La Vallée de Bange

An imposing transverse valley dug out by the Chéran across the Semnoz mountainous area. This natural gateway to the Massif is the only route to the heart of the Bauges that doesn't pass over a mountain ridge.

The Vallée de Bange is a transverse valley, cutting at right angles across the anticline fold of the Semnoz/Montagne de Bange. This anticline developed due to a large, deep thrust fault, which allowed the Massif de Baugs to overlap the Albanais molasse basin. On the left side, the ramp anticline gets more complicated, and transforms into the Mariet syncline. The Vallée de Bange forms part of the Vallée du Chéran, in between the Charniaz (Lescheraines) and the Pont de l'Abîme (Cusy/Gruffy). Follow this valley by taking the road D5, largely at a reasonable distance from the Rivière Chéran, allowing for untamed, wild areas in the gorge and river.