Ballandaz loop
Planay Hiking itinerary
Route
:
BOUCLE
Daily duration (minutes)
:
80
Distance (km)
:
2.6
Route
:
200
Level bue - easy
Departure/Arrival
Point of interest
Circuit n° 1
Car park next to the Town Hall
- Environment :
- Mountain location
Informations
- SITRA services :
- Route
- Route 1083
- Typologie promo SITRA :
- Not recommended in bad weather
- Parking :
- Car park
- SITRA services :
- Services
Download
Informations
Ballandaz loop
Route de Pralognan
Le Villard
73350
Planay
Phone : +33 4 79 55 03 77
Presentation
A forest trail where water is everywhere. Follow it, and discover an amazing place: overlooking the stream from a promontory, be amazed by the strength and beauty of Ballandaz!
Tourists during the Belle Époque, fond of mysterious places, were regular visitors to the Ballandaz Gorges.
There they found the coolness of the undergrowth combined with turbulent water that had carved out deep channels, giving rise to the imagination: here the profile of a local dignitary, there that of a wild animal.
Since then, humans have demonstrated their ability to harness the power of water, as evidenced by this penstock that you will follow for part of the way, like a breadcrumb trail.
You will be all the more surprised by this power when you reach the promontory overlooking the Doron riverbed: what vitality! A veritable natural mist sprayer!
On the way back, you will see a forge hammer that was once used to hammer metal.
Outward route: Cross the road towards the Pralognan power station. Descend into the village to reach the stream; follow it up on your left, following the yellow markings for Gorges de Ballandaz. At the sawmill, the forest path runs alongside the penstock. Follow the markings to reach the promontory.
After the Gorges promontory, continue along the path. A few bends higher up, there is a beautiful view of the valley. Descend via the widened forest path towards Le Villard; pass in front of the forge hammer.
Be careful when crossing the departmental road! The path leads to the back of the Town Hall/Galerie Hydraulica office.
Highlights of the route:
Discover the power of water in the mountains, whether ‘wild’ or ‘tamed’, along a shaded path punctuated by water.
This family-friendly route offers benches and picnic areas along the way.
A little history lesson!
During the heyday of Belle Epoque thermalism, high society came to Ballandaz to marvel at its wonders!
The elegant ladies would set off early in the morning in horse-drawn carriages, venturing out to drink a bowl of milk at the foot of the cow and delving into a mountain that fascinated these wealthy city dwellers with its wild beauty. Yes, the first tourists
There they found the coolness of the undergrowth combined with turbulent water that had carved out deep channels, giving rise to the imagination: here the profile of a local dignitary, there that of a wild animal.
Since then, humans have demonstrated their ability to harness the power of water, as evidenced by this penstock that you will follow for part of the way, like a breadcrumb trail.
You will be all the more surprised by this power when you reach the promontory overlooking the Doron riverbed: what vitality! A veritable natural mist sprayer!
On the way back, you will see a forge hammer that was once used to hammer metal.
Outward route: Cross the road towards the Pralognan power station. Descend into the village to reach the stream; follow it up on your left, following the yellow markings for Gorges de Ballandaz. At the sawmill, the forest path runs alongside the penstock. Follow the markings to reach the promontory.
After the Gorges promontory, continue along the path. A few bends higher up, there is a beautiful view of the valley. Descend via the widened forest path towards Le Villard; pass in front of the forge hammer.
Be careful when crossing the departmental road! The path leads to the back of the Town Hall/Galerie Hydraulica office.
Highlights of the route:
Discover the power of water in the mountains, whether ‘wild’ or ‘tamed’, along a shaded path punctuated by water.
This family-friendly route offers benches and picnic areas along the way.
A little history lesson!
During the heyday of Belle Epoque thermalism, high society came to Ballandaz to marvel at its wonders!
The elegant ladies would set off early in the morning in horse-drawn carriages, venturing out to drink a bowl of milk at the foot of the cow and delving into a mountain that fascinated these wealthy city dwellers with its wild beauty. Yes, the first tourists
Security
Take the weather forecast before leaving.
Don’t forget to drink to eat and have a break.
Equipment
Equip yourself with good shoes and clothes well suited for mountains.
Carry IGN map. This map is provided for information purposes only.
Good behaviour
Stay on track.
Respect the environment .
Be careful with herds, keep your dog on leash.
Be careful with your waste, bring it back with you.
Take the weather forecast before leaving.
Don’t forget to drink to eat and have a break.
Equipment
Equip yourself with good shoes and clothes well suited for mountains.
Carry IGN map. This map is provided for information purposes only.
Good behaviour
Stay on track.
Respect the environment .
Be careful with herds, keep your dog on leash.
Be careful with your waste, bring it back with you.
OuverturesAll year round daily.
According to snow condition.
According to snow condition.
To know
Topos pas à pasDeparture: Galerie Hydraulica car park. Cross the road towards the Pralognan power station. Descend into the village to reach the stream.
1/ Follow the stream on your left, following the yellow markings for Gorges de Ballandaz.
2/ At the sawmill, the forest path runs alongside the penstock. Follow the markings to reach the promontory.
3/ After the Gorges promontory, continue along the path. A few bends higher up, there is a beautiful view of the valley.
4/ Descend via the widened forest path towards Le Villard.
5/ Pass in front of the forge hammer. Be careful when crossing the departmental road! The path leads to the rear of the Town Hall/Galerie Hydraulica office.
1/ Follow the stream on your left, following the yellow markings for Gorges de Ballandaz.
2/ At the sawmill, the forest path runs alongside the penstock. Follow the markings to reach the promontory.
3/ After the Gorges promontory, continue along the path. A few bends higher up, there is a beautiful view of the valley.
4/ Descend via the widened forest path towards Le Villard.
5/ Pass in front of the forge hammer. Be careful when crossing the departmental road! The path leads to the rear of the Town Hall/Galerie Hydraulica office.
Alerte visiteursThis hike is accessible with a dog, but we advise you to keep your dog on a lead throughout the entire route. This helps to protect wildlife, preserve flora and ensure the peace and quiet of other hikers.
Pics
Pics
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