This circular hike allows you to discover old paths and mule tracks that pass through enchanting forests, connecting the hamlets of Mellier and Petit Rosier and the historic chapel of Echely. This route offers the opportunity to explore the local forest fauna and flora, as well as the rural history of these places. Additionally, visiting the Echely Chapel area helps to understand the importance of faith and religious practices for the mountain populations of the Alps.
After parking in the Mellier square, do not visit the hamlet immediately (you will see it later), but walk along the regional road for about a hundred meters until you find the start of the old mule track (trail no. 13A), which once connected Mellier to the Rosier area. Follow the mule track, which runs above Mellier through pastures and sparse forests, until you cross a small stream via a bridge. The mule track gently ascends through the forest until you reach the Rosier area, where you will encounter a fork. It is recommended to visit the hamlet of Petit Rosier by taking the left path, which climbs to the hamlet, characterized by several stone and wooden houses, ancient rascards, and the Chapel of the Immaculate Virgin, located near a large fountain. After visiting the hamlet, return to the fork in the forest. From the fork, continue towards Grand Rosier for about a hundred meters until you reach the junction with trail no. 14C. Take the right path (trail no. 14C), which descends steeply through the forest until it reaches the regional road, passing near a large rock wall. A short round trip is recommended to visit the Echely Chapel area (1196 meters above sea level), a historic crossing point of the main mule track of the Champorcher Valley and an important religious site for all travelers. Behind the chapel, there is a rock climbing area. From the Echely Chapel, it is also recommended to descend a little towards the valley, following the mule track for about a hundred meters until you reach the regional road. Cross it carefully to admire the inscription on the rock, commissioned by Victor Emmanuel II to commemorate the creation of the royal road and the royal hunting lodges in the Dondena area. After visiting this important historical site, retrace your steps to the junction. Then walk along the regional road for about a hundred meters and find the path on the right that will lead you back to the historic hamlet of Mellier. In this section, you will first cross a forest and then pastures located below the small hamlet of Coudreyt, before passing through the old village of Mellier, with its historic houses.
Technical notes: Suitable for families.
