Les Hauts de Saint-Jean

No car? No problem! We did “Les Hauts de Saint-Jean”. This is a walk from the town centre that takes less than two hours to complete.

Bastien

I'm a big mountain enthusiast and love to take advantage of my free days to go on excursions! I'll be taking you on an accessible walk, ideal for those who, like me, love adventure within reach of a train.

Departure on foot from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne town centre

From Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne station, we headed into the town centre towards the tourist office. After ten minutes or so, we arrived there. We were passing through Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne for the day and were looking for a short hike starting from the town, as we didn’t have a car. We were advised to take the “Les Hauts de Saint-Jean” route: a loop of around 4 km, which takes less than two hours to complete and is not very steep. Just follow the EN03 signs. It’s a great way to get some height and one of the best views of the town. We thanked our guide and set off for one of the starting points behind the hospital.

Bonne-Nouvelle Chapel

Once we arrived at the starting point, we found ourselves in front of the signpost indicating the loop. We chose to start on the left. First we walk alongside the ruisseau de la Torne, in the shade of the trees. The difference in altitude is noticeable, as we are at the foot of the mountain, but the effort is quickly rewarded by the quick rise in altitude. Just before reaching the chapel (which has overlooked the town since 1529), we skirt a few rows of vines. From here, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the town and the valley. The orientation table helps us to decipher the landscape: we can clearly make out the Croix des Têtes and, in front of us, the opening of the valley towards Italy.

Sainte-Thècle loop" variant

We then retrace our steps to reach the cross and grotto of Sainte-Thècle. Legend has it that Thècle, a native of Valloire, went to Egypt to venerate the relics of Saint John the Baptist. After years of prayer, she returned to the Maurienne with three fingers of the saint, before retiring to this mountain to live out her days. It is for this reason that the town has chosen a hand with three fingers raised as its emblem.

But let’s get back to our walk: the section leading up to Sainte-Thècle is quite steep, but it offers an even steeper panorama of the town. This diversions adds around 1 km to the route. After admiring the view, we start the descent. For those who want to extend the walk or return to the village of Jarrier, it’s possible to follow trail S10, but for us, it’s already time to head back.

We return to the town centre, stopping at the cheese shop “Aux produits savoyards” to buy a piece of Beaufort before heading back to the station.