The Path to Little Happiness on Foot, from L'Ecot to Modane

The Chemin du Petit Bonheur can be tailored to your preferences: you can choose to hike a 1-hour or 2-hour section, spend half a day, or go for a full day. But you can also choose to explore the entire trail over several days!

Description

Discover an iconic trail in Haute Maurienne Vanoise.
The backbone of the region, it takes you on an unforgettable journey. Every step of the way, you’ll find unique experiences to delight people of all ages.

Starting from the hamlet of l’Ecot in Bonneval-sur-Arc, take advantage of the mostly downhill terrain to make your journey easier. Discover at your own pace the unique signage that marks your journey from village to village, and follow the changing landscape, from forests to mountain pastures at over 2,000 meters, through the meadows surrounding the villages. The route is always surrounded by peaks over 3,000 meters.

In the summer of 2023, the Chemin du Petit Bonheur has taken on a new form. While the route of this ancestral trail has not changed and continues to link Modane to the hamlet of l'Écot over a distance of 50 km, the path itself has been adorned with new colors, new facilities, and unique features.

At first, you’re captivated by this bright yellow, the color painted on the ends of footbridges, bridges, and logs. Color serves as your guide, showing you where you’ve come from and where you’re going.

Equipments

• Play area
• Picnic area
• Bar
• Public WC
• Parking nearby
• Race

Additional welcome information

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.

Environments

• Mountain view
• Mountain location
• Less than a 10-minute walk from a train station

Prices

Free of charge.

Opening period

Open daily, year-round.
Subject to snow conditions and trail accessibility. Crampons or snowshoes may be required in winter.

Subject to favorable weather.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

Languages spoken

• French

Location

I take the bus: Line S53 to Bonneval sur Arc Line 4 from Bonneval sur Arc the hamlet of L'Ecot (Line 4 runs only in summer).
By car: Park in the L'Ecot parking lot. Paid parking in summer.

Documents

• The Path to Little Happiness on Foot, from L'Ecot to Modane (pdf)

Animals

Animals accepted: Yes

Animals accepted with supplement: No

The Chemin du Petit Bonheur is an area where various activities take place. Please keep your pets on a leash for the comfort and safety of everyone.