Vierge du Châtelard

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From the Vierge du Châtelard, enjoy a beautiful view over the Vallée de l’Arondine, the Giettaz and the Mont Blanc massif.

Details

n°2485548
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 0.69 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 0h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 443 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 453 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,148 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,695 ft
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Photos

Sleeping Apollos
Mont Blanc
La Giettaz
Vierge du Châtelard

Description of the walk

Start of the first hairpin bend on the road descending from the Col des Aravis towards La Giettaz. A few parking spaces are available at the side of the road (2 spaces) or at the next bend (5 spaces).

(S/E) Take the path that runs horizontally just outside the hairpin bend. Ford the stream and head towards a junction.

(1) Continue to the left. Climb a steeper slope to reach the Vierge du Châtelard.

(2) After taking in the view, retrace your steps and head back to the Col des Aravis road (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,705 ft - Road - Col des Aravis
  2. 1 : mi 0.12 - alt. 4,757 ft - Junction, turn left
  3. 2 : mi 0.35 - alt. 5,148 ft - Vierge du Châtelard
  4. S/E : mi 0.69 - alt. 4,705 ft - Road - Col des Aravis

Worth a visit

Col des Aravis.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
catverdera
catverdera

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent view of La Giett', Mont Blanc and the Aravis mountains.
Superb alpine valley on the left of the trail.
Use of walking sticks recommended on the descent.

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EDDY21
EDDY21

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It’s a bit hilly but absolutely lovely, with cows, flower-filled meadows, butterflies and a stunning view of Mont Blanc – and even, in the distance, Mont Aiguille in the Vercors. Highly recommended!

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Other walks in the area

Walking From Col des Aravis to Les Stallets via Chalet du Curé and Boegneuve

Visorando Member
↔10.77 mi ↗+3,619 ft ↘-3,435 ft ◔8h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from La Giettaz (Savoie)
An easy hike offering magnificent panoramic views of the entire Mont Blanc range. The mountain range gradually reveals itself as you hike along a road that is passable by vehicle throughout. If you go as far as Stallets, you will have an extraordinary 180° view of the Northern Alps. It is also possible to stop at the Chalet du Curé, which already offers a commanding view, or at Boegneuve. This hike is completely exposed, so we recommend doing it in autumn or late summer, or during the cooler hours of the day in summer.

Walking Croix des Frettes and Croix de Fer

Visorando Member
Croix des Frettes et Croix de Fer
↔5.20 mi ↗+1,184 ft ↘-1,184 ft ◔3h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from La Giettaz (Savoie)
A route running along a ridge offering lovely views of the Aravis range, the Giettaz and the Arrondine valley, all set against the backdrop of Mont Blanc. Warning! The path is closed until further notice between the (5) and the (6) by municipal order due to rockfalls that occurred on 17 July 2026 and a significant risk of further rockfalls.

Walking Croix de Fer from the Col des Aravis

Visorando Member
Croix de Fer depuis le Col des Aravis
↔2.54 mi ↗+541 ft ↘-541 ft ◔1h 40 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from La Giettaz (Savoie)
This is a fairly easy short loop for families, stopping at the Croix de Fer for a superb view of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains.

Walking Circuit in the Aravis through the Blanchet pastures

Visorando Member
Circuit dans les Aravis par les pâturages du Blanchet
↔7.43 mi ↗+2,211 ft ↘-2,188 ft ◔5h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from La Giettaz (Savoie)
A beautiful hike on the Savoyard side of the Aravis, with pastures, streams, sun-baked wooden chalets and Mont Blanc sparkling in the sun. Yellow markings and directional signs.

Walking Notre-Dame des Alpages from La Giettaz

Visorando Member
Notre-Dame des Alpages au départ de la Giettaz
↔6.61 mi ↗+2,782 ft ↘-2,759 ft ◔5h 30 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from La Giettaz (Savoie)
This statue, built in 1956 by the alpine farmers, offers a magnificent panorama. A close-up view of the Croisse-Baulet, Ramadieu, Christomet and Torraz massifs, then the Mont Blanc range and the Beaufortain mountains.

Walking Aiguille des Calvaires and Combe de Borderan

Visorando Member
↔4.54 mi ↗+1,762 ft ↘-2,923 ft ◔3h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie)
A great pointy summit with a cross on top and good views followed by a descent of Borderan Combe. This could easily be done in reverse and/or without the use of the cable cars.

Walking The Merdassier Viewpoint

Visorando Member
Le Belvédère du Merdassier
↔6.85 mi ↗+2,664 ft ↘-2,667 ft ◔5h 30 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie)
In summer, this gradual climb will take you through the forest, then the mountain pastures to halfway around a beautiful artificial reservoir. (medium level) You will then climb a very steep forest path (difficult rating) leading to the viewpoint at 1980m, offering an incomparable view of La Clusaz, the Col des Aravis, the Mont Blanc massif and the peaks of the Jura. The second part of the descent, after the reservoir, is easy and informative (plants and habitats).

Walking The Porte des Aravis as seen from the Crêt du Merle

Visorando Member
La Porte des Aravis depuis le Crêt du Merle
↔6.75 mi ↗+3,002 ft ↘-2,976 ft ◔5h 45 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from La Clusaz (Haute-Savoie)
The signposted route starts on a track and then leads through the Bois de la Motte to a place called Passage aux Veaux, which marks the start of the ‘Mountain’ route. At the Chalet de la Creuse, you’ll head into the Creuse valley, following a route marked by cairns until you reach the Porte des Aravis, the highest point of the hike. This is a round-trip hike.

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