The Maurienne valley boasts an exceptional density of legendary mountain passes. It's no coincidence that the Tour de France passes through here almost every year!

And until early July, if you climb the Iseran, you can pass through walls of snow... take a selfie!

The Vanoise National Park, which has protected mountain flora and fauna since 1963, covers a large part of Haute Maurienne Vanoise. Crisscrossed by the GR5 and other hiking trails, the park offers a wealth of opportunities to discover wide-open spaces steeped in silence, serenity and beauty, ideal for rejuvenation.

While the Vanoise National Park has made it possible to preserve the ibex, an animal emblematic of the Alps, and to once again see golden eagles and bearded vultures soaring in the skies, it is the marmots that are the real mascots of the Park. In the Orgère valley, at the bottom of Aussois, on Mont Cenis or between Bessans and Bonneval sur Arc, they're everywhere! You'll hear them whistling as you pass - it's up to you to spot them!

As a border area with Italy, the Haute Maurienne valley has been a transit area for centuries. From Hannibal's army and his elephants to the peddlers and traders, from Napoleon to Montaigne, the passes of the Haute Maurienne have been busy at all times. Numerous military forts were built to defend the country, real sentinels of sometimes imposing size like the Forts de l'Esseillon.

In the high valleys of the Alps, life was once hard and barren, but the faith of the mountain dwellers was alive. Proof of this lie in the oratories and chapels that can be discovered even at high altitude, and the churches of our villages in dazzling Baroque style. A cultural heritage of great richness that is definitely worth discovering!

Mountain farming makes it possible to enjoy culinary treasures such as Beaufort AOP, Termignon blue cheese, the delicious Bessans ham and local beers, which can be tasted directly at the brewery or in the mountain huts.