If you’re looking for technical trails, breathtaking scenery and total immersion in unspoilt nature, the Maurienne valley is your next playground.

Published on 31 May 2026
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Cris Trail

Christelle and Maho

My name is Christelle, and sport is a necessity for me. I do it almost every day, and it's become an essential part of my life.

the hidden paradise of the trail La Maurienne

At dawn, the sun barely catches the crests of our summits. The air is cool, almost too cool. The first few strides are easy, the path unfurls…

Two hours later, everything had changed. The cardio is racing, the breath is short, the legs are heavy, and up there, a cloud is starting to cling. The ground became unstable and the stones rolled under your feet. That’s when you realise that running in the Maurienne is no simple trail outing. It’s a constant negotiation with the mountain.

It’s not you who slows down. It’s the mountain that sets the pace.
Running here isn’t just about ticking off a route. It’s about adapting, slowing down and sometimes giving up. Because here, more than anywhere else, it’s not the trail that puts you to the test. It’s the mountains.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, we’ve come up with several routes to help you explore the richness and technical nature of our region. Along the way, through forests, pastures and open vistas, the Maurienne will become your best playground.

Where to train

My favourite spots

KV de Jarrier:

The start is in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne town centre, just behind the hospital.
The climb: It’s short but very intense. Most of the path climbs through forest (which is good for protecting you from the sun), with a water point halfway up.
The finish: You leave the forest for the last few hectometres in the Jarrier mountain pastures (at a place called “Sur la Balme” / forêt du Sapey). At the summit, a picnic table awaits you with an exceptional panoramic view of the Aiguilles d’Arves.

Saint-Colomban-des-Villards Verticale du Grand Truc

A two-stage climb
The route starts in the wild and magnificent Vallée des Villards.

The first part (in the forest): The path leaves Saint-Colomban (Nantchenu / La Pierre sector) and quickly goes under the trees. It’s a steep, sheltered climb through the woods to the Grange du Truc (around 1,839 m altitude).
The second part (on the ridge): Once out of the forest, the scenery changes completely. You begin the final climb to the Côte Brune ridge. The path becomes more aerial and panoramic all the way to the summit of Grand Truc.

The summit and the reward!
Reaching the summit at 2,209 m is well worth the effort, thanks to an exceptional 360° panorama.

The Maurienne Challenge

A new challenge for 2 that will take you all over the Maurienne slopes of Belledonne and beyond!

3 days in the Maurienne: pure adventure

Experience three days of total immersion in the heart of a magnificent and authentic landscape. Much more than a sporting challenge, this is a real expedition: no signposting, progress by map and GPS, safety monitoring by beacon and two memorable nights in a tent.

After the effort, it’s time for a bit of conviviality. Every evening, enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Échappée Belle over a hot local meal and entertainment to discover the Maurienne region as told by its inhabitants. The adventure culminates in a festive finish at the Parc Rochette in Aiguebelle.

This environmentally-friendly challenge is accessible directly by train.

Thursday 20, Friday 21 and Saturday 22 August 2026!

Our answers to your questions