THEMED PATH: Industrial circuit walk

Description

A tour of L'Argentière-La Bessée on the trail of its industrial heritage&hellipNothing less than an open-air museum! This trail takes you back in time! The route is punctuated by landmarks offering an insight into the history of hydroelectricity and the town's industrial past: compressors, water turbine, wagon, aluminium bar; the rich past of L'Argentière in a nutshell! Setting out from the Tourist Information Office of L'Argentière-La Bessée, follow the banks of the Durance towards the red bridge. - When you come to the red bridge, cross it and then take the narrow footpath on the left. - Turn left and make a there-and-back detour to see the arch bridge: go past a garage to reach a promontory which takes you close to the bridge, and then retrace your steps. Carry on, passing the former Péchiney factory, and then take the Rue de l'Industrie where there is an exhibition of photographs on the walls. - Turn right at the roundabout and cross the road to read the information panel on the Francis water turbine. Carry on towards the railway bridge and go under it through an underpass, to reach the explanatory panel about the Mines du Fournel wagon. Retrace your steps back to the Francis turbine panel and continue straight ahead, past the mobile compressor. At the next roundabout, go right to the impressive aluminium bar. - From the aluminium bar, cross the road heading towards the station, to discover the shunting locomotive. Go back to the main road of L'Argentière-La Bessée and carry on towards the town hall ("Mairie"). After admiring the enormous ice-pick in front of the town hall, carry on towards the bridge which takes you across the Durance and back to the Tourist Information Office.

Difficulty

Official rating: very easy, by Parc national des Écrins.

Before you go

• Information panels are provided all along the route.
• Les écrins sentiers thématiques Smartphone app can be downloaded.
• Check weather conditions before setting off.
• Rescue services contact details: Secours Montagne (Mountain Rescue): +33 (0)4 92 22 22 22 or 112
• Show consideration for the work of farmers, livestock keepers and owners
• Close all gates behind you
• Take your litter home
• Do not take shortcuts across pastureland

Getting there

Start: Bureau d’Information touristique de L’Argentière-La Bessée, L'Argentière-la-Bessée (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/960380-SENTIER-THEMATIQUE-%3A-Balade-du-Circuit-Industriel). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 20 m, Parc national des Écrins