The Chapel Trail

A lovely route that allows you to explore Issime and its chapels.
The walk can optionally be divided into two sections when returning through the village:
the first section includes the chapels of Biouley, Tschentscyiri, Zéngji, Rickurt, and Preite.
the second section includes the chapels of Réivu, La Grotta, San Valentino, and Rickard.
The ascent to Biouley has some exposed and steep sections (though there is a safety rope), so it is recommended only for those accustomed to mountain terrain and in dry conditions. Alternatively, Biouley can be reached via the descent route, which presents no difficulties.
Once back at the car, a visit to the church of Issime is highly recommended.

From the Pont-Saint-Martin motorway exit, turn right towards Torino. At the second roundabout, turn left in the direction of Gressoney.
The road climbs for several hundred metres before taking the right-hand turn onto the Lys Valley road, passing through the villages of Lillianes and Fontainemore. Continue into the territory of Issime until you reach the village, where the church and a car park are visible on the right.

From the car park, descend into the small cemetery square and follow the Lys, crossing the bridge to reach the Fontaineclaire area. Continue along the Lys stream and follow the road to the first left turn leading to Zéngji.
Follow the road and, at the small car park, take the left-hand staircase that leads beneath the large monumental beech. After crossing the meadow, the lovely steep trail begins, with a clear view of Pirubeck ahead.
The path then traverses right and reaches an area with some rock steps, which are crossed along a slightly exposed ledge (a safety rope is provided for assistance). After this section, the trail climbs steeply through the terraces to reach the village of Biouley and its chapel.
From here, pass beneath the houses and take the beautiful trail, often with stone steps, leading to the asphalt road. Follow the road to the left for a few hundred metres until reaching the Chapel of Tschentschiri. Return along the same route, then continue descending along the asphalt road, passing the Chapel of Zéngji. Following the road, cross the bridge over the Lys and turn left, then cross the road and follow the path ascending to Rickurt.
On the ascent to the left, a charming fountain is visible, followed shortly by a votive shrine. Upon reaching Rickurt, climb the staircase to the chapel, then follow the level asphalt road to descend to Preite, where another chapel is located. Continue towards the village to return to the car park – this completes the first part of the trail.
From the car park, cross the square in the direction of the town hall, cross the road, and take the small lane between the houses. Turn left and ascend along a traversing path with a beautiful view over the church. Pass near the Chapel of Réivu and continue along the lovely trail, crossing the asphalt road a few times until reaching the Chapel of the Grotta.
Descend the same way almost to the chapel, then turn left along the asphalt road to reach the regional road. Follow it to the left for a few dozen metres, then take the left-hand lane leading to San, where the path ends. Follow a faint trail across the meadow, then cross the stream to reach a small car park. Follow the asphalt road until rejoining the regional road.
Turn right along the regional road until reaching the Church of San Valentino. Continue along the road, cross the stream, and shortly after, turn left onto the wide trail leading back into the village. Upon reaching the bridge, cross it, then take the left-hand rural road, following the Lys stream to Rickard, where the final chapel is located.
Return along the same route to Issime, cross the bridge again, and shortly after turn left through the village (notice the beautiful carved windows at street level), reaching the old tribunal seat and the church, which deserves a thorough visit.