Planay offers mountaineers climbing routes in the Grand Bec area. Renting a holiday apartment in Planay can be part of your personal travel plans.
Geographical Setting
Planay stretches along the Doron de Pralognan from Villard du Planay to Pont de Pierra Crêpa. The mountain area of Planay ranges from an altitude of 870 metres to the 3,398-metre-high Grand Bec, where there is a staffed mountain refuge.
296 hectares of Planay’s municipal territory lie within the core area of Vanoise National Park; a further 2,017 hectares are located in its optimal membership area.
Nature
The Cascade de la Vuzelle was placed under protection in 1935 and is considered a remarkable feature of the valley landscape. From Chambéranger, a path leads to a viewpoint overlooking the approximately 100-metre-high Cascade de la Vuzelle.
The Circuit de Ballandaz is described as suitable for families; there are benches and picnic areas along the route.
Activities
The marked Tour du Merle out-and-back trail is 3.5 kilometres long and classified as difficult; access to the summit of the Tour du Merle is reserved for experienced climbers.
Les Galinettes is a high-alpine rock-climbing route near the Grand Bec. The approach begins at Plan Fournier at an altitude of 1,700 metres and leads via La Cave towards Fontaine Froide; the route is described as a circuit returning to the foot of the cliff and takes one day.
Culture
Galerie Hydraulica is an interpretation centre that presents hydropower and its history in the Bozel Valley. Galerie Hydraulica will be temporarily closed in summer 2026.
Chambéranger is a traditional mountain village with steep lanes and rows of houses clinging to the hillside. The Chapel of Saint Barthélémy in Chambéranger was built in 1505 and is the oldest chapel in the Planay parish.
Notre-Dame de la Salette comprises a chapel and 14 stations accessible via pleasant paths from Chambéranger or from Planay town centre. Mass is celebrated at Notre-Dame de la Salette every year on 19 September.
La Novaz is an authentically preserved and well-maintained hamlet complex. The Chapel of Notre-Dame des Neiges, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, dates from 1633.
Cuisine
At the Cave de Ritord, Beaufort from the Alpe Ritord, Tommes, Raclette and other local products are traditionally made and sold directly.
