Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Conquering the Cheval Noir: a memorable ride in the Belleville Valley
02-08-2024 in NatureLooking to escape into nature for a day? Situated at the heart of the majestic Vallée des Belleville, Le Cheval Noir peaks at 2832 meters altitude.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
To get there and enjoy its breathtaking panoramas of the Alps, you'll need to lace up your best hiking boots. This challenging mountain escapade promises stunning views. To top off this adventure, a stop at Plan Lombardie Refuge is a must. Nestled at 1764 meters, this refuge is an excellent waystop on both the outbound and return of your journey. Here's everything you need to know to experience this sporty and rejuvenating adventure.
The ascent to Le Cheval Noir: starting point and route
The hike to the summit of Le Cheval Noir is quite demanding. With an elevation gain of nearly 1200 meters, this excursion is reserved for experienced hikers in good physical shape. The starting point can be from the hamlet of La Sauce, accessible after a short road (7 km) from Saint-Jean-de-Belleville. From La Sauce and its small traditional Savoyard chalets, follow the signs for Le Cheval Noir.
The trail first crosses verdant alpine pastures where cows and sheep graze peacefully. Keep an eye out: the marmots know how to stay hidden. Quickly, the path becomes steeper, winding through typical alpine landscapes, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
The summit of Le Cheval Noir: a breathtaking panorama
The climb becomes steeper as you approach the col du Cheval Noir: you might even spot some ibex perched there. The effort is sustained until the summit. The final meters are particularly challenging, but the reward is commensurate with the effort.
At the summit, the 360-degree view is breathtaking and stretches across the entire Lauzière range and its neighboring peaks: le Grand Perron des Encombres, la Pointe du Mont du Fût, the Aiguilles de Peclet and Polset, as well as le Mont Brequin. On a clear day, you can admire the peaks of the Ecrins, the glaciers of the Vanoise, the Aravis range, the Pic de l'Étendard, and even glimpse the majestic Mont Blanc.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Focus on the history of Le Cheval Noir
Indeed, it is not black, but with its silvery hue, you can't miss it. This impressive sculpture represents a rearing horse, symbol of the power and freedom of these mountains. Created by Patines et Volutes d'Aime-la-Plagne, the work was installed in 2014 after several years of effort, following delivery by helicopter. This project was initiated by the communes of Saint-Jean-de-Belleville, Saint François Longchamp, and Les Avanchers-Valmorel.
A true artistic and technical feat, the rearing horse stands proudly and dominates the valley, reflecting the sunlight. A true touch of majesty added to this spectacular summit.
Break at the Plan Lombardie Refuge: a friendly place to eat and relax
After a demanding ascent to the summit of Le Cheval Noir, nothing beats a good meal at a refuge to regain strength and relax. The Plan Lombardie Refuge offers generous and authentic cuisine. Lunchtime features daily specials and salads, while an evening set menu with appetizer, main course, and dessert will delight your taste buds. Homemade desserts like the Savoyard blueberry tart are available at any time. A perfect gourmet break after a long walk.
In addition to hiking, the refuge is equipped for the enjoyment of both young and old. A pétanque court, sun loungers for relaxation, and a friendly atmosphere where you can chat with other hikers or simply enjoy the serenity of the place. Children will find things to do with games and books, while adults can relax admiring the landscape or savoring a cool drink.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
A comfortable night in the heart of the mountains
If you wish to extend the experience until the next day, the refuge also offers several accommodation options, from simple overnight stays to half-board. The latter is particularly appreciated with its hearty dinner (appetizer or soup, main course and dessert), a comfortable night's stay, and a rich breakfast to start the day well.
The 23 beds distributed in 5 rooms offer all the necessary comfort to regain strength in a warm and friendly setting.
An easily accessible refuge, suitable for families
Would you like to enjoy the restorative setting of the refuge without climbing to the summit of Le Cheval Noir? It's possible! The refuge is a destination in itself, perfect for a day of relaxation in nature.
This haven of tranquility in the heart of the alpine pastures is located just a 40-minute easy walk from La Sauce. Access to the refuge is easy, even for families with young children. From the parking at La Sauce, well-marked trails will lead you to your destination effortlessly. People with reduced mobility also have the option to access the refuge directly by car.
P. Besson
P. Besson
P. Besson
Opening and booking of Plan Lombardie Refuge
The refuge is manned from May to October. Outside these periods, a part of the refuge remains accessible by reservation. It is strongly recommended to book your stay or meals at the refuge. The guardian may sometimes be absent for supply trips.
The hike to Le Cheval Noir followed by a stop at the Plan Lombardie Refuge is an adventure that combines effort and reward, nature and friendliness. Seasoned hikers will opt for the entire route, while families seeking relaxation can enjoy the timeless setting of the refuge.
Pack your backpacks and set out to discover this jewel of the Vanoise massif, located between Maurienne and Tarentaise. Also discover our selection of summer hikes during your stay in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.
More information
- Visit the website
- Contact by email
- Phone: +33 9 82 12 43 08
- Open: daily from May to October.
