Return hiking

Arc springs walking trail

Bonneval-sur-Arc
© Arc springs walking trail - HMVT

Discover an unspoilt paradise, where it feels like you've reached the "world's end". Make your way to the source of the iconic Arc torrent. Unfolding at the foot of the Franco-Italian Levanna glaciers, this hike is one of the most remote in Haute Maurienne Vanoise.

Description

Little by little, you'll leave all signs of human presence behind on the first part of your hike. As you get to La Duis hamlet, you're greeted by a torrent that impishly weaves its way between rocks and pools. Having a rest here to cool off, you almost forget that the highlight still awaits you higher up, at 2,800 m of altitude.
Enter a land of contrasts, where alpine pastures and meadows merge with increasingly imposing scree slopes. The fireweeds are now behind you, and a well-marked trail ascends beyond the rocky outcrops. Here, chamois rule the land. Will they favour you with a royal visit? The closer you get to edge of the high mountains, the more the ridges seem to tear at the sky. You're there! This mountain cirque looks like an enchanted realm. This is where rivers are born. See if you can detect trickling water. As they say, the little streams make the big rivers...

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.

  • Minimum age: 12 years

Environments

  • Close to public transportation
  • Near shuttle stop
  • Mountain view
  • Mountain location
  • Overview on river
  • In a nature reserve
  • Presence of livestock and guard dogs

Prices

Free access.

Itinerary

  • Distance 12.6km
  • Itinerary type Return
  • Positive elevation gain 750m
  • Negative elevation gain 750m
  • Daily duration 04h30
  • Marked itinerary Yes
  • Marking details Mixed marking (PR and PNV)
  • Nature of the terrain Stone, Ground, Not suitable for strollers
  • Maximum altitude 2750m

Opening period

From 15/06 to 01/10.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

  • Subject to favorable weather

  • Subject to snow conditions

Location

By bus: Line 5 - Parking de l'Ecot stop
By car: Park in the Hameau de l'Ecot parking lot (fee payable July-August).

Animals

Animals accepted: No

Pets are not allowed on this hike in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

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

Arc springs walking trail
Parking de L'Ecot 73480 Bonneval-sur-Arc
  • Distance 12.6km
  • Daily duration 04h30
  • Positive elevation gain 750m
  • Negative elevation gain 750m
Prepare your hike
Documents