Beaulard: Hiking, Railway and History

Beaulard lies on the valley floor along the Dora di Bardonecchia at an altitude of 1,175 metres above sea level. The river and the elevation give you two concrete reference points for planning your trip. Beaulard also has a railway station on the Turin–Bardonecchia line. If you would like to combine your stay with hikes, starting in the village and taking trails that end in Beaulard are two different planning considerations.

Hiking Routes and Time Planning

A marked hiking route leads from Beaulard railway station along trails 702/703 to Rifugio Guido Rey. The hut is about an hour and a half’s walk from Beaulard. Walking time varies with conditions. Since trail conditions and markings can change, check the latest information before setting out.

The Beaulard–Puy Beaulard–Beaulard loop is a circular hike that starts and ends in Beaulard and takes about two hours. The starting point is the car park beside the bridge over the Dora di Bardonecchia, near the railway station. At Puy Beaulard, the loop reaches a maximum elevation of 1,450 metres; along the way, it passes through forests of Scots pine and spruce. If you are planning this hike, you can take the starting point and approximate duration into account together. Parking conditions may change, so check them in advance.

The time estimates refer to different routes and destinations: the full loop takes about two hours, while the hut is roughly an hour and a half’s walk from Beaulard. On the Sentiero del Balcone, you can reach Beaulard in less than an hour and a half on foot. The Oulx–Beaulard hiking route descends to Beaulard along trail 701. If you hike from Oulx to Beaulard, you can also take the train back to Oulx from Beaulard railway station. Check the train timetable in advance.

Landscape and Local History

The Oasi Xerotermica di Puys (Beaulard) is listed as a special protection area under site code IT1110052 and is managed by the Metropolitan City of Turin. If you are planning a visit, check the current regulations.

The former Beaulard–Oulx cross-country ski trail also follows the river: it runs along the Dora from Bardonecchia to Oulx. In the hamlet of Puy Beaulard, the traditional architecture is considered to remain intact. This gives your visit another local point of interest alongside the hiking trails and valley setting.

Beaulard is also the birthplace of Joseph Chalier, a prominent figure in the French Revolution. He was executed in 1793; the year refers to this historical event. Together with the architecture in Puy Beaulard, the village’s history offers a distinct topic alongside nature and hiking.

Discover more destinations: Piamprato, Rivalta Di Torino, Rivoli, Plan, Condove, Bricherasio, Rivalba, Cuorgnè

For the main travel overview: Turin.