BORNES MASSIF self-guided

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4 days 4 days
Self-guided Self-guided
Without baggage transport Without baggage transport
Accommodation Classic (dormitory)
Level ** Level **
From 395 € From 395 €

You, your hiking boots and your map, we take care of the rest...

In 1943, during the Second World War, compulsory labour service (STO) was introduced in France. Resistance groups were quickly set up all over the country to oppose and escape the STO. Isolated and difficult to access places were needed to welcome and hide the resistance fighters. The Glières plateau is one of these emblematic places and its geography has something to do with it: close to Annecy, surrounded by high cliffs and made up of numerous mountain farms. Many Resistance fighters decided to go up there during the winter of 1943-1944. In March 1944, the end of the maquis unfortunately resulted in violent battles that are still commemorated today.

However, describe the plateau only as his historical aspect is reductive. In the heart of the Reblochon country and offering several viewpoints on the Annecy lake or the Mont Blanc, it is a great place for hiking. The last night at the Parmelan hut offers an exceptional view of the Jura. A perfect stay for an extended weekend in the mountains of Haute-Savoie!

You will like

  • A massif that has kept its authentic mountain atmosphere
  • ​The massif's history
  • The alternation between pastures and wild forests
  • Panoramic views of the lake and the Mont Blanc range.
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BORNES MASSIF self-guided

From 395 €

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Hike details

See the technical facts

Dates & prices

DEPARTURE AND PRICE

Departure from mid-may to the end of october 2024.

Without baggage transport
365€ per person classic accommodation.
Daily departure (except on Sundays).

Information and reservation is simple by telephone or e-mail.

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THE PRICE

The price includes: 

  • Half board from dinner the first evening to breakfast of the last day;
  • A road book: description and IGN maps (1 road book per registration up to 4 people. A supplementary road book for groups of 5 or more. Extra road book supplement 10-25€);
  • Tourist taxes;
  • Organisation and booking fees.

The price does not include:

  • Picnic lunches;
  • Personal expenses, drinks, touristic visits, etc...
  • Travel insurance.

The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.

L’itinéraire jour après jour...

Day 1

Departure from the Chesnet car park in Orange.
Meet at La Roche-sur-Foron railway station for a short taxi transfer if arriving by train.

ORANGE – POINTE DE SUR COU – CHALET DE BALME
The tour begins with a fairly steep climb through the forest and then across a mountain pasture to the Col de Sur Cou. The 360° panorama stretches from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc. A descent through hay fields takes you back to the Col de Cou and finally to your overnight accommodation. You can extend the day a little by passing through the hamlet of Les Mouilles. Overnight in a small dormitory.
4h walk  / Distance : 6km / Dénivelé : +640 m ; -320 m

Day 2

COL DU FREU – PLATEAU DES GLIERES
The Col du Freu, just above the refuge, leads to the Champ Dairy, a wide, wild perched valley. A final passage through the forest leads to the Plateau des Glières, an emblematic site of the Resistance in the Alps. It is possible to go over the Sous-Dine mountain (2hrs 30mins and an additional 500m of ascent).
Overnight in the "Chez Constance" gîte, famous for its "beignets de patates", in a dormitory.
5h walk / Distance : 13km / Dénivelé : +550 m ; -650 m

Day 3

COMBE D’ABLON – REFUGE DU PARMELAN
A long day in the heart of the massif's lapiaz through the Plateau des Glières, the Combe d'Ablon, the Vallée du Pertuis and finally the Plateau du Parmelan, which offers the best views of Annecy and its lake. Overnight in a dormitory at the refuge, on a promontory above the valley.
6h walk / Distance : 16km / Dénivelé : +950 m ; -500 m
 

Day 4

NAVES PARMELAN – LAC D’ANNECY
Descent via the Grand Montoir, a steep but well-equipped passage through the cliffs (with the option of avoiding it via the Petit Montoir a little further on) through the forest to Nâves-Parmelan, site of the last Maquis battle in the massif.
3.30 walk / Distance : 6km / Dénivelé : +50 m ; -1150 m
7.30 walk / Distance : 18km / Dénivelé : +280 m ; -1650 m walking down to Annecy
 

Transfer to Annecy or back to the departure.

 

The trip

LEVEL ***

Elevation: +/- 500m - 1000m approximately per day.
Walking time: 4 to 6 hours per day.
Type of trek: mountain hike on marked trails including gravel paths. 

You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week.
Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty

ROAD BOOK

Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing: 
- 2 IGN TOP 25 with the route highlighted. 
- 1 road-book containing all the information necessary for the trek. 
- 1 waterproof map holder.
- Accommodation list.

SIGNPOSTS AND WAYMARKS ALONG THE TREK

All the paths are well-marked, a part of the trek takes the GR9. You must know how to read a topographical map at 1/25000.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

without baggage transport: you carry your baggage.

ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC: 3 nights in dormitory, in a refuge or gîte. All accommodation has hot showers except the Parmelan refuge.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered at each accomodation in the evening.

Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.

PERSONALISED TOURS

We can personalise a tour according to your requirements (number of days, participants, level of route, accommodation, etc.)

MAPS

IGN Top 25 - 3431OT Lac d'Annecy et 3430ET La Clusaz

Practical information

DEPART

From mid June to mid September.

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Start of the hike at Le Chesnet car park in Orange.
Taxi transfer possible to the departure, from La Roche Sur Foron railway station.

BY TRAIN
Direct TGV from Paris to Annecy or Annemasse then TER to La Roche Sur Foron.
Local trains (TER) from Grenoble, Lyon...
Timetables must be checked on www.oui.sncf

BY CAR
Take the A410 motorway from Annecy or Annemasse to exit 19. Follow signs for La Roche Sur Foron, then Orange, Parking du Chesnet.

CAR-SHARING                                                                                                                               
Get in touch with people to share a lift! Here are some websites:   www.blablacar.fr  www.roulezmalin.com

CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Geneva (GVA)
Lyon (LYS)

End point in the afternoon at Naves.

RETURN TO DEPARTURE POINT

Transfer by taxi to the departure point or to Annecy station.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Annecy hébergements

CONTACT US                                                                                            

If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & baggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

  • Walking trousers
  • Shorts (Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
  • Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
  • Breathable or merino wool leggings
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
  • Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
  • Pair of gloves and a warm hat
  • Sun hat or baseball cap
  • Walking socks (1 pair per day)
  • Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
  • 1 change of clothes for the evening
  • A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening

Other Equipment

  • Toilet bag
  • Quick drying towel
  • Sunglasses and sun cream
  • Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
  • Knife, fork and spoon
  • Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
  • Plastic cup for coffee
  • Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
  • Survival blanket
  • Head torch or hand torch
  • Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
  • Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
  • Identity card or passport

BACKPACK

Bring a comfortable backpack of 40 to 50 litres for your personal belongings for the day (including warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.

BORNES MASSIF self-guided

From 395 €
Contact us
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