From Lake Thuile to Mont Rochefort

de fr

A pleasant, quiet walk starting from the village of La Thuile. The modest summit of Mont Rochefort offers one of the best views of the lake.
Local yellow-green markings and signposts.

Details

n°127378
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.12 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 925 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 912 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,615 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,867 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Areas: Alps, Bauges
  • ⚐ City: Savoie (73)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 45.529839° / E 6.053129°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3332OT, 3432OT, 3432OTR, 3433OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather
    Discover Visorando Premium
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

Baraque
Trail
Departure
At the lake

Description of the walk

Park in the car park of the community hall overlooking the lake.

(S/E) Head back down to the village, pass to the left of the bakery, then head towards the church and go past it on the left. Follow the yellow-green marked path towards the Col de Marocaz; about 800 m from the church, take a path branching off to the right. You’ll reach a small road in 30 minutes and 1.4 km from the church.

(1) Leave the route to the Col de Marocaz here and turn right. Pass by an iron cross. Walk up the quiet little road for 20 minutes until you reach a junction.

(2) Then take the path on the left (towards Le Mont – Le Lac), follow it for about 60 metres until you reach another junction with a local signpost.

(3) Do not head down towards the lake but continue left for 200m.

(4) Continue left again. The path winds through woods and boxwood and reaches the summit of Mont Rochefort (1,102m). After stopping to enjoy the view, continue along the path (a few steep sections) then the path continues through the woods to return to the junction.

(4) Turn left towards the crossroads you passed on the way there.

(3) Turn left again towards the lake and head downhill (markings and signposts). Arrive at the village of Lac and go round the lake either to the left or to the right:
- On the left, a road then a nature trail along the lake (this is the route shown on the map).
- On the right, a small road and footpath, a rest area, an inn...
Then return to the car park (start/finish)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,917 ft - Car park at the community hall
  2. 1 : mi 1.19 - alt. 3,219 ft - Marocaz Pass road.
  3. 2 : mi 1.95 - alt. 3,435 ft - Junction.
  4. 3 : mi 1.99 - alt. 3,412 ft - junction 3
  5. 4 : mi 2.13 - alt. 3,363 ft - Junction 4
  6. S/E : mi 4.12 - alt. 2,917 ft - Car park at the community hall

Notes

GPS track imported to Visorando.
Signposts (sometimes confusing).

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 18 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
MJC Bellegarde Poussieu
MJC Bellegarde Poussieu
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

We did the circuit in reverse.
It is best to walk along the lake at the start to warm up, then climb to point 3 via the fairly rocky path, which is easier to climb than descend.
Return via a forest path from point 1 to the car park.

Machine-translated

NathanAix
NathanAix

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A perfect hike, not too crowded and offering magnificent views from the top of the mountain

Machine-translated

fassiaux
fassiaux

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very steep and impressive descent from Mount Rochefort.

Machine-translated

CAT B
CAT B

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 30, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Thank you to the person who, on 14 October, gave a clear description of how to follow the route at the cut, between 2 and 3.
A beautiful walk, with no snow on 30 December, which was very pleasant, and a surprising view!
I recommend it

Machine-translated

AdrienTaï
AdrienTaï

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 12, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I had trouble finding my way at one point and understanding the map. Probably because of the work being done at point 2. Machinery is currently clearing this section between points 2 and 3, and one or two signs may have been knocked down. So the intersection at point 2 is the road that descends to the left towards the deforested area in the direction of the small hill. As we are on the side of a mountain, it is easy to find your bearings. I got a little lost trying to find the start of the Tour de Rochefort at point 4, but I think I covered everything. Once in the woods, it is well marked in yellow and green everywhere.
It's a very pleasant and varied hike, with woods, rocks and viewpoints. I recommend you don't miss the circular towards the hill. I highly recommend it!

Machine-translated

chelouche helene
chelouche helene

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

hello
i even extended the route to go as far as the Col du Mont
beautiful views with a 360° panorama of Lake La Thuile, La Galopaz, Pic de la Sauge and the other lake, St André Le Granier
helendolo

Machine-translated

Didier B3.
Didier B3.

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 01, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A short, easy hike with little elevation gain that leads to a beautiful view.
Ideal for warming up at the start of the season

Machine-translated

reitop
reitop

the hunters have monopolised the area. Hike cancelled.

Machine-translated

730001302-2B5092147000
730001302-2B5092147000

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 15, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A pleasant walk in mid-November to a little-known peak, with magnificent views of Mont Rochefort, the
the Belledonne, the Bauges, and Mont Blanc, and then starting the descent to Lake Thuile. To be repeated.

Machine-translated

Elise Antunes
Elise Antunes

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 03, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful walk
The area is virtually deserted, perfect for lovers of peace and nature :-)
Breathtaking views of Mont sur la Combe de Savoie, Les Belledonnes and a magnificent viewpoint over the lake.
The autumn colours are currently adding the finishing touches to this picture-postcard scene.

Machine-translated

Didierodile
Didierodile

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A pleasant route in summer as it is shaded almost the entire way.
Magnificent view at the summit.
However, be careful, as the first 10 metres back from the summit can be dangerous if the ground is wet (rocks).

Machine-translated

bibi
bibi ★

Thank you for your feedback. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any suggestions for additional information. We can add them to the description.
Kind regards

Machine-translated

Marylinewel
Marylinewel

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 25, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The directions for taking the short circular route to Mont Rochefort (4) are not very clear. Be careful not to follow the signs for "Le Mont". Follow the signs for "Rochefort".
Superb view at the summit.

Machine-translated

ndsallet
ndsallet

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 24, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

We took this short walk in frozen snow, with no particular difficulties, just fun for the children during the walk.
The icing on the cake was arriving to find a magnificent sea of clouds below us and a fantastic view of the Alps.
Beyond the walk, seeing this village, its lake and beautiful rock is a must.

Machine-translated

ndsallet
ndsallet

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 24, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

We took this short walk in frozen snow, with no particular difficulties, just fun for the children during the walk.
The icing on the cake was arriving to find a magnificent sea of clouds below us and a fantastic view of the Alps.
Beyond the walk itself, seeing this village, its lake and beautiful rock is a must.

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Montgelas Circular – Croix de Chignin

Visorando Member
↔7.41 mi ↗+2,060 ft ↘-2,067 ft ◔5h 10 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Savoie
This is a hike which, in its first section, follows little-used paths where the signposting is sparse. The Montgelas ridge is marked by two crosses. From (7), the signposting becomes more conventional.

Walking Roc de Tormery circuit, Le Tapin, La Roche du Guet

Visorando Member
↔5.34 mi ↗+1,398 ft ↘-1,378 ft ◔3h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Savoie
The village's main attraction in the summer is, of course, the small Lac de la Thuile lake. For hikers, the other attraction is the Roche du Guet, a pretty viewpoint equipped with two orientation tables.

Walking Route via Mont Rochefort and Col du Mont

Visorando Member
Circuit par le Mont Rochefort et le Col du Mont
↔3.95 mi ↗+965 ft ↘-942 ft ◔2h 40 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Savoie
An easy hike that skirts around Lac de la Thuile. Mont Rochefort offers a beautiful view of the village and its lake. Panoramic views of Belledonne, Les Bauges, etc.

Walking Around the Necuidet Marsh

Visorando Member
Autour du Marais de Necuidet
↔4.41 mi ↗+784 ft ↘-787 ft ◔2h 45 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Savoie
A short hike near the quiet village of La Thuile and its peaceful lake.

Walking The Savoyard circular from Montmélian

Visorando Member
La savoyarde en boucle depuis Montmélian
↔8.43 mi ↗+3,481 ft ↘-3,455 ft ◔6h 55 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Montmélian (Savoie)
It is a very interesting and varied hike, offering a multitude of beautiful views of the Chambéry valley, the peaks of the Bauges, some of the peaks of the Chartreuse and Belledonne mountains, and the Tarentaise valley. This hike should be avoided in wet weather or just after a wet period.

Walking From Montmélian to La Roche du Guet, returning via the Col du Mont

Visorando Member
↔5.92 mi ↗+3,084 ft ↘-3,091 ft ◔5h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Montmélian (Savoie)
A good, challenging hike to reach La Roche du Guet and its two information boards.

Walking Montmélian to Cruet circular loop

Visorando Member
Boucle de Montmélian à Cruet
↔4.54 mi ↗+1,214 ft ↘-1,184 ft ◔3h 10 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Montmélian (Savoie)
This circular route through the vineyards guarantees a sunny route. It also offers a panoramic view of the Belledonne Massif. Depending on the time of year, you may see work being done in the vineyards. The route is signposted.

Walking Ridges of Lac de la Thuile

Visorando Member
↔6.82 mi ↗+1,768 ft ↘-1,719 ft ◔4h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Savoie
A lovely walk with magnificent views of all the surrounding mountain ranges: Charteuse, Vercors, Belledonne, Vanoise and Mont Blanc.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.