Hiking - The Nâves high pastures (B27)
This loop trail allows you to discover pastoralism in the Nâves valley, as well as its preserved natural heritage. Along the entire route, you will enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding peaks.
Climb the ancestral mule track once used by farming families and their herds to reach the "montagnettes" in spring. This was an intermediate stop for a few weeks before entrusting their cows to the shepherds of the "fruit commun" for the hundred-day summer season in the high pastures.
From the Maison de Nâves building, head towards the village centre along the route du fruit commun. After crossing the bridge over the Grand Nant de Nâves, go up rue du Quermoz on your left. Take the old mule track (GRP Tour du Beaufortain) towards the Nant du Beurre refuge. The path continues above the stream (Grand Nant de Nâves) through a wooded area that gradually opens up. After a good short climb, admire the "fairy chimneys" (a result of erosion) on your left, then you will reach the Raverette chalets. Continue to the 1783 m elevation point, passing a beautiful oratory. On the slope opposite you (between Roc Marchand and Grand Crétet), you might see the large flock of sheep that graze in this area in summer. You might also come across herds of Tarine cows on your right, whose milk is used to make the AOP Beaufort cheese.
Then, take the vehicle track far on your right, which winds along the mountainside.
Continue along the path as it gently descends through the high pastures to the Tovet plateau (1560 m), the winter starting point for the Nâves nordic ski area. Throughout this descent, you can admire Quermoz on your left and, in the background on the other side of the valley, the resort of Valmorel, the Col de la Madeleine, and the Lauzière massif. You might spot some marmots.
You can take a break at Le Tovet: there are picnic tables, a hammock, a play area, slacklines, and a viewing table. To return, take the pretty path that circles the plateau and descends towards the village of Grand-Nâves. This will take you directly back to your starting point.
Climb the ancestral mule track once used by farming families and their herds to reach the "montagnettes" in spring. This was an intermediate stop for a few weeks before entrusting their cows to the shepherds of the "fruit commun" for the hundred-day summer season in the high pastures.
From the Maison de Nâves building, head towards the village centre along the route du fruit commun. After crossing the bridge over the Grand Nant de Nâves, go up rue du Quermoz on your left. Take the old mule track (GRP Tour du Beaufortain) towards the Nant du Beurre refuge. The path continues above the stream (Grand Nant de Nâves) through a wooded area that gradually opens up. After a good short climb, admire the "fairy chimneys" (a result of erosion) on your left, then you will reach the Raverette chalets. Continue to the 1783 m elevation point, passing a beautiful oratory. On the slope opposite you (between Roc Marchand and Grand Crétet), you might see the large flock of sheep that graze in this area in summer. You might also come across herds of Tarine cows on your right, whose milk is used to make the AOP Beaufort cheese.
Then, take the vehicle track far on your right, which winds along the mountainside.
Continue along the path as it gently descends through the high pastures to the Tovet plateau (1560 m), the winter starting point for the Nâves nordic ski area. Throughout this descent, you can admire Quermoz on your left and, in the background on the other side of the valley, the resort of Valmorel, the Col de la Madeleine, and the Lauzière massif. You might spot some marmots.
You can take a break at Le Tovet: there are picnic tables, a hammock, a play area, slacklines, and a viewing table. To return, take the pretty path that circles the plateau and descends towards the village of Grand-Nâves. This will take you directly back to your starting point.