The Croix de Feissons stands on a rocky outcrop at 1,389 m above Moûtiers. Its viewpoint opens up views of the Lauzière Massif, the 3 Vallées and the Beaufortain. Feissons-sur-Salins also offers marked hikes of varying lengths and durations, as well as churches and village history. You can get to know the place through both its mountain views and its specific cultural sites.
Mountain Views and Hikes
The view from the Croix de Feissons encompasses three named mountain areas: the Lauzière Massif, the 3 Vallées and the Beaufortain. The Sentier du Mont Jovet offers another panorama. From there, the 360-degree view stretches across the Beaufortain Massif, Mont Blanc, the Valais Alps and the Vanoise. The two descriptions of the views highlight different features: the Croix looks out over the Lauzière and 3 Vallées, while the view from the Sentier du Mont Jovet also includes Mont Blanc and the Valais Alps.
The Croix’s seasonal accessibility is also clearly described: hiking trails lead there in summer, and it can be reached on snowshoes in winter. Several walking routes start in Feissons-sur-Salins. Check trail and snow conditions before setting out, especially if you are planning a winter hike.
Two Short Routes Compared
Although they are almost the same length, the out-and-back Pierre Ă cupules trail and the Boucle de la Croix de Feissons differ in route type and estimated time. The marked out-and-back trail is 3.3 km long, very easy and takes about an hour from the car park by the town hall. The also-marked Boucle de la Croix is a very easy 3.2 km circular hike. It takes about 90 minutes from the car park at the upper edge of the village. Check both trail and snow conditions before starting this loop.
Other routes offer their own views of the surroundings. The Boucle de la Combe du Raffort is a hike accessible to everyone that leads to the edge of the village and offers a lovely view of the 3 Vallées. The Boucle du Dou de Saint Maurice, also accessible to everyone, starts in the village and leads to the Baroque church and a panorama of the Vanoise and the 3 Vallées. Snow conditions should be taken into account for this route.
Churches, Village and Cup-Marked Stone
The Notre Dame de la Salette chapel stands at the Pré Benoit site. Built in 1779 and renovated in 2016, it is open daily year-round. During the occupation, it served as a hiding place for people who refused the STO. Saint-Maurice Church is also open daily year-round; you can enter by requesting access from the municipal council or as part of a guided tour. Its late Baroque furnishings and significant collection of reliquaries give a visit a different focus from the history of the chapel.
Baroque elements have been preserved in the main altar of Saint-Maurice Church. It depicts Saint Maurice on horseback and Saint Blaise as a bishop. Le Villard offers a different impression of the village: this traditional hamlet is characterized by narrow lanes and houses built on the hillside. The hamlet is also home to the Saint Joseph chapel.
One remarkable object is the Pierre Ă cupules. This fine-grained sandstone block measures 1.80 m at its greatest extent; its surface bears about 60 isolated cup marks, 2 to 9 cm in diameter. The cup-marked stone of Feissons-sur-Salins also stands out for its exceptional quality and variety.
Getting There
Feissons-sur-Salins is connected by the D89 and D89B departmental roads. Check road conditions and restrictions before setting off.
Discover more destinations: La Côte-D'aime, Saint-André, Montgellafrey, Saint-Jean-De-Chevelu, Saint-Avre, Villaroger, Notre-Dame-Du-Pré, Attignat-Oncin
For the broader travel guide: Savoie.
