Boucle des Merveilles du Margeriaz via the Trou de l'Agneau

Access from Chambéry towards Saint-Jean-d'Arvey. In Saint-Jean, head towards Thoiry, then Thorméroz and the Route des Chavonnes. Park just before the Ruisseau de la Combe, before the houses in Les Chavonnes. There are several parking spaces on the right and one on the left.

(S/E) From the car park, head towards Les Chavonnes and you will come to a crossroads.

(1) Go straight ahead. You are now embarking on a very pleasant long walk through the woods. Follow the GRP® des Bauges trail, passing near the hamlets of Chavonnes, Le Sauget and Le Fornet. Ignore all paths on the left and right.

(2) Continue straight ahead until you reach La Labiaz, where you will need to take a paved section.

(3) Leave the road and continue opposite on a steeper track to reach the steep Chemin des Carres, passing an intersection at a place called Montaiset.

(4) Take this road on the right and join the path coming from Col de Plainpalais

(5) Turn right. The trail becomes increasingly steep and difficult as it emerges from the woods. Progress on the steep, gravelly slopes is difficult, but you will eventually reach the base of the cliff.

(6) Note, to the right of the signpost, two old yellow arrows that seem to point to the right. This is the route to the Trou de l'Agneau described here. To the left is the access to the Golet de l'Agneau. After a short level crossing that bypasses the cliff, a steep slope leads to the base of the difficulties. Access is blocked by two small climbs of grade II sup or even III, then a steep ramp leads to the entrance of the Trou. Pass under huge wedged boulders and take a small step to the right to reach the exit. A cable has been installed to secure the passage, which also leads to the exit of the gully.

(7) From here, join the track and head south. After the ski lift, climb quickly up to the ridge at the top of Mont Margeriaz to admire the view over the Combe de Savoie and the plateau.

(8) Continue along the ridge, pass the Bergerie ski lift and find the Pont de Pierre on the right, a magnificent arch that you can climb.

(9) From the Pont de Pierre, join the trail to the north to begin the descent, then head to elevation 1696.

(10) Turn right onto the trail to discover the Tannes and the Margeriaz geosites. Continue descending until you reach the Tanne aux Cochons. Take care to respect the safety barriers, as this is the entrance to some deep chasms.

(11) Continue to the Gouffre de la Tanne du Névé, which you will be overlooking. A little further down on the left, visit the entrance to a cave, then descend to the Place à Baban.

(12) The descent is now complete. Climb back up to the right towards the Col de la Verne, stopping to inspect the geosites indicated. Reach elevation 1592.

(13) Turn left and, further on, you will find the Tanne du Grand Rafou.

(14) Continue straight ahead to reach the Col de la Verne.

(15) At the pass, continue straight ahead and begin the descent. As you pass the mini tufa waterfall, look up to see the entrance to the Trou au Tarin. The descent continues to the starting point.

(1) Turn left to return to the starting point (S/E).

There is no water on the plateau, but a trough with fresh water is welcome when you arrive at La Sétéria.

Access to Margeriaz is via the Trou or the Goulet de l'Agneau, which is well equipped.

The TD rating is justified if you go through the Trou, not the Goulet, but the slope is very steep and slippery below. The rest of the route on the plateau is easy.

At the exit of the Trou de l'Agneau, it is worth taking a stroll along the ridge between the rocks before heading towards the summit.

There are many tracks and trails on the plateau, allowing you to vary your itinerary and discover other geosites such as the Tanne du Grand Glacier. It is also possible to go caving in the Tanne du Névé, even with children.