Virtual tour of the passes
The hamlet of Ecot, located 2000 m above sea level, classified site since 1971, represents a treasure of preserved mountain authenticity. With its old stones and slate roofs it is a cultural and architectural heritage completely preserved.
Description
In winter, a groomed track will open the doors to the pure mountain world that permeates the atmosphere of the Ecot...
Scrutinising the landscapes of the valley bottom, it is sometimes difficult to discern a few stone houses, covered with lauses, nestling on a fold, overlooking the Arc gorges: The hamlet of l'Ecot is in perfect symbiosis with the majestic environment of this site. The very beautiful Romanesque style Sainte-Marguerite chapel, (frescoes from the Middle Ages), dominates the tightly packed houses below around the cobbled alleyway.
Cupolas engraved on the rocks polished by the glaciers bear witness to the prehistoric imprint of the place. Piedmontese shepherds would have settled with their flocks around the 5th century, surviving the harsh and frugal conditions of the altitude. Inhabited all year round until 1960, then abandoned in winter, l'Ecot is once again the permanent home of several young Bonneval families.
L'Ecot, represents a completely preserved cultural and architectural heritage which seduced Nicolas Vanier during his search for a filming site for his film Belle et Sébastien. Many people remember this television series from the 1960s retracing the extraordinary encounter between a mountain child and a wild dog. The hamlet of l'Ecot fitted exactly the scenario, the shooting took place in 2012, the film was released in 2013 and "made" 3 million admissions. Christian Duguy directed the sequel to this story entitled Belle et Sébastien, l'aventure continue in 2014. L'Ecot is obviously the main setting, the film was released in December 2015.
Belle et Sébastien 3 was released in theatres in February 2018. This episode was also filmed in Bonneval and in the hamlet of L'Ecot.
The hamlet of l'Ecot breathes the authenticity and simplicity with which you will be welcomed at Bonneval!
Period of opening
All year round, daily.
Prices
Free access.
Languages spoken
-
French
Localisation
Access to the hamlet of l'Ecot by car from Bonneval sur Arc is regulated and subject to a charge in July and August, as is the shuttle bus that runs on the same route during the summer. Don't hesitate to take the pretty Chemin des Alouettes for a pleasant walk.