“In the footsteps of pilgrims
on the Via Francigena”
The medieval village of Etroubles has maintained its vocation as a rest point along the famous Via Francigena, a route of pilgrimage which connected the British Isles to Rome and Jerusalem crossing the Great St. Bernard Pass.
The typical cobbled roads, the springs, the stone-tiled roofs, the flower-filled balconies and the open-air artistic activities are perfectly integrated with the surrounding nature, offering an experience of absolute harmony to visitors.
To keep the traditional spirit alive, the life of the valley is animated by a number of folkloric events, such as the Carnival of Coumba Freide and the not-to-be-missed Summer Veillà, an exhibition of all the historic handicraft, enlivened with dance and song.
Action Etroubles
Trips among bivouacs and refuges
Located at an altitude of 2,415 meters in the Menouve Valley at the foot of Mont Velan (3,710 meters), along the High Route nr. 1 and the Italian-Swiss trek of the Tour des Combins, you will find the Molline Bivouac.
It can be easily reached from the Champillon Pass, from the village of Prailles and the Swiss town of Bourg-Saint-Pierre, from the Menouve Pass(2.757 metres), the Molline Pass (2.907 metres) and the Hannibal Pass (2.992 metres.).
Tour of the Grand Combin on mountain bike
For lovers of mountain biking, this challenging but rewarding route is recommended. 3 days, 120 km, 4540 meters of elevation.
Via FrancigenaLeaving from Etroubles, you ascend the lovely Menouve valley and then set off towards the basin of By, to take the very long road to the highest point: the 2800 meters of altitude of the Fenêtre de Durand.
Then from the Cabane de Chanrion up to the Tsofeiret Pass and then down, above the stunning artificial lake of Mauvosin. Here a fantastic descent begins on a single track down to cross the dam, to reach finally the Brunet refuge. You will then continue onto another tiring, but very beautiful trail to the Tseppi shepherd’s hut. Then between pushing and peddling you will go up the steep hairpin bends to reach the refuge Cabane du Col de Mille (on the Mille Pass), where you can enjoy a glorious view over the entire Mont Blanc range. The last stage: up to the 2470 meters of the St. Bernardo Pass and then the return to Etroubles.
Fatigue, tiredness, but a great sense of satisfaction when you arrive back.