In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBauges Mountains / Chambéry
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AgeFrom 13 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions46.27 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Traverse the Bauges mountain range from north to south on a multi-day hike that immerses you in the heart of a wild and unspoiled landscape. Between the lakes of Aix-les-Bains and Annecy , this massif in the Savoy Prealps reveals a vibrant mountain environment , its rhythm dictated by pastoral traditions and local expertise. This trek will lead you to authentic villages , bustling alpine pastures , and peaks rising to over 2,000 meters , where the wildlife reserve is a prime location for alpine observation. The landscapes are varied and marked by spectacular geological features : caves, deep gorges, and astonishing resurgences . The route also offers opportunities to meet local artisans, cheesemakers, and artists . This trip is ideal for nature lovers and hikers who wish to discover a welcoming region, rich in biodiversity , and still off the beaten track .
The highlights
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Classic or challenging: the choice of hike is yours.
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Welcome on the first day and support throughout your stay
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Peace and quiet guaranteed on the trails
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 510 m
- Average daily descent: 463 m
Management
Your roadbook includes an IGN top 25 map with marked routes, a step-by-step guidebook, a map holder, a compass, and an altimeter. We'll give you your roadbook on the first day and a short briefing of about 30 minutes.
GPX track available upon request
Program
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Bellecombe en Bauges - Crêtes du Julioz - Le Châtelard
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 22km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your hike begins amidst the Bellecombe alpine pastures, beneath the imposing west face of Trélod (2181m). From the Col du Golet de Doucy, you climb the Crête du Mt Julioz ridge before descending to the Col du Plane through beautiful forest scenery. The arrival in the old village of Le Châtelard, nestled between the Bauges mountains, is picturesque and very pleasant. This route also includes the very beautiful traverse of Mt Julioz.
10 km / Elevation gain 540m / Elevation loss 940m
Spicy option: Mont Julioz (1672m) 9 km / +567m / -917m
Day 1 -
Le Châtelard - Heritage Loop - Le Châtelard
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The heart of the Bauges region, a landscape rich in heritage! It's a gentle day filled with discoveries: typical Bauges villages (La Compôte, Doucy, Jarsy), traditional wooden structures (tavalans) and famous barns! You will discover the Bauges Devant and its mythical peaks: Le Trélod, Le Pécloz, the Pointe des Arces... all in the pastoral atmosphere of a territory steeped in history.
Classic option: 9 km / +400m / -320m
Spicy option: Le Pont des Clos (982m): 12 km / +500m / -422m
Day 2 -
Le Châtelard - Chalet de la Fulie - Aillon-le-Jeune
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After quickly reaching the village of La Compôte, a magnificent balcony trail leads you to the Fulie alpine pastures, with the Belledonne mountain range (the Grandes Alpes) as a backdrop, and into the "historic" Aillons valley. It was here that the Carthusian order established itself in the 12th century. A visit is possible, as the Carthusian monastery has been converted into a museum space dedicated to rural heritage. An optional ascent of Mont Colombier (2050m), the central and panoramic summit, is also available.
Classic option: 15km / Elevation gain 850m / Elevation loss 800m
Spicy option: Mont Colombier (2043m): 16 km / +1519m / -1373m
Day 3 -
Aillon-le-Jeune - La Galoppaz - Col des prés
- Transportation Car - 00h40 - 16km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 790 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will ascend to the wide Col des Prés, which takes on the appearance of a plateau dotted with alpine chalets. The Pointe de la Galoppe offers a view of the Chambéry basin, the Hautes-Bauges mountains, and the Belledonne range. We will pick you up at the end of the hike for your return to Le Châtelard.
Classic option: 11 km / +790m / -650m
Spicy option: Pointe de la Galoppaz (1680m): 14 km / +1073m / -933m
Day 4
Note
We may need to adjust some stages of your trip if the originally planned accommodations are unavailable during your stay. The proposed alternatives will always be of an equivalent standard, and their location will have minimal impact on your itinerary. Rest assured that these changes are always made in your best interest, to ensure your safety and optimal comfort.
Accommodation
Comfortable bed and breakfast with a personalized welcome at every step. Your hosts will introduce you to the mountain range and its history.
Access
You park your vehicle at the meeting point for the duration of the hike (unguarded but safe parking opposite the Town Hall) and we will take you back to your car at the end of the hike.
Go to the starting point
Francony buses depart from the train stations in Aix-les-Bains, Annecy, and Chambéry. Schedules are available on the Francony website or by calling +33 4 79 54 81 23. For Aix-les-Bains train station, please note: the bus stop is at the crossroads opposite, on the right-hand corner of the street. Please note: no shuttle service operates on Sundays and public holidays.
From Aix les Bains (30 kms), exit Aix Nord motorway A41, follow Massif des Bauges via Grésy sur Aix, Cusy, Lescheraines then Le Châtelard.
Price details
The price includes
- Your welcome & briefing on the first day
- Half-board accommodation in comfortable hotels and guesthouses
- Luggage transfer
- The shuttles needed for the start and return of your hike
- The maps
- Card holder
- Topo guide
- Compass & altimeter
The price does not include
- Your picnics. You can order them two days in advance, directly from the accommodation providers (except for nights at Châtelard: bakery and supermarket on site).
- The possible insurance
- Personal expenses and drinks
Options
- Extra night before your stay - Double / twin / triple or quadruple room : CHF69.52 / person
- Extra night before stay - single room : CHF96.05 / person
- Additional night after stay - single room : CHF96.05 / person
- Additional night after your stay - Double / twin / triple or quadruple room : CHF69.52 / person
- Picnic lunches are available every day at midday. : CHF51.23 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Rod book
Equipment to bring
- Hiking backpack of at least 30-35 liters
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- Cutlery: fork, knife, spoon
- airtight container
- a toiletry bag
- a small pharmacy (with supplies to treat any blisters: double skin –
- adhesive bandage – elastic bandage)
- gourd
- a travel bag
Clothing to bring
- High-top, waterproof walking shoes.
- gaiters
- lightweight Gore-Tex anorak
- rain cape
- thick socks
- shorts and "semi-warm" walking trousers
- changes (t-shirt, underwear)
- hat or cap
They traveled with us
