Sentier des Gardes by Pra Dieu on foot

This trip to the high-altitude pastures is real-life mountain experience, compelte with idyllic landscapes! Made easy by cable car access, your excursion is all downhill. If you have fragile ankles and knees, you'll need to take care.

Description

Enjoy a complete change of scene near the Arrondaz chalets. The rocky outcrops dramatically contrast with the high-altitude vegetation that follows a short distance on. Led up to the mountain pastures for the summer, the herds enjoy the tranquility of the plateau. Their bleating only adds to the serenity of the moment.
You've got front row seats to admire the imposing Pointe des Sarrasins. If your eyes are sharp enough, you might be able to make out the valleys of Orgère and Polset on the opposite slope. The challenging descent takes you into the so-called "montane zone". Populated with conifers giving out that wonderful scent of resin, Belle Plinier forest will enchant you at every step. Before returning to the Valfréjus resort, take a well-deserved rest by the Charmaix torrent to cool off. This is the torrent that runs down to Fourneaux, 800 m below.

Additional welcome

The duration of hiking trails is calculated using reference paces: 300 m/h ascent, 500 m/h descent and 4 km/h on the flat.

As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are given for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.

• Minimum age: 10 years

Environments

• Close to a public transportation
• Near shuttle stop
• Mountain view
• Mountain location

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 8km
• Route type One-way ticket
• Negative gradient 620m
• Daily duration 02h45
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Mixed markings (PR: yellow blade and GR: red and white)
• Nature of the land Rock, Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 2220m

Opening period

From 15/05 to 15/10.
Accessible by ski lift in summer.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

Take the Arrondaz cable car to the starting point of this hike.
By bus: Line 1 - Tourist Office stop
By car: park in the parking lot near the Valfréjus Tourist Office.

Documents

• Sentier des Gardes by Pra Dieu on foot (pdf)
• Sentier des Gardes by Pra Dieu on foot (pdf)
• Sentier des Gardes by Pra Dieu on foot (pdf)
• Sentier des Gardes by Pra Dieu on foot (pdf)

Animals

Pets allowed : Yes

Pets allowed with supplement: No

Out of respect for wildlife, please keep your dog on a lead.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• To guide you in the field, consult the "step-by-step" directional diagram provided in pdf.