During this walk, you will be able to learn more about the coal mines that were in operation until the 20th century. The ruins along the way bear witness to the importance of the mining activity at that time
A little history
In the first half of the 19th century, the Haute Tarentaise was dotted with numerous mines. All types of metals were extracted, including gold, silver, copper, lead, coal, anthracite and brown coal. At Peisey and Macot, large deposits of argentiferous lead are mined. At the
Landry mine (Montchavin concession), an anthracite deposit was mined. By 1855, there were no fewer than 35 anthracite mines in the Tarentaise region.
Anthracite is a slow-burning coal that gives off a lot of heat.
REMINDER: our dog friends must be kept on a leash in the ski area, particularly around Plan Bois and on sled dog outings.
In the first half of the 19th century, the Haute Tarentaise was dotted with numerous mines. All types of metals were extracted, including gold, silver, copper, lead, coal, anthracite and brown coal. At Peisey and Macot, large deposits of argentiferous lead are mined. At the
Landry mine (Montchavin concession), an anthracite deposit was mined. By 1855, there were no fewer than 35 anthracite mines in the Tarentaise region.
Anthracite is a slow-burning coal that gives off a lot of heat.
REMINDER: our dog friends must be kept on a leash in the ski area, particularly around Plan Bois and on sled dog outings.
Start from Montchavin
1/ Place de l’Etoile
2/ Walk towards the swimming pool complex and then to the top of Montchavin.
3/ Once you are past the "Neige et Soleil" centre, follow the road to the bend (Chalet la Vanoise).
4/ Take the narrowest path at the foot of the chalet into the forest and walk down a number of switchbacks. The relatively flat path then carries on to the village of Montorlin, before climbing back up to Montchavin.
It is better to walk the "Tour de la Mine" trail in this direction, following the information tables and signposts.
1/ Place de l’Etoile
2/ Walk towards the swimming pool complex and then to the top of Montchavin.
3/ Once you are past the "Neige et Soleil" centre, follow the road to the bend (Chalet la Vanoise).
4/ Take the narrowest path at the foot of the chalet into the forest and walk down a number of switchbacks. The relatively flat path then carries on to the village of Montorlin, before climbing back up to Montchavin.
It is better to walk the "Tour de la Mine" trail in this direction, following the information tables and signposts.
Niveau difficulté
Level green – easy
Prices
Free access.
Opening
From 28/06 to 30/08/2025.
Downloadable files
Characteristic
Minimum age
8 yrs
Animals accepted
yes
Elevation gain
300 m
Descent
300 m
Distance
4.3km
Type of itinerary
Circuit
Hiking itinerary : Tour de la Mine
Place de l'Etoile Montchavin
73210 Montchavin-les-Coches
73210 Montchavin-les-Coches
Altitude
1250m
Montchavin- Les Coches
