Lago Pellaud via the Grand Rû Ring hike

Park the car at the free car park in Chanavey and cross the river via a small bridge towards the 9A route sign. Keep the river along your right. Here you should see the gondolas, which are mainly used for the skiing season. You will be going against the stream of River Dora di Rhemes almost all the way.

You will immediately see a beautiful mountain wall on the right side. If the day is clear, you should also see spectacular mountains towering in front.

During the spring, this hike is a great place to see ibex and chamois as they come down to the valley for fresh grass.

Follow the trail through the beautiful Chanavey hamlet which is usually a lot busier during the skiing season. After less than one kilometer, you will venture through the Orelley village. From here you will be able to see the beautiful village of Rhemes-Notre-Dame on the other side of the river. But don’t worry about seeing more of it yet, as you will be returning through the village on your way back.

Follow the trail until you reach a crossroad with trail arrows. The 9A points to the hills, but you have to stay on the trail that leads along the river, which is marked 11A. Keep the river along your right.

You will reach a wooden staircase that will take you higher on the valley slopes. Here you will see a beautiful waterfall on your left and some spectacular rocky mountain formations.

After you cross a small wooden bridge you will reach another hidden village – Chaudanne. On a good day, you should see a spectacular snowy mountain ridge to your right with rushing water streams formed by the melting snow.

Follow the signs towards Lago Pellaud. You will cross a sheep farm and reach a new smaller stream in front of you. Follow the stream downward.

Just after another 50 meters, you will come to the Mulino, which is an old historic building that was used as a mill centuries ago. After the invention of electricity, it was converted to an electric station. Right next to Mulino, you will see the peaceful Pellaud Lake. The lake is surrounded by old pine trees and it even has a working bar nearby where you can grab some refreshments. The lake is so clear that sometimes you can even spot the trout swimming carelessly through the water. This is also a great area for a picnic as there are big wooden tables and benches nearby.

After Lago Pellaud, you will reach the Pellaud village. Look for a small white chapel on your left. Leave the chapel on your left as you continue towards the sign to Thumel.

You will walk through a beautiful forest along the Dora di Rhemes River. Here you will pass beautiful rock formations and see the majestic mountains even clearer. The view of rushing waterfalls, steep cliffs and traditional villages under the towering mountains is spectacular.

After less than one kilometer you will come to a bridge. It has also a green post with number 11 next to it. Cross the bridge and walk back along a paved road towards Chanavey. If you want to make this hike longer, you can walk for another 40 minutes against the river stream to Thumel village and cross the river there, to return to Chanavey.

On your way back, you will walk through the beautiful Rhemes-Notre-Dame which is a combination of old traditional buildings and picturesque hotels, mainly open for the winter season.