Where is the best place to start exploring the "Path of Little Happiness"?
From the Modane train station
Modane is accessible by high-speed train and highway, making it a strategic starting point. It offers a wide range of lodging options, shops, restaurants, and services for hikers.
As soon as you leave the station, just follow the signs for “Le Chemin du Petit Bonheur.” In a few minutes, you’ll leave the city behind and climb up to La Norma along a forest trail.
From Aussois
From Aussois, walk down to the Esseillon forts, cross the Arc Gorges via the dizzying Devil’s Bridge, climb back up to the Marie-Thérèse Redoubt, and take the Chemin du Petit Bonheur, which is located just across the road.
That’s already a lovely walk, but you can treat yourself to a well-deserved break at the cabin built along the Chemin du Petit Bonheur. You can then continue on to Val Cenis-Bramans and head back up toward Aussois.
From La Norma
La Norma, the quintessential family-friendly resort, is the perfect starting point for the "Path to Little Happiness."
From the station, you can reach Val Cenis via the Redoute Marie-Thérèse. The route is gentle, with a mostly downhill or slightly undulating terrain, making it ideal for a half-day outing.
During the summer, shuttle buses provide access to other villages and allow you to choose different starting points along the route.
From Val Cenis
Are you staying in Val Cenis (the villages of Bramans, Sollières, Termignon, Lanslebourg, and Lanslevillard)?
The Path to Little Happiness runs through your town or is located right on the edge of town.
Just follow the signs and you're all set.
- From Bramans: the trail runs through the entire village. You can join it at the tourist office or the church. From the village, a pleasant walk takes you to Sollières via the hamlet of Le Châtel (about 3 hours round trip).
- From Sollières: The trail passes through Sollières l’Envers. Head toward the archaeological museum or the campground to return to your starting point
- From Termignon: the trail runs along the bottom of the ski slopes near the parking lot
- From Lanslebourg: Start your hike at the base of the Ramasse chairlift and follow the left bank of the Arc River
- From Lanslevillard: You can reach the Chemin du Petit Bonheur near the town hall and head toward Bessans. You can take a relatively short hike to the Rocher des Sarrazins, passing by the Saint-Étienne Chapel and the solarium, which offers a beautiful view of the valley (2 hours round trip). Or you can go all the way to Bessans and enjoy various activities (solarium, picnic tables, “petits pas”) and a wide variety of landscapes (3 hours and 10 minutes one way, with the option to return by bus).
From Bessans
From Bessans, you can easily take the Chemin du Petit Bonheur toward Val Cenis–Lanslebourg, Val Cenis–Termignon, Val Cenis–Bramans, and then Modane.
The trail crosses the open mountain pastures of the upper valley before gradually winding its way into more forested terrain.
This section, which is particularly pleasant in the summer, alternates between open, exposed stretches and shadier sections, while offering magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. It’s ideal for a leisurely day hike or a multi-day trek.
The route to Bonneval is also very pleasant: it follows the Arc River through Villaron (allow 2 hours and 15 minutes for the round trip; you can also take the bus).
From Bonneval-sur-Arc
From Bonneval-sur-Arc, a picturesque village nestled at the foot of the Iseran, you can take the Chemin du Petit Bonheur for a scenic drive to Modane.
The route descends gradually along the valley, passing through Bessans and Val Cenis. This route can be completed in several stages or in a single day, either on a trail run or a mountain bike.
Shuttles run all summer long, allowing you to head to Bonneval-sur-Arc in the morning and then take your time walking back down the Chemin du Petit Bonheur during the day.
Practical Tips
• Parking: Free parking (except in the hamlet of L’Ecot, at the end of Chemin du Petit Bonheur)
• Access: SNCF train station in Modane; shuttle buses between stations available during the season
• Return: option to return to your starting point by shuttle bus
• Refreshments: shops at each starting point (grocery store, bakery, restaurants)