Promindoz

Introduction

Short walk through the forests of the upper Valtournenche. The arrival at Promindoz offers interesting panoramic views in a truly evocative setting.

Description

Leaving the car behind, we set off along a flat tarmac road that soon leads to the village of Cretaz: just before the village we encounter the characteristic chapel dedicated to Saint-Grat and Saint-Antoine (patron saint of Valtournenche). We enter between the houses along a narrow lane that crosses the old centre, the pretty little square and its characteristic rascards. At the end of the lane, we come to a marker indicating that we are to ascend the Alta Via 1 path. We begin to climb up the path, soon reaching a small bridge over the Cheneil stream; we turn right and cross a small clearing. Go back into the beautiful fir forest and proceed up the slope in a series of wide bends. Having reached a second marker indicating the path to Paquier (the main town of Valtournenche), which we obviously overlook, we continue up the ridge, enjoying the splendid atmosphere of the forest and some panoramic views of the Grandes Murailles. Shortly after meeting a second signpost, indicating the turnoff for Alpe Falinère, we reach the farm road to Creux: we cross it and climb up the forest again to a second crossroads with the farm road. After rejoining the path, the wood slowly descends until it reaches the snow-covered pastures below our destination. Leave the forest and, following a fence, reach an isolated house and, shortly afterwards, cross a small road: take the path again and you will soon reach a pretty little house with red balconies: turn right and finally reach the village of Promindoz (1845m, 1h15'). The return is by the same route as the outward journey (0h45'). The origin of the place name, according to Abbé Gorret, is linked to the amateur terms Pro (meadow) and Mindo (clean).