Walking tour of the Monolith

Among the fragrant pine trees and light-coloured rocks, you'll feel like
you're in "the South". You could almost hear Nino Ferrer's guitar. Aclimbers'
paradise, this unique rock promontory marks the line between the northern
and southern Alps.

Description

You've opted for one of the top hikes in Haute Maurienne Vanoise. The kind
of excursion you won't forget: full of surprises, in the intimacy and cool
of forests that lie on the sunny side of the mountain. As it's also popular
with mountain bikers, it's advisable to keep an eye out for one another, so
everyone can share the area in peace.
Eager to enter the Vanoise National Park? Well, you've done it! You round
a bend in a clearing and lo! there stands Le Monolithe! Rising up from the
middle of the forest, this 93-metre-tall column can't fail to impress you.
This carbonated sedimentary rock is a striking testament to the process of
erosion. The rock is dolomitic limestone, compact and hard enough to stand
the test of time! Le Monolithe was first climbed in 1957 by Michel Paquier
and it was at its foot that Vanoise National Park was inaugurated in 1965.
This timless wonder is a great place to stop for a well-deserved snack.

Additional welcome

The duration of hiking trails is calculated using reference paces: 300 m/h ascent, 500 m/h descent and 4 km/h on the flat.

As hazards may occur at any time on the routes, the GPX tracks provided are not contractual. They are given for information only. Riders use them at their own risk, depending on their level of technological proficiency and their understanding of the terrain.

• Minimum age: 8 years

Environments

• Close to a public transportation
• Forest location
• Near shuttle stop
• Mountain view
• Mountain location

Rates

Free access.

Itinerary

• Distance 6.5km
• Route type Round trip
• Elevation gain 200m
• Negative gradient 200m
• Daily duration 02h15
• Signposted itinerary Yes
• Beaconing accuracy Mixed markings (PR: yellow blade and PNV: blue/white/red markings)
• Nature of the land Ground, Not suitable for strollers
• Maximum altitude 1688m

Opening period

All year round.
Requires snowshoes in winter.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Additional opening

• Subject to favorable weather

• Subject to snow conditions

Location

By bus: Lign S52 - Le Centre stop.
By car: park in the parking lot at the Aussois exit in the direction of Sardières -Plan de la croix.

Documents

• Walking tour of the Monolith (pdf)
• Walking tour of the Monolith (pdf)
• Walking tour of the Monolith (pdf)
• Walking tour of the Monolith (pdf)
• Walking tour of the Monolith (pdf)

Animals

Pets allowed : No

Pets are not allowed on this hike in the Vanoise National Park.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

• To guide you in the field, consult the "step-by-step" directional diagram provided in pdf.