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Sentier Balcon de Maurienne

(Map)

This major route is a high-altitude right-bank traverse from Modane to Montsapey. In some sections , the walker will find a degree of commitment, in traversing the Encombres Massif or the Lauzière west face. The four sections are very long, and escape routes down towards the valley may be rare. Of course, the traverse does not have to be done at one go. Going from Modane to Montsapey in four days requires solid training, autonomy, mountaineering skills and experience and a very big rucksack. Besides, should you choose to use the Pin Brûlé via ferrata, you will need a sit-harness and slings. IGN maps are indispensable here (TOP 25: 3534 OT, 3435 ET, 3433 ET et 3432 ET). Most of the route uses paths but do not expect to be able to buy food or find accomodation along the way, unless you decide to go all the way down. There is the Bionant mountain hut at the foot of the Croix des Têtes cliffs (section 2) but stopping there forces the choice of the more difficult via ferrata section. The four sections of the route are all feasible in a day for a well-trained mountain walker.,

The links below or the map will give you direct access to the four parts of the route

1. Modane - Beaune (Saint Michel de Maurienne)
2. La Planchette - Montdenis (Saint Jean de Maurienne)
3. Montdenis - Saint François Longchamp
4. Saint-François - Montsapey (unfinished)

In each section, the access and escape routes are all described (AEn).

General map - Click on the sections for direct access

Part 1 - Modane to Beaune

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Long, but not very committed. A lot of access or escape routes (AEn) make it easy to leave the trail should anything go wrong. The views on the Maurienne left-bank massifs, as one emerges from the forest line, are truly magnificent and there is a fine feeling of isolation. Only very unlucky walkers would not see at least a couple of chamois on the way. Done separately from the traverse (including the walk down to St Michel), it requires 7 hours with good training and a light rucksack. Done as the first section of the traverse and with a full load, better count 10 hours for an 1800m altitude difference. Most of its sections can also be done separately, using the various access and descent routes.

Balcon - Part 1

Start

Modane - Fourneaux SNCF train station.

Route description

From the station, walk across the main street and a bridge behind the Tourist Office. Go right about 200m and take the first path to the left up to the Replaton Fort, towering above Modane. At the fort, cross the trail and take another path. After some fine views on the fort, the path traverses across the Teppe des Fourmis under the Sapey Fort, much higher. Leave a path to your left (signposted "Hameau du Col") and join the access trail to the Sapey Fort (1514m). Go on up (shortcuts are possible). In the third bend to the right, take another path signposted "L'Orgère par la forêt". It will take you to the Pré du Col (1631m).

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Go down about 50m on the road, across a small bridge and then right on to a very fine path through the Bois de Saint André. A bit higher up, take left ( "Bief Rua" signpost). Admire the beautifully-renovated Lacou chalet (private). The route soon crosses the Plan de l'Ours forest trail. Take another path right in front of you, leaving two forest trails to your left. Towards 1860m, after a short descent, turn right to start climbing the Combe de Côte Plane. At 2032m (IGN map point), you will join the ONF traverse path coming from Plan de l'Ours (green/white marks). It goes up the first steep slopes of Côte Plane, then escapes to the left (West) to culminate at l'Arligne (2350m). The marking and lines of cairns will help early in season when there is some snow left. You will certainly see a lot of animals there and enjoy fine views on the Sarrasins Massif on the opposite side of the valley.

The route slowly traverses down through the forest to le Riamet (1800m). When it leaves the trees, above the ruins of la Sétive, keep an eye open and do not miss a hidden right turn on to a new path (signposted "L'Arpont"). Thus you will not have to go all the way down to Le Riamet.

The path then goes up a bit, traverses across steep grassy slopes and enters the forest again using slanting rock ledges (easy) before reaching the Arpont chalets.

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Walk past the Arpont chalets (uncomfortable shelter, no bivouac here). The trail seems to vanish here but can be found again by going up along the outskirts of the forest opposite the chalets, at altitude 2070m. After going up again for 20mn, reach the head of the hydroelectric water pipe and its unexpected railway tracks (shelter). Follow the tracks. Turn left at the end on to another path which traverses up and down towards l'Arcelin. After the Chamoussières ruins, walk on across a variety of large boulders (not on IGN maps). 100m after passing under the Orelle cable car, turn left and go down to a large trail near l'Arcelin (2050m).

• AE5 : From l'Arcelin, three paths (in addition to the forest trail) make it easy to go down to Bonvillard, Orelle or Orelette, 1000m lower down. They all come out west of the Notre Dame des Anges chapel. To reach Bonvillard, turn left after La Creuva ruins and go down the Bonrieu coomb (cable-car). To Orelle, go straight on and turn left (1830m) , go past the Rochecombe ruins and through the Bois Noir. To Orelette, go on straight towards le Glacet and le Luel. These three paths, in combinations, make an excellent day's walk. You can use the cable-car to go down, but only in early spring during the skiing season. To use it, go all the way up to Plan Bouchet (2400m).

Proceed on to a wide trail up to the Teppes and past the steep slopes of Crêt Fénère, then on again and pass two corners before finding again the ONF footpath towards ND des Neiges (2096m). There is a steep descent to a crossing. (To the left, you can go down to Glacet and Orelette). Turn right and reach ND des Neiges (water). Further on, the route goes up a bit, then steeply down to gain a rocky ridge. Easy ledges lead to a corner on the Saint Michel side of the mountain.

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After the ridge, the ONF trail climbs to the right under the Brequin south face, then traverses all the way across the Encombres valley above Saint Michel de Maurienne.The walk is fairly level until you reach the Beaune chalets. There, go down towards Beaune, either directly on the grassy lower slopes, or by using the Avanières footpath and the road. The ONF trail continues down through the Bellecombe forest to la Bachellerie (1800m) . Keep on it only if you intend to proceed straight on to the Col du Bonhomme.