In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationSavoy / Bauges Mountains
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AgeFrom 13 - 85 years
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CO₂-Emissions85.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Discover the Bauges Mountains , a true natural haven nestled between Lake Annecy and Lake Aix-les-Bains , in the heart of authentic Savoy . This hiking trek immerses you in a preserved territory where pastoral traditions and natural heritage intertwine harmoniously. Between charming villages , vibrant alpine pastures , and encounters with locals , the immersion is complete.
The fourteen peaks, rising to over 2,000 meters, offer breathtaking panoramas and are home to a renowned alpine wildlife reserve , ideal for wildlife observation. The route is punctuated by fascinating geological features – gorges , caves , and resurgences – as well as rich cultural stops: artisan workshops , cooperatives , and demonstrations of local craftsmanship are all part of the itinerary.
This stay invites you to explore a living and welcoming mountain , far from the beaten track, where every step reveals the richness of a still little-known massif.
The highlights
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Quiet nature trails
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"Classic" and "spicy" itinerary options available each day
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Physical reception and advice
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 541 m
- Average daily descent: 622 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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Mont de Bellecombe - Crêtes du Julioz (1520m) - Le Châtelard
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 17km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 540 m
- Negative elevation 940 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your hike begins amidst the Bellecombe alpine pastures, beneath the imposing west face of Trélod (2181 m). Then comes the stunning traverse of the Crêts du Mont Julioz. The arrival at Le Châtelard, nestled between the Bauges mountains "in front" and "behind," is picturesque.
Spicy option: Mont Julioz (1672m) = 9 km / +567m / -917m
Day 1 -
Le Châtelard - Heritage Loop - Le Châtelard
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 320 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 a pastoral atmosphere of a territory steeped in history.
Spicy option: Le Pont des Clos (982m): 12 km / +500m / -422m
Day 2 -
Le Châtelard - Col & Chalets de la Fullie (1400m) - Aillon-Le-Jeune
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After the village of La Compôte, which you'll quickly reach, a magnificent balcony trail leads you to the alpine pastures of La Fullie, 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), an elegant and panoramic summit, is also available.
Spicy option: Mont Colombier (2043m): 16 km / +1519m / -1373m
Day 3 -
Aillon-Le-Jeune - Chalets de la Buffaz (1436m) - Les Déserts
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 17km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 790 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You'll climb to the wide Col des Prés, which takes on the appearance of a plateau dotted with alpine chalets: it's very idyllic. Then, the climb becomes a little more challenging to reach the Col de la Buffaz, enhanced by a stunning panoramic view of the Massif Central. The Pointe de la Galoppaz, for its part, offers a view of the Chambéry basin, the Hautes-Bauges, as well as the Belledonne range, the Lauzière, and a glimpse of that white peak we call Mont Blanc.
Day 4 -
Les Déserts - Croix du Nivolet (1530m) - La Féclaz
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 720 m
- Negative elevation 360 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A superb view of Lake Bourget: the largest natural lake in France. You can opt for the magnificent and challenging route of climbing to the Nivolet Cross via the ladders. The Doria waterfalls, the alpine pastures, and the view from the summit make this hike an excellent experience.
Day 5 -
La Féclaz - La Tour des Ebats (1470m) - Arith
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 6km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 314 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This is a day of wide open spaces; first, crossing the exposed Ebats ridge, offering a unique panorama of the Northern Alps: Mont Blanc, the Aravis, the Bauges, Lake Aix-les-Bains, the Belledonne, the Vanoise, the Chartreuse... After a short descent, the gentle valleys of Croix des Bergers and its vast meadows will lead you to the Creux de Lachat refuge, where a break for tarts and drinks is highly recommended! Then, after this well-deserved rest, you'll reach the Bauges villages "behind" them via the bucolic alpine pastures of Mariet.
Spicy option: Le Creux de Lachat (1350m): 18 km / +597m / -1380m
Day 6 -
Arith - The Pré-Rouge cave (575m) - Le Châtelard
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h20
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 170 m
- Negative elevation 180 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
On the last day, you'll explore the Chéran River (gorges, caves, lakes, etc.) with plenty of opportunities for swimming. Don't forget a visit to the Pissieu waterfall: a short, shady, and idyllic walk. Then, return to the village of Châtelard for a final magnificent view of the town and the Hautes-Bauges mountains.
Spicy option: the Pissieu waterfall: 13 km / 390m elevation gain / 380m elevation gain
Day 7
Note
Depending on the availability of hosting providers, some steps may be slightly modified.
Accommodation
Access
Return to your starting point at the end of your stay, circular route
Go to the starting point
Francony buses depart from the train stations in Aix-les-Bains, Annecy, and Chambéry. Schedules are available on the website www.francony.com or by calling +33 4 79 54 81 23. For Aix-les-Bains train station, please note: the bus stop is located opposite the right-hand corner of the street. Please note that there are no buses 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 and briefing on the first day
- Half-board
- Luggage transfer
- The shuttle services required for the start and return of certain hikes
- IGN maps, guidebook, map holder, compass and altimeter
The price does not include
- Your picnics (you can order them from your accommodation providers)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Optional cancellation insurance
Options
- Extra night before stay - single room : CHF86.91 / person
- Extra night before your stay - Double / twin / triple or quadruple room : CHF67.70 / person
- Additional night after stay - single room : CHF86.91 / person
- Picnic lunches are available every lunchtime. : CHF86.91 / person
- Additional night after your stay - Double / twin / triple or quadruple room : CHF67.70 / 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 to bring
- Water bottle (2L)
- Waterproof hiking shoes with good grip.
- Backpack (20-30L minimum)
- Category 3 sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Small first-aid kit (splints, adhesive bandages, elastic bandages, emergency blanket)
- Telescopic poles (recommended)
- Airtight bag to be used as a bin
Clothing to bring
- Walking trousers with ventilation
- Layer 1: a lightweight windproof jacket such as Gore-Tex with good waterproofing
- Layer 2: fleece
- Merino wool layer or base layer
- Rain cape (if bad weather is forecast)
- Knee-high socks
- Cap
They traveled with us
