Crétaz - Cheneil - Col de Nanaz
Valtournenche
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Difficulties:E - Excursionist
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Best period:
June - September
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Departure:Pâquier (1528 m)
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Arrival:Col di Nanaz (2772 m)
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Difference in level:1.313 m
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length:7.028 m
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Ascent:4h10
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Trail sign:AV1 - 33
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GPS tracks:
Description of the route
This trail begins at the end of the residential area of Crétaz, a hamlet near Pâquier (municipal seat of Valtournenche) and is a section of the Alta Via 1.
The mule track goes up into a thick larch and broad-leaf wood until it meets a road from the left that connects Muranche with Falinère. Cross this road and go up to Alpe Promindoz (1850 m), on a panoramic grassy plateau. Further up the larch wood you come to the basin of Cheneil.
This was once the only access route to this beautiful basin; now the paved road has been rebuilt that goes right up to Cheneil.
From Cheneil continue along the same route past Alpe Champsec (2328 m) and, after a long crossing, you come to Col des Fontaines (2695 m). Cross sparse pastures descending about 60 metres altitude, then continue on level ground until you reach the upper extremity of the Chamois valley. From here, you start climbing again until you come to Col de Nana.
