Fontaine-le-Puits: Hiking Trails and Viewpoints

The Sentier des Ravières from Fontaine-le-Puits is a family-friendly themed trail where children can discover the forest environment and different animal and tree species through play. It starts at a car park near the church and forms a loop back to the starting point. The route includes a viewpoint with a picnic area and an orientation board; from there, the panorama stretches across the valley and surrounding peaks. If you’d like to combine forest themes with a view, you’ll find both along this circular route.

Trail history between Fontaine-le-Puits and Salins-les-Thermes

The Chemin des morts connects the villages of Fontaine-le-Puits and Salins-les-Thermes and passes through former limestone mines. In the past, pallbearers used it to carry the deceased from Fontaine-le-Puits to the parish in Salins-les-Thermes. The trail therefore represents a historic connection with a specific former purpose. This sets it apart thematically from the Sentier des Ravières, which focuses on the forest and its animal and tree species.

The Fontaine-le-Puits et le Puits hiking trail serves a different connecting purpose: it links the two hamlets and provides access to the Sentier des Ravières. When navigating, the trails can be distinguished by their respective destinations: the hiking trail runs between the hamlets and to the themed trail, while the Chemin des morts connects Fontaine-le-Puits with Salins-les-Thermes and the former parish.

Pointe du Cuchet: summit views and two loops

Pointe du Cuchet is a summit in the Belleville Valley, reaching 1,679 m. From there, the panoramic view takes in Mont Blanc, Grande Casse, Grand-Perron, and Niélard. Two hiking routes lead to the viewpoint: a short loop and a long loop. Both have the same destination and differ in their loop format. This gives you two routes to choose from when planning a hike to the summit viewpoint, while the named destination remains the same.

Hiking trails and information at the Retenue de la Coche

Several established hiking trails start from the Barrage-retenue de la Coche in Fontaine-le-Puits. An information board on the grounds of the Retenue explains how it works; it also plays an important role in generating electricity in the valley. This means the Retenue’s technical function is another topic you can explore while hiking in the area. If you’re interested in electricity generation in the valley, the board offers a specific point of reference. Seasonal access conditions for the Fontaine-le-Puits et le Puits hiking trail may change; conditions on individual trails starting from the Barrage-retenue de la Coche may also change. Check the relevant notices before your hike.

Weighing up your hiking interests when choosing a hotel

If you’re looking for a hotel for a hiking holiday, your planned day trip can be a useful starting point when choosing a destination. The Sentier des Ravières combines a forest theme with a loop and a viewpoint; at Pointe du Cuchet, the focus is on summit views and a choice of two loops. For a trip planned around local trail history, the Chemin des morts offers a different focus. Consider whether nature, choosing a loop, or a trail’s historical purpose should shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Grignon, Sardières, Saint-Pierre-D'entremont, Verrens-Arvey, Champagny-En-Vanoise, La Rochette, Bellentre, Fontcouverte-La-Toussuire

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