Circular Dent d'Oche loop via Pointe de Pelluaz

Update by the author on 14/07/2026: a note has been added to the ‘Practical Information’ section.

The walk starts at the car park at La Fétiuère, situated on the road leading from Bernex to Pré Richard (to get there from Thonon or Évian, follow the D52 first).

(S/E) To the right of the restaurant, take a path heading uphill (no signposting at the start). After about ten minutes, you’ll reach a ski run. Try to join a track suitable for vehicles a little further up and follow it to the left; take care as the track is in fair condition, but finding your way shouldn’t be a problem.

(1) Not far on, between a hairpin bend and some buildings (Pré Richard), take a path on the left heading uphill. You’ll come to a bend followed by a hairpin bend to the left. Shortly afterwards, turn onto a path on the right heading uphill, keeping close to the edge of a ski run

(2) Once you reach the ridge, continue left along the path towards the Tête des Fieux, following the white-and-red^GR®®5markings. Initially, the uphill gradient is not too steep, but once you reach a ski run, it becomes quite steep.

(3) Continue left along the ridge towards Combe. On a moderately sloping path, you’ll pass an orientation table.

(4) Join a ski run and follow it straight ahead up a steep climb (temporarily leaving the^GR®® route). Reach the top station of a chairlift.

(5) Then head for the summit of the Pointe de Pelluaz via a steeper path marked just before by a cross. Continue along the path following the ridge and then reach an unnamed peak marked by another cross (altitude 1,915 m). You will then encounter a slope that is quite steep at first but then levels off for a short while.

(6) At the Col de la Casse d’Oche, carry on straight along the ridge, heading uphill over gentle slopes.

(7) You’ll reach a grassy summit near the Aiguilles de Darbon, where you can enjoy excellent views of the surrounding landscape (particularly towards the Dent d’Oche) as well as more distant vistas (notably towards the Mont Blanc massif). Retrace your steps back to the pass via the same route.
NB: From this point, I suggest an optional alternative route involving additional challenges: click here to find out more.

(6) Turn right towards Lac de la Case, following the path downwards (^GR®® signposting).

(8) Walk along the left-hand side of the lake, avoiding the wetland area on the left (this is a^second, filled-in lake), and continue straight on until you reach a junction. Turn right, following the^GR®® route for about a hundred metres, then turn left at a fork (towards Château d’Oche). Shortly after a short climb, carry on straight ahead (do not follow the yellow arrow markings to the right) and then follow a path that runs on level ground. You will come to another junction; turn right, heading uphill.

(9) Just before the Col de Planchamp, take a path on the left (towards Dent D’Oche). From this point, the regular presence of chains makes it easier to tackle a few tricky sections. The route initially runs more or less level, then continues up a few steep slopes through rocky terrain where you’ll need to use your hands . A degree of caution is advised on certain exposed sections. Watch out for falling rocks – starting with those you might dislodge yourself.

(10) Before reaching the summit, you’ll encounter one final challenge on a section that is quite exposed to the drop below. Beautiful panoramic views can be admired, just as before. After a short descent, you’ll reach the secondary summit marked by a cross. From here, a tricky descent across a slab section lies ahead. It is advisable to make good use of the chains, especially if the ground is wet.

(11) Once you reach the refuge, take a moment to enjoy the lovely views once more. Head westwards, then begin another tricky section as you descend a chimney equipped with chains. Be careful of stones, which can easily roll under your feet and thus indirectly towards others. You’ll reach a junction on the outskirts of the Col de Rebollion; turn left, following the descent along a few hairpin bends.

(12) At the Chalets d’Oche, continue to the right along a wide path. After the hamlet known as “Haute Ugine” (as shown on the IGN map), there are two options: either go straight on for a more direct route, or turn left for a gentler slope (the route follows the^second option). These two routes join further down. A few metres further on, you’ll come to another junction where there are two further options: left or straight ahead, which is an easier route (the route chosen is the^first option). Return to the starting point after passing the restaurant (S/E).

The starting point can be viewed on Google Maps: click here

Good walking boots and walking poles are recommended.

This hike is not recommended for those prone to vertigo.

The route can be walked in either direction: walking it in the opposite direction is less difficult, particularly when accessing the Refuge de la Dent d’Oche via the chimneys. It was a personal choice, based on a number of details, that led me to present the route as described.

As the route to the foot of the Aiguilles de Darbon between the points (6) and (7) is a round trip, this section is optional (it offers further beautiful views).

Please take your rubbish away with you; nature doesn’t cope well with it.

Here is a description of the difficulties encountered by section (the route is not uniform):
- green: fairly straightforward route with no significant elevation changes or difficulties.
- Blue: slopes and/or elevation changes are more pronounced on a well-marked route.
- Orange: routes presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor route conditions (markings or visibility of the path).
- Red: a difficult route due to significant changes in elevation, which may require some climbing, in an environment presenting certain hazards.
- Black: a route on a fairly difficult trail and/or involving imminent dangers.
- White: routes through very challenging technical terrain requiring specific equipment.

From (S/E) to (1): Blue difficulty
The start of the route follows a reasonably clear path. The route alongside the ski run is less distinct, but finding your way should not be a problem.
There are no signposts, but small yellow signs point you in the right direction.

From (1) to (2): Blue difficulty
The route is relatively easy.
There are no markings or signposts.
Alternative route: from the fork above Pré Richard, it is possible to continue straight on along an easier path. If you take this route, you will pass by the Pelluaz reservoir to join the route described at elevation 1755.

From (2) to (3): Orange difficulty
You’ll initially come across a path on a gentle slope. After joining the ski run, the slope becomes quite steep.
White-red^GR®® markings + signposts.

From (3) to (5): Blue difficulty
The route initially follows a gently sloping path. After running alongside a ski run, the terrain changes and there is a steeper slope for a few metres.
White-red^GR®® markings + signposts up to elevation 1755. No signposts thereafter.

From (5) to (6): Blue difficulty
The route follows a long ridge line with a succession of ascents and descents.
No signposts, then from an elevation of 1839. White-red^GR®® markings + signposts.

From (6) to (7): round trip – Blue difficulty
The route continues along the ridge on a gentle uphill slope that presents no difficulty. Depending on the season, there may be stinging nettles in this area.
No signposting.

From (6) to (8): Blue difficulty
The descent from the pass follows a well-maintained path.
White-red^GR®® markings + signposts

From (8) to (9): Blue difficulty
The route winds between the two Case lakes (the one on the left having been filled in to create a wetland), then passes at the foot of Château d’Oche, all with very little change in altitude.
No signposting or markings apart from the short section on the GR®®^route.

From (9) to: Red difficulty
Great caution is required on the Dent d’Oche section, both on the ascent and the descent: throughout, the presence of chains makes progress much easier, but one must not forget that this is a mountainous environment. There is a risk of rockfalls, and to begin with, it is best not to dislodge any rocks that might endanger other walkers. The route can be busy in places, so you may need to wait to let others pass.
Yellow markings; no signposts.

From to (12): Blue difficulty
The route follows a path that is not particularly difficult.
White-red^GR®® markings + signposts.

From (12) to (S/E): Blue difficulty
Overall, the route does not present any major difficulties; depending on the options chosen (see above), the gradients will be more or less steep.
Yellow markings

Pointe de Pelluaz: this peak, situated south of the Dent d’Oche, rises to 1,908 m. Its name derives from ‘pelu’, which describes a mountain or piece of land as bare or denuded.

Lac de la Case (or Lac d’Oche): situated between the summits of Pointe de Pelluaz and the Dent d’Oche, there are in fact two lakes worth mentioning. Whilst the oval-shaped lake to the south is clearly visible, the one to the north is not visible at all as it is overgrown with vegetation and is a wetland worth mentioning. See Wikipedia and the Ministry of Ecology’s website

Dent d’Oche: this peak, rising to 2,221 metres, offers a lovely view over the Lake Geneva basin and the rest of the Chablais massif. For more information, see Wikipedia.