Col Finestra and peony

This hike is highly recommended during the peony flowering season (late May – early June).
The peonies are visible in the final stretch before reaching the pass, and they are most abundant along a small trail that continues to the right from the pass on the Arnad side.
A highlight of the route is the large stone basin of a fountain located halfway up the ascent.
On the return, a visit to the open-air museum of Chemp—reachable with a short car detour—provides a perfect end to the day.
During weekends of peak bloom, the road is generally open up to the Pessé hamlet (it is recommended to check beforehand).

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right toward Turin. At the second roundabout, turn left toward Gressoney.
After a few hundred meters, take the road on the right into the Lys Valley, and follow it until you pass the Tour d’Hérèraz hamlet. Shortly after, on the left, you will see the road descending toward Chemp.
Descend to cross the stream and continue to the Chamioux hamlet, where the road from Perloz joins. Turn right and follow a series of steep switchbacks to reach the village of Marine.
Cross through the village and continue through the chestnut woods. Leave the road to Chemp on the right, then take the next junction to the right toward Fey. Follow this road to the village, where a no-entry sign is located and a small car park is available on the right.

From the car park, follow the road for about a hundred meters before turning right onto the trail, which traverses the slope and leads to the main mule track.
Follow it through several characteristic sections until you reach the paved road just before Pessé. Continue for a short stretch, then cross the road to reach the distinctive stone cross and the monumental ash tree.
Pass through the village, cross the paved road again, and follow the Peony Trail. At the next junction, take the right-hand mule track leading to a beautiful fountain carved from a single block of stone.
Continue on level ground to reach the houses of Fenêtre, then merge onto the mule track ascending to the col. From here, you will see the first peonies and reach the col, where a protective wall and a small military shelter are visible.
Proceed on level ground to the right along a narrow path on the Arnad side, reaching a steep valley abundant with blooming peonies.
On the return, about a hundred meters below the col, take the military mule track to descend back to Pessé, then retrace the ascent route back to the car.