Hiking Trail: Véran via Besseray

This extended version of a must-do hike follows a well-maintained, shady forest track. At the end, the Véran valley opens up before you, framed by the dramatic cliffs of Croix de Fer and its beautiful mountain pastures.

Starting from the Besseray car park in Saint-Martin, this hike gradually climbs towards the Véran mountain pastures. The route begins along the semi-paved Crève-Cœur road, passing through the hamlets of Les Plagnes, Petit-Arvet and Grand-Arvet.

The climb then continues along a forest track winding its way up the mountainside. The trees provide welcome shade along much of the route, while several points of interest add to the experience, including the Sapin Président, an impressive tree well worth the short detour, especially with children.

After crossing the Crève-Cœur stream, the path becomes briefly steeper before settling back into a more regular ascent. The track continues through the forest until a final clearing, where the Arpenaz stream signals that you are nearing the mountain pastures.

A few more steps and the Véran refuge comes into view, set in a peaceful mountain landscape. Here, the forest gives way to open pastures and the spectacular Véran valley, dominated by the imposing cliffs of Croix de Fer.

The refuge is staffed during the summer season and makes a pleasant stop for hikers wishing to enjoy the mountain surroundings for a little longer, or even spend a night at altitude.

For those wishing to extend their hike, the Véran mountain pastures are also the starting point for several other routes, including the Tête de Lassy and, for experienced hikers, the Cheminée de Monthieu and Tête du Colonney.

Departure: Besseray car park in St Martin
With Mayères and Doran, this hike is one of the essentials of the Sallanches valley.

1. Follow the road to Crève Coeur, semi-asphalted which climbs up to the Grand-Arvet car park (about 1 hour 30 minutes uphill)
   2.you will first pass through the Chalets des Plagnes, then Le Petit-Arvet before arriving at the Chalets du Grand Arvet where higher parking is possible for certain vehicles
2. continue this forest track, passing next to the path that takes you to the famous Sapin Président on your right, which is worth the little detour for children ;-)
   4.cross the bridge that spans the Crève Coeur torrent further on, then the path climbs a little steeper for a few meters
3. this forest path continues winding through the mountain until the final clearing where you will cross the Arpenaz stream which forms the famous waterfall of the same name
4. then you will see the Véran refuge and its mountain pasture a few meters away.