Le vallon de Martignare
This pretty loop allows you to discover the hamlets of Rivets then join the Martignare torrent on the mountainside. Its pretty pools of fresh, clear water are the ideal setting for a family picnic.
From the starting point of Chazelet (1770 m), go down towards the village along the car park.
At the first junction, do not go up into the village but take a hairpin bend to the right towards the foot of the ski lifts.
At the second junction, stay on the side (do not go down towards the torrent).
Continue along the wide track and at the next junction, turn right towards the three hamlets of Rivets. Cross the Rivet du pied – note the Chapelle Saint Antoine – and, when you reach the entrance to the Rivet du milieu, turn sharply right.
Continue along the hillside and then follow the wide path that climbs towards the slate quarries. When you reach an altitude of 1992 m, turn right.
Cross several ravines and easily reach the Martignare torrent (at the place called Coin de la Ruite). Cross the torrent then join a path on the other side. Take it in a hairpin bend to the right. Pass near the enclosures and the salt baraque (place called Clos des Selettes).
Just after crossing the fence (large blocks of rocks), turn right and follow the edge which overlooks the Martignare valley (place called Clos Malatous).
By a stony ridge, descend to the Plagnes sheepfold located at the foot of the ski lift.
Take the wide track on the right which leads to the restaurant of Plagnes (ski resort). By road, for 500 m, reach the starting point of the route.
At the first junction, do not go up into the village but take a hairpin bend to the right towards the foot of the ski lifts.
At the second junction, stay on the side (do not go down towards the torrent).
Continue along the wide track and at the next junction, turn right towards the three hamlets of Rivets. Cross the Rivet du pied – note the Chapelle Saint Antoine – and, when you reach the entrance to the Rivet du milieu, turn sharply right.
Continue along the hillside and then follow the wide path that climbs towards the slate quarries. When you reach an altitude of 1992 m, turn right.
Cross several ravines and easily reach the Martignare torrent (at the place called Coin de la Ruite). Cross the torrent then join a path on the other side. Take it in a hairpin bend to the right. Pass near the enclosures and the salt baraque (place called Clos des Selettes).
Just after crossing the fence (large blocks of rocks), turn right and follow the edge which overlooks the Martignare valley (place called Clos Malatous).
By a stony ridge, descend to the Plagnes sheepfold located at the foot of the ski lift.
Take the wide track on the right which leads to the restaurant of Plagnes (ski resort). By road, for 500 m, reach the starting point of the route.
