Circular route via the Col de Châtillon via the Grand-Montagne and Covaleux

Starting from a charming mountain inn, this circular route offers a magnificent view of the Aravis range and a south-facing aspect. At the pass, you’ll have a view of the Bargy range and the Jalouvre. The route can be done in both summer and winter with snowshoes.

Details

18952845
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.90 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 332 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 332 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,683 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,347 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park to the left of the Auberge du Croix.

(S/E) Follow the Chemin de la Grande Montagne eastwards. Ignore the fork to the right and continue to Les Touillettes.

(1) Leave the return path on your left and continue straight on. Pass the isolated Plan Baudry farm situated below the path, then follow a few hairpin bends to reach the crossroads and the Grand-Montagne farm (currently being renovated).

(2) Turn left to follow the Chemin du Col de Chatillon. Continue along this road, passing the Acrets farm on your left, then the Châtillon farm.

(3) Just after the latter, look out for the path on the left leading down the hill and head towards the Col de Châtillon cross.

(4) At Col de Châtillon, you’ll have a view of Roc des Arces to your left and Jalouvre and the Bargy range opposite. Turn back and head down tothe first building of the Châtillon farm.

(3) Turn right onto the hillside path leading to Covaleux through the mountain pastures and then the woods.

(5) When you reach the western chalet in the hamlet of Covaleux, turn left to leave the woods and join the path leading to Covaleux via a short, poorly marked link. The old path runs to the east, then past the new building, but the dog will bark if you choose this route.
Then head back down towards the valley, following the Chemin de Covaleux.

(1) Back on the Chemin de la Grande Montagne, take this path to the right to reach the Auberge du Croix, then the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,351 m - Croix car park
  2. 1 : km 1.16 - alt. 1,452 m - Les Touillettes, junction of the circular loop
  3. 2 : km 3.06 - alt. 1,599 m - La Grand-Montagne
  4. 3 : km 4.24 - alt. 1,678 m - Junction of the descent
  5. 4 : km 4.37 - alt. 1,683 m - Col du Châtillon - Mont Lachat de Châtillon
  6. 5 : km 5.36 - alt. 1,515 m - Junction with the Chemin de la Grand Montagne
  7. S/E : km 6.9 - alt. 1,351 m - Croix car park

Notes

In both winter and summer, the car park can be full around midday, as the inn is very popular on fine days.

The additional car park on the left is new and does not appear on maps or older satellite images.

The route is more interesting in this direction as it runs largely facing the Aravis range and Pointe Percée. The view is unobstructed.

Worth a visit

Auberge du Croix, a beautiful traditional setting.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
Sosso1968
Sosso1968

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very nice hike, easy to access, easy trail, no difficulty. At point 5, you do have to cross private property, so continue through the forest and follow the signs to return to the car park. The passage through the mountain pastures went smoothly (sheepdog), thanks to the signposting, fencing and other warnings. If everyone respects the area, we will be able to continue hiking, even in private areas.

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christophebr
christophebr

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 22, 2025
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 no particular difficulties and magnificent views.

Note that at point 5, the path is blocked, so simply carry on straight ahead through the forest and follow the signs back to the car park. Nothing difficult about it. It’s actually quite pleasant when it’s very hot, as it was on the day we did this walk.

The highlight of this walk is therefore the panoramic views.

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stme10496
stme10496

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 14, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

a lovely walk

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