Circular La Dôle from Les Dappes via Le Vuarne and Couvaloup de St-Cergue

This beautiful hike will take you to the summit of La Dôle at an altitude of 1,677 metres, where you can enjoy breathtaking views. A steep path through the mountain pastures will lead you to this unmistakable peak with its dome housing the Geneva airport radar. On the descent, you will no doubt see herds of chamois frolicking in the scree below the summit ridge. The rest of the route takes you along dirt tracks, roads and grassy paths over much less rugged terrain, but often offering magnificent views.

Details

53011309
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.50 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,116 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,096 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,482 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,809 ft

Description of the walk

The start is at the large car park at Les Dappes.

(S/E) Enter the pasture and head left. Pass under the small ski lift and follow the signposts to an intersection where the path splits.

(1) Turn right and head up the slope, which gradually becomes steeper. Follow the multiple tracks on the ground, making sure to keep going in the same direction, until you reach the road leading to the farm and cross it.

(2) Turn right, heading south-southwest on the most visible trail.

(3) Turn left at the edge of the woods and begin a steeper climb. On the flat section, look for the fork in the path.

(4) Take the right-hand track and climb up to join a path coming from Col de Porte. Continue to the right and reach the summit of La Dôle.

(5) Enjoy the site and the view and rest your legs before starting the descent. After the orientation table, walk past the dome buildings and then the weather station and take the path that runs along the dry stone wall in a south-westerly direction. You will reach a fork on the ridge (elevation 1625).

(6) Turn left, descend into a pretty little valley and continue along this uneven but clearly visible path. After crossing a more wooded area, you will come out below the scree slopes coming down from the summit. Go around the cistern and you will come to a less visible crossroads.

(7) Continue straight ahead into the pasture, leaving the Chalet de la Dôle on your right. Shortly afterwards, you will reach another intersection (elevation 1423).

(8) Turn right onto the steep slope towards the Chalet des Apprentis. Reach the summit and a crossroads (elevation 1463).

(9) Continue straight ahead, passing below the Chalet des Apprentis. Descend into the valley and continue until you reach the road leading to the Vuarne farm.

(10) Turn right onto the tarmac road and reach the entrance to the forest (elevation 1259).

(11) Take the path on the left that descends and then crosses the previous road. Continue straight ahead towards a chalet and picnic tables. You will reach the entrance to the hamlet of Saint-Cergue.

(12) At the junction between the chairlift and Vuarne roads, turn left. Once you have come out of a left-hand bend, take a path that branches off to the right into the meadows and enters a pasture: the footpath is located on the far left behind some large trees. Continue along this path to reach the hamlet of Couvaloup de Saint-Cergue. Go down the small road (Chemin des Polonais) and negotiate the right-hand bend.

(13) Before reaching the crossroads, take a barely visible path on the left and descend into the valley. Stay on the most marked path and, at the lowest point, turn right. Continue until you reach a small road.

(14) Cross it and continue straight ahead across the fields until you reach a junction near the main road.

(15) Continue straight ahead and then turn left shortly afterwards. Leave the farm access road on your left and continue until the path splits in two.

(16) Keep left and continue straight ahead to return to the first intersection at the start.

(1) Continue straight ahead to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,058 ft - Les Dappes car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.12 - alt. 4,052 ft - Division of the GR°°®°°, junction of the circular
  3. 2 : mi 0.48 - alt. 4,242 ft - Fork in the path, elevation 1289
  4. 3 : mi 0.87 - alt. 4,521 ft - Cote 1373, on the left
  5. 4 : mi 1.16 - alt. 4,757 ft - Crossroads, on the right
  6. 5 : mi 1.88 - alt. 5,463 ft - Summit of La Dôle
  7. 6 : mi 2.22 - alt. 5,322 ft - Fork at elevation 1625
  8. 7 : mi 3.15 - alt. 4,738 ft - Separation of tracks, straight ahead
  9. 8 : mi 3.28 - alt. 4,698 ft - Crossroads at elevation 1423, on the right
  10. 9 : mi 3.6 - alt. 4,806 ft - Crossroads at elevation 1463, straight ahead
  11. 10 : mi 4.3 - alt. 4,334 ft - Route du Vuarne
  12. 11 : mi 4.96 - alt. 4,170 ft - Crossroads at elevation 1259, on the left
  13. 12 : mi 5.42 - alt. 3,829 ft - Crossroads of the Vuarne and Télésiège roads
  14. 13 : mi 6.22 - alt. 3,940 ft - Chemin des Polonais crossroads
  15. 14 : mi 6.88 - alt. 3,957 ft - Road junction
  16. 15 : mi 7.21 - alt. 3,950 ft - Crossroads, straight ahead
  17. 16 : mi 7.98 - alt. 4,088 ft - Division of the path
  18. S/E : mi 8.5 - alt. 4,058 ft - Les Dappes car park

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 15 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
cnu25
cnu25

Hello @user21414325, thank you for your kind comment. See you soon on other paths… Have a lovely day

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User 21414325

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A brilliant hike. The climb up to La Dôle is very busy, but after that, the rest of the route is quieter – even on 14 August – and offers some truly beautiful opportunities to soak up the Swiss countryside.

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cnu25
cnu25

Hello @jean pierre 49 .... thank you very much for your feedback..... and see you soon on other walking trails

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jean pierre 49
jean pierre 49

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The view from La Dole is magnificent, and it stays that way as you head back down towards Couvaloup.
You need to pay attention to the signposting and not go as far as St Cergue – it’s not very clear and it’s easy to take a wrong turn.
The return journey along the wide path isn’t very interesting and is in full sun.

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cnu25
cnu25

Hello @Drouillot... thank you for your comment. It’s true that this walk requires determination and a good level of fitness, but once you reach the summit, you’re in for a wonderful reward... thank you, and have a lovely day

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DROUILLOT
DROUILLOT

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

It’s a real challenge for your legs, lungs and heart, but the views are absolutely stunning!
A circular route, though not overly crowded, on the climb up to La Dole and at the summit, then fewer and fewer people along the rest of the way.
Route description to be completed using GPS.
No technical difficulties on dry ground. The elevation changes simply require stamina, and a few slippery sections call for caution.
This route is mostly sunny.
We spotted a chamois.
A big thank you to “cnu25” for this lovely walk, accompanied by the tinkling of cows’ bells.

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cnu25
cnu25

Thank you and have a lovely day....

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MES COLLINES
MES COLLINES
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 06, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The climb to the summit was quite busy. On the way back, however, we had the mountain only to ourselves. What’s more, the view is magnificent.
Please note: if your mobile plan doesn’t cover Switzerland...

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jpv1950
jpv1950

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 29, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very good – easy to follow

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cnu25
cnu25
• Edited:

Hello @10941916.....thank you for your comment.... have a nice day

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User 10941916

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely circular route with magnificent views of the Alps and Lake Geneva.
It feels just like being in the Alps

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cnu25
cnu25
• Edited:

Hello @lipi, thanks for getting back to me. Have a good day.

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lipi
lipi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with varied scenery. The main challenge is the first climb up to La Dôle.

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cnu25
cnu25

Hello @Uniqz_hike....thank you for your comment – it really made me smile...it’s tough enough without snow, so you’ve been brave...thank you and have a lovely day

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Uniqz_hike
Uniqz_hike
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 07, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike completed on 7 April 2026.

My predictions for snowmelt were a bit optimistic for April, so I found myself on a hike that was completely covered in snow and much more difficult to complete.

Bear this in mind before setting off, as I found myself up to my thighs in snow on several occasions.

Apart from this little mistake on my part, the hike – if done in summer without snow (haha) – is well worth it. The route will be much easier once the snow has melted, and you’ll be treated to a splendid panorama of the Alps.

Below, on the south face of La Dôle, you’ll surely have the chance to spot small groups of chamois frolicking to their hearts’ content, racing amongst themselves and grazing on fresh grass.

PS: regarding the route, I took the black run further to the right; the route is more challenging as it’s ‘leg-breaking right from the start’.
You’ll find yourself facing a slope so steep it would make many give up.
But don’t worry, if you make the same little mistake as me, you’ll still enjoy reaching the Panorama.

Good luck to you all!

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