4 Vallons de Sainte Foy Tarentaise hike

1 station 4 valleys

Sainte Foy boasts no fewer than 4 mountain valleys, each with its own unique scenery. For lake lovers, opt for a hike in the Petite Sassière, Mercuel or Clou valleys. If you prefer to discover the charm of small villages and balcony paths, the Vallon du Nant Cruet is ideal, as it serves a number of them not far from its hiking trails. As the seasons go by, nature offers a continuous spectacle, from the shades of green in summer to the deep blues of the alpine and glacial lakes, not forgetting the glowing golden hues of the larch forests in autumn, which are covered in a dazzling coat of white in winter.

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The Vallon de la Petite Sassière

The Petite Sassière valley is a great place to recharge your batteries. Lost in the middle of a Scottish-style meadow crossed by a river, this magical spot is also the starting point for hikes where you can admire several lakes such as Lac du Petit and its glacier, or the wilder Lac Longet and Lac Verdet.
On your way home, after a well-deserved rest, enjoy a delicious slice of blueberry tart at the Refuge du Ruitor. Morgan and his family will be delighted to welcome you.

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How do I get there?
To get to the start of the hikes, from Sainte-Foy Chef-Lieu, head towards the hamlet of La Masure (direction Montvalezan/La Rosière). When you reach La Masure, turn right onto the small road that leads to Le Crôt, and then to the Pierre Giret parking lot.

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Le Vallon du Mercuel

The Vallon du Mercuel is an ancestral crossing point between the Haute Tarentaise and the Val d’Aoste, via the Col du Mont. Its name is said to refer to Mercure, the god of trade and, in Roman mythology, the god of travel. On the way back, at the foot of the Col du Mont, you’ll find yourself on the road to Italy, along paths rich in history, once lined with glaciers that have now become lakes, such as the famous Lac Noir.
On the way back, at the foot of the Col du Mont, don’t hesitate to stop off at the Refuge de l’Archeboc. Véronique will be delighted to welcome you.

How do I get there?
To get to the trailhead from Sainte-Foy Chef-Lieu, head for the hamlet of La Masure (towards Montvalezan/La Rosière). When you reach La Masure, turn right onto the small road that leads to the Pierre Giret parking lot, where you can park your car.

Le Vallon du Clou

A fragile suspended plateau, the vallon du Clou is perched at an altitude of almost 2,200m, culminating at 3,567m at the Pointe des Chamois. The vallon du Clou was classified on March 25, 2013.
The Balmes glacier and the presence of lakes highlight the scenic beauty of the vallon, which serves as a backdrop to the hamlet of Monal.
The melting glaciers have given rise to seven lakes: mountain lakes (Lac du Clou and Lac Noir) accessible via hiking trails, high-mountain lakes (Lac Verdet, Lac Blanc, Lac Brulet) reserved for experienced mountaineers, and a “polar” lake at the Col de l’Argentière.

How do I get there?
To get to the start of the hikes and reach the vallon du Clou, head for the Sainte-Foy resort and follow the signs for Bonconseil. You can park at the Hêtres parking lot.
In summer, you can also take the free shuttle bus to the Echaillon parking lot.
What is a classified site?
The French Environment Code (article L.341-2) provides for the protection of
remarkable landscapes identified as national heritage.
Of artistic, historical, scientific, legendary and/or picturesque interest, listed sites tell the story of the people who have built these landscapes over time; they are their memory. Classified sites may not be destroyed or altered in their appearance or condition, except with the special authorization of the minister responsible for sites. A tool for protection, classification is also a means of managing and enhancing the quality of the territory.
In classified sites, camping and caravanningare prohibited , as are all forms of advertising.
The vallon du Clou was classified on March 25, 2013. The site covers an area of 2,692 hectares. It lies entirely within the commune of Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise and within the Vanoise National Park membership area. To the east, its boundary follows the border with Italy. The Monal hamlet site, classified in 1987 for 87 ha, has been withdrawn as it is now included in the vallon du Clou site.

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Hiking trail : Nazonde

Vallon du Nant Cruet

The Nan Cruet valley is the cradle of water from the Fond and Sassière glaciers, two emblematic mountains of the Haute Tarentaise Alps. Take a stroll through the valley and you’ll discover a magnificent waterfall tumbling down large rocky bars.

How do I get there?
From the Chef-Lieu of Sainte Foy, follow the signs for Tignes and Val d’Isère, then turn left at the first paravalanche, Les Pigettes, to the hamlet of Chenal, where you can park.

What you need to know

Pierre Giret parking lot
The Pierre Giret parking lot, located from the hamlet of La Masure, opens the way to three unspoilt valleys: the Vallon de la Petite Sassière, the Vallon de Jourdan, which leads to the splendid Lac du Retour near Montvalezan La Rosière, and the Vallon de Mercuel.
Visit classified or protected sites
The Haute Tarentaise valley boasts a number of listed or protected sites, including the Petite Sassière plateau, the Clou valley and Alpage, and the listed village of Le Monal. These sites are home to the last remaining Alpine animal and plant species, which must be preserved. To achieve this, regulations have been put in place, and every gesture counts. You can also enlist the help of a mountain professional for your excursions. We invite you to consult the information panels on site , which also contain the rules to follow.