The Balocchi Trail

This loop hike, winding along cobbled mule tracks and shady woodland paths, leads to the discovery of many of the hamlets of Fontainemore, with their chapels, votive shrines, forests, scenic viewpoints, and much more.
Along the way, you’ll encounter around ten wooden sculptures that make the route even more engaging.
The initial climb is quite steep and should be taken at a relaxed pace, but the presence of these artworks along the trail makes the ascent all the more rewarding.
The itinerary can be enjoyed year-round (except when snow is present) by simply following the specific Tatà trail markers placed along the route.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Turin.
At the second roundabout, turn left following the signs for Gressoney. The road climbs for a few hundred meters before turning right into the Lys Valley road, which you follow all the way to Fontainemore.
At the entrance to the village, take the small road on the right that leads up to the car park of the visitors centre of the Mont Mars Nature Reserve

From the car park of the Mont Mars Visitor Center, follow the signs and walk past the chapel of San Rocco. Descend to the road and—paying close attention—cross it.
Continue along the regional road (narrow at this point, so be careful) for a few dozen meters, then turn left onto the path that leads to the beautiful humpback bridge and the parish church of St. Anthony the Abbot.
Along the way, don’t miss the chance to admire some unusual buildings such as Boures de Gris, recognizable by its fascinating arched openings.
After the church, turn right to find the beginning of the trail. From here, in addition to the special logo of the play route, follow trail number 4 of the Tour des Villages and the yellow arrows.
The mule track starts with stone steps and climbs steeply on a fine cobblestone surface, entering the cool forest where giant boulders are scattered through the landscape.
The ascent is demanding: take it slowly and enjoy the wooden sculptures depicting children’s favourite games. Passing a first cross and then an old white roadside shrine, you will reach a second restored shrine where you must keep to the right.
The climb continues, but don’t worry—soon you arrive at La Borney and rejoin the paved road.
Here you can pause to rest and refresh yourself with pure, cold mountain water at the fountain.
Continue along the paved stretch, still following the number 4 signs and the tatà logo*, until you reach a bend on a larger road.
Turn right, heading downhill (the road is not very busy, but watch out for cars!).
The road passes by a bus stop and the SR44; cross carefully and continue left for a short distance until a sign points right to Le Gouffre de Guillemore.
A few more steps bring you to this impressive gorge, a deep chasm crossed by a stone bridge. After crossing the bridge, the trail climbs again to the paved road in the village of Planaz. Turn right, then immediately left into the passage leading into the village, where you’ll find a fountain and the church.
Return to the road and continue downhill; just before an isolated house on the right, take a trail that rejoins the paved road a little further down. Follow it until you reach a bridge over the Lys stream.
Before the bridge, cross the square and take the small paved road that passes below the dairy. This pleasant stretch runs alongside the stream, overlapping with another charming itinerary: the Fox Trail.
Continue on the paved road, but when it begins to climb, leave it for the grassy track on the right, flat at first and then descending along the stream.
Ignore the first private bridge and continue to cross a second, picturesque stone bridge.
Shortly after, take the small road on the left that winds between the houses of the hamlet of Niana, leading you to the chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Snow.
A few more steps bring you back to the SR44 and to the entrance of Niana Park, a green area ideal for picnics and play, where you will also find the fascinating trail The Stones of the Lys.
Cross the park to reach the start of the pedestrian route toward Boures de Gris.
Here, through some atmospheric passages—some even covered—you’ll pass old buildings with distinctive architecture before reaching the church of St. Anthony the Abbot and the fine stone bridge.
From this point, simply retrace the route taken at the beginning of your walk, returning to the starting point and completing this beautiful hike.