Barrage du Mont-Cenis

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake

This trail is named for the barrage (dam) that forms the Lac du Mont Cenis. It starts from the Rue Mont Cenis, which connects to the main D1006 road.

The trail passes around the southern end of the picturesque Lac du Mont Cenis, which lies in the midst of glacier-covered 3,000m+ (10,000ft) peaks, so it is quite beautiful.

The trail surface is doubletrack, so you can easily enjoy the scenery along the gentle ascent and descent as you near the Fort du Variselle perched on a hill just south of the dam. It looks like the trail heads up to the fort, but before you get there, you'll plunge down towards the level of the dam. You can visit the fort by taking the Fort du Variselle Road to the left just before you reach the dam, but you'll have to climb 120m/400ft in 1.6km/1mi to get there.

Aside from the climb, the fort is in quite good condition, so it is a worthwhile visit. Across the dam, the trail ends at the main D1006 road. The whole route is above the tree line and at high altitude, so bring appropriate sun protection.