In Peisey-Nancroix, religious heritage and mining history sit alongside circular walks with specific time and elevation figures. The sights vary considerably, from the Notre-Dame des Vernettes sanctuary at 1,800 metres to a church with a listed organ dating from 1773. The stated time ranges also vary, from one hour to four and a half hours of walking. Your choice therefore depends not only on your interests but also on how much time you have available.
Churches, Sanctuary and Chapel Trails
The Notre-Dame des Vernettes sanctuary at 1,800 metres comprises a Marian sanctuary built in 1720, a reception house dating from 1766, an oratory chapel near a spring reputed to have healing properties, and a Way of the Cross. Notre-Dame des Vernettes has been classified as a historic monument since 27 June 1983.
The Eglise de la Sainte Trinité à Peisey tells a different architectural story: it was built between 1685 and 1720 on the site of an older church. Its furnishings include an organ dating from 1773 that is protected as a historic monument. The Chemin des chapelles de Peisey offers another way to explore the religious heritage: this circular trail takes you past seven chapels and a mountain sanctuary.
Mining History at the Palais de la Mine
The Monts d'Argent mining site near Pont-Baudin features an educational trail with museum displays. Its information panels cover the history of lead and silver mining and its importance to the Peisey-Nancroix valley.
At the Palais de la Mine, historical dates offer a different perspective on mining: the galena vein there was discovered in 1644 and worked until 1866. The importance of mining to the valley, explained through the information panels, and the dated history of a single vein thus present two distinct historical perspectives.
Circular Walks with Different Time Requirements
The Palais de la Mine educational trail is 2.4 km long, has an elevation gain of 120 metres and a stated duration of 60 minutes. These figures may change if the route is altered. The sporty circular walk to Lac de l’Etroit takes considerably longer: it is 7.8 km long, has an elevation gain of 864 metres and a stated walking time of 4 hours and 30 minutes. This makes it possible to compare the distance, ascent and time required for the two walks; for planning, walking time is a useful starting point, not just the number of kilometres.
The circular walk to Lac de l’Etroit starts and ends at the Pont Baudin car park in Peisey-Nancroix. You can reach the route by train to Landry, then by bus to Peisey-Nancroix, followed by a shuttle to Pont Baudin. Check the timetables for each leg of the journey before travelling. Before setting out, also check trail conditions and car park arrangements; the latter may change.
Discover more destinations: Plan Peisey, Vions, Le Bettaix, La Thuile, Grésy-Sur-Aix, Montmélian, Saint-Michel-De-Maurienne, Les Coches.
For the overview of the wider travel region: Savoie.
