{"id":97969,"date":"2026-07-06T23:16:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T21:16:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/?p=97969"},"modified":"2026-07-20T19:11:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T17:11:20","slug":"celtic-remains-alpine-garden-hikes-what-to-do-this-summer-at-the-petit-saint-bernard-pass-follow-the-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/vestiges-celtiques-jardin-alpin-randos-que-faire-cet-ete-au-col-du-petit-saint-bernard-suivez-la-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Haute Tarentaise: Celtic remains, alpine garden, hikes... What to do this summer at the Petit-Saint-Bernard pass? Follow the guide!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>At an altitude of 2,188 metres, on the Franco-Italian border, the Little St Bernard Pass (<a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/high-tarentaise\/\">Haute Tarentaise<\/a>is not just a simple stopover. A strategic location crossed by man since prehistory, it concentrates a millennia of history and an open-air discovery site on a few hectares. An information point reopens there every summer to invite visitors to stop by.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>READ OUR SPECIAL REPORT :&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/high-tarentaise\/\">Haute Tarentaise, \u00abthe roof of Savoie\u00bb<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u00abBefore, people would pass by and wonder, \u00bbWhat is this building?\" Now, there's a new dynamic.\"<\/em> Observe Lou Julien, head of reception, with over twenty seasons under his belt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A reinvented vocation for hospitality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The history of the pass first and foremost involves the hospices founded by Saint Bernard on the Alpine borders. While the one on the Great St Bernard Pass, in Switzerland, still houses monks and is open year-round, the one on the Little St Bernard Pass only comes alive in the summer and has left its religious spirit behind.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Que faire au Col du Petit Saint Bernard?\" class=\"wp-image-97972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo \u00a9 Romain Boisaubert\/Le Petit Montagnard) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u00abWe're keeping the same welcoming spirit\u00bb<\/em> Lou Julien summary. While <a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/a-gourmet-stop-and-a-cosy-nest-in-haute-tarentaise-the-manager-of-the-hospice-du-petit-saint-bernard-has-opened-her-doors-to-us\/\">Sophie and her team bring the inn-restaurant to life.<\/a>, the information point guides visitors. And not just about the pass. <em>\u00abWe broadcast across both valleys, the Tarentaise and the Aosta Valley, and even beyond.\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A reception that appeals to a growing audience. <em>\u00abIt's becoming better known, with increasingly frequent guided tours.\u00bb<\/em> it notes. Also at fault is a mountain that has become summery: <em>\u00abPeople are looking for coolness, and they increasingly like the mountains because there is plenty to do.\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In the footsteps of the remains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first must-see is the pass itself, which is like walking through an open-air history book. You'll find the statue of Saint Bernard, perched on the ancient Joux Column, a Celtic cromlech (that mysterious circle of stones), the ruins of La Mansio, a temple dedicated to Jupiter, and also a botanical gem: the La Chanousia alpine garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>READ MORE: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/why-does-everyone-stop-at-the-petit-saint-bernard-pass-in-the-summer-now-and-stay-there\/\">Why does everyone now stop at the Petit-Saint-Bernard pass in the summer (and stay there)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded by Abbot Pierre Chanoux, \u00abthe angel of the mountain\u00bb who lived here in winter and summer alike and forbade hunting around the pass, this garden brings together the high-altitude flora of the Alps.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VTT-au-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-Credit-Andy-Parant_0-copie-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-97564\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VTT-au-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-Credit-Andy-Parant_0-copie-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VTT-au-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-Credit-Andy-Parant_0-copie-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VTT-au-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-Credit-Andy-Parant_0-copie-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VTT-au-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-Credit-Andy-Parant_0-copie-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VTT-au-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-Credit-Andy-Parant_0-copie-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VTT-au-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-Credit-Andy-Parant_0-copie-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VTT-au-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-Credit-Andy-Parant_0-copie-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VTT-au-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-Credit-Andy-Parant_0-copie-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/VTT-au-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-Credit-Andy-Parant_0-copie-1200x801.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo \u00a9 Andy Parant)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the walking front, three routes accessible to everyone allow you to discover the area at a relaxed pace: \u00abAu fil des fronti\u00e8res\u00bb (Along the Borders), a family walk of about 5 kilometres that plays with the former demarcation line, \u00abLe lac sans fond\u00bb (The Bottomless Lake), and \u00abLe sentier de la m\u00e9moire\u00bb (The Memory Trail). Three short, cultural routes., <em>\u00abaccessible to everyone\u00bb<\/em>, highlights Lou Julien.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More experienced hikers will aim for the summit of Lancebranlette, the most beautiful but also the most demanding. <em>\u00abThis is where you have a superb view of the entire mountain range.\u00bb <\/em>It promises challenges. With its approximately 700 metres of elevation gain, you'd best have your calf muscles ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cycling, and a new thing to round off the summer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The pass is also a playground for cyclists, who can climb from <a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/subject\/bourg-saint-maurice\/\">Bourg-Saint-Maurice<\/a> or from La Thuile, on the Italian side. Good news for those who want to leave the car in the garage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/\u00a9Yann-Allegre-HTV-Col-du-Petit-Saint-Bernard-47-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-97479\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-srcset=\"\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo \u00a9 Yann All\u00e8gre)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A shuttle bus now runs from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, allowing you to spend the day there with a programme of cultural walks, a refreshment stop and discovery of the pass on both sides of the border. <em>\u00abPeople cycle or walk, and no longer need to take their cars.\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And to finish the season in style, a new addition awaits tarmac enthusiasts: the Bernardette, <a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/the-haute-tarentaise-is-launching-a-new-race-for-cycling-enthusiasts-on-this-mythical-alpine-pass\/\">a sportive cycling event scheduled for September 6th<\/a>. Meet until the first snow, the pass remaining open from late May to early October. With winter, you can only meet there by ski, between <a href=\"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/subject\/la-rosiere\/\">La Rosi\u00e8re<\/a> and La Thuile.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At an altitude of 2,188 metres, on the Franco-Italian border, the Petit Saint-Bernard Pass (Haute Tarentaise) is more than just a simple crossing point. A strategic location traversed by humans since prehistoric times, it concentrates millennia of history and an open-air discovery site within just a few hectares. An information point reopens there every summer to<\/p>","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":97973,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[136],"tags":[65,327,572,581,139],"class_list":["post-97969","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-loisirs","tag-a-la-une","tag-alpes-du-nord","tag-haute-tarentaise","tag-haute-tarentaise-2026","tag-loisirs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97969","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=97969"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97969\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":98184,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97969\/revisions\/98184"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97969"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97969"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petit-montagnard.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97969"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}