Top 3 mountain bike outings in Sainte Foy Tarentaise

1. Vallon du Clou

The Vallon du Clou, a protected site at 2620m, immerses you in the heart of the Haute-Tarentaise. It’s an unspoilt place where you can recharge your batteries while practicing your passion.

Access to this wild valley is via a wide forest road through the listed hamlet of Le Monal. The first part of your mountain bike outing is both easy and picturesque, with traditional mountain chalets rising up from the glaciers, creating an enchanting and peaceful setting, a true haven of peace.

After a well-earned break in the hamlet, head for the Vallon du Clou. It takes a little effort to reach the fragile, suspended plateau of Le Clou. The further you go, the wider the view becomes, revealing the majesty of the Balmes glacier. Lakes and streams mark the valley’s scenic quality. You may come across cows grazing peacefully in the midst of lush natural surroundings.

Listed site: the Clou valley
The Vallon du Clou, a delicate hanging valley shaped by vast glaciations, lies at an altitude of almost 2,200 m, reaching its highest point at 3,567 m at the Pointe des Plates des Chamois.
Glaciers and lakes are ubiquitous, and are two of the site’s essential natural features. Facing the Gurraz and Savinaz glaciers in the Vanoise region, which impose a high-mountain image as soon as you enter the site, the valley offers an exceptional panorama with its own glaciers.
The classified site covers an area of 2,692 hectares, the entire eastern part of which borders Italy. The commune is part of the Vanoise National Park area.

Access

From Sainte-Foy station, park in the parking lot opposite the 1580m restaurant at the top of the station. Continue along the forest road towards the hamlet of l’Echaillon and on to Le Monal. You can then continue along the path towards the vallon du Clou.

Practice

If you only want to explore the first part of the route, up to the hamlet of Monal, download the topo-guide for self-guided access.

Download the guidebook

Advice

To preserve the sites and ecosystems you cross, always collect your garbage.
Mountain bike trails are not specifically marked and are shared with hikers.

2. Vallon de Mercuel

Whatever your level, the wild Mercuel valley is an ideal playground for mountain biking.

From the Pierre Giret parking lot or from the Sainte-Foy station via the Via Alpina, explore this unspoilt natural setting. Between forest roads and technical trails, this valley invites you to discover authentic and varied landscapes.

You’ll pass through traditional Savoyard hamlets such as La Savonne and La Motte, where you’ll find the refuge de l’Archeboc, an emblematic spot for a well-deserved break.

Whether you’re looking for thrills on the narrow, winding trails or prefer a more leisurely stroll through the forest, the Vallon de Mercuel offers an unforgettable experience, offering magnificent views of the north face of Fogliettaz, the pointe de l’Archeboc and Argentière, far from the crowds and hustle and bustle.

Access

Option A: via the forest road
From Sainte-Foy Chef-Lieu, take the road towards Montvalezan/La Rosière to reach the hamlet of La Masure. Continue through this hamlet on the small road leading to the Pierre Giret parking lot.
The mountain bike route starts by following the yellow signs for “Refuge de l’Archeboc”, crossing the Arbes bridge.
Option B: via technical trails
From Sainte-Foy Station, park near La Bataillette.
The mountain bike route starts behind Chapelle Rose, heading towards the hamlet of Planay on the Via Alpina.

Practice

Don’t hesitate to stop off at Véronique’s Refuge de l’Archeboc. It’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the Vallon de Mercuel to the full.

Advice

To preserve the sites and ecosystems you cross, always collect your garbage.
Mountain bike trails are not specifically marked and are shared with hikers.

3. Plateau de Plan Bois

During the summer season, you can take the free Grand Plan chairlift up to the Plan Bois plateau, culminating at 1740m. Once up there, you’re in the heart of nature, with easy access to mountain bike trails.

You can choose trails to suit your level, whether you prefer a leisurely ride through alpine meadows or a more technical route through the surrounding forests. These trails vary in difficulty:

Easy, accessible trails: These routes, which are ski trails in winter, cross alpine meadows and forests, offering a pleasant stroll through spectacular alpine scenery. You’ll discover larch forests and picturesque hamlets such as Le Planay, while enjoying breathtaking views of Mont Pourri and the Haute Tarentaise valley.
More technical trails: For thrill-seeking mountain bikers, there are steeper, more technical trails in the Grand Follié forest, which include rocky passages, winding descents and tight turns, perfect for challenging your riding skills.
These routes offer spectacular panoramas and additional challenges.

Access

From Sainte-Foy Station, take the free Grand Plan chairlift.

Chairlift timetable

Practice

From the Plan Bois plateau, take the time to enjoy an exceptional view of the glaciers of the Haute Tarentaise and take a well-deserved break at Chez Léon or Les Brevettes.

Advice

To preserve the sites and ecosystems you cross, always collect your garbage.
Mountain bike trails are not specifically marked and are shared with hikers.