The Maurienne valley cycle route from Bonneval-sur-Arc to Aiton

The Maurienne region, known for its numerous cycling and mountain bike circuits, has been a major success in the cycling world. To expand this success and interconnect the various existing routes, the Syndicat du Pays de Maurienne (SPM) initiated a project to establish a cycle path along the valley floor. This initiative, now continued by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, seeks to create new opportunities and linkages.

A feasibility study carried out in 2016 led to the planning of a safe and accessible route taking advantage of existing opportunities. The project, estimated to cost €35 million, is divided into two phases:

• Phase 1 (short term – to be completed by 2026) aims to make the route operational throughout the valley, utilizing the existing cycling infrastructure.
• Phase 2 (long term - post-2026) aims to enhance the service level of the route.

Spanning approximately 155 km between Aiton and Bonneval-sur-Arc, the project in its short term will see the construction of 75 km of paths (including greenways, shared roads, traffic calming measures, and cycle lanes), 16 rest areas, and 7 bridge crossings. The project will also require clearing 0.56 hectars of land across twenty areas.

Preliminary studies completed in 2019 have helped define the route. Currently, preliminary design studies are underway for the short term work.

To align with the environmental and regulatory requirements of the project and adhere to the planned schedule, SPM has requested LOMBARDI to provide:

• Drafting of regulatory documents associated with the project (case-by-case files, impact studies or water law files, declaration of public utility (DUP) files, land surveys, land clearing files),
• owner’s support and assistance during specific meetings,
• Preparation of documents, maps and visual communication material.