Saint-Germain Hermitage, Dents de Lanfon, Combe Noire Forest

To reach the Saint-Germain hermitage: from Talloires, take the road to the Col de la Forclaz, then, 300 metres after the^second tunnel, turn left onto a road. There is a car park above the hermitage on the road to Ponnay (4 to 5 spaces).

(S/E) From the car park, walk up the road and, just before the bend, take the path opposite which leads to Ponnay.

(1) Head north along a path towards a secluded chalet, which leads further on to the Route de Planfait.

(2) Leave this road immediately and take the path opposite, which runs alongside the Nant Sec.
Please note: after about 300 m, where the path crosses the Nant Sec, a barely visible track on the right leads back to the Route de Planfait.

(3) Follow this path uphill, then turn left onto the road for about 50 m to reach another path starting on the left.

(4) This path takes you back onto the Route de Planfait for the last time. Cross it to reach the path opposite.
At the junction of paths, at the 1000-metre mark, turn right (signposted ‘Lanfon’). Then turn left for 100 metres before turning right to join the^GR®® 96.

(5) Cross it and follow the signposted direction for the Col des Frêtes (sign). Reach the ridge.

(6) Turn right and walk along level ground to the Col des Frêtes at an elevation of 1570. Look out for the^GR®® below you and begin the descent to join it.

(7) Head right, towards the Chalets de l’Aulp, then continue on. Reach the junction with the Talamarche path.

(8) Continue towards the Col des Nantets along a path climbing up a small valley towards the Roc de Lancrenaz and the Pas de l’Aulp.

(9) This rocky section requires care; the path descends steeply, passes in front of the Chalet de la Froulaz and leads to the Col des Nantets at an altitude of 1426.

(10) Turn right towards the Chalet des Crottes.

(11) At the chalet, ignore the path on the left which descends to the Chalet de l’Aulp; turn right towards
Forêt de Combe Noire and Sauffaz. Follow a wider path, although there are significant marked sections that allow you to shorten the route. Continue to the Sauffaz–Talloires junction.

(12) Take the path that climbs towards Talloires, covering an elevation gain of around 150 m.
Continue along this path for 45 minutes (approximately 2 km), cross the Nant de Sallier, then, after 200 m, you’ll find the start of a path on your left.

(13) Head straight down the steep path into the valley; further on, the path becomes easier to walk on and joins a track suitable for vehicles. Follow it to the right until, after 600 m, you reach the Route de Planfait. Follow this road downhill to a junction you passed on the way there.

(2) Turn left onto the path leading back the way you came to return to the hermitage car park (S/E).

⚠️ 08/07/2026 – Sensitive area – Dents de Lanfon
The Dents de Lanfon couloir is currently the subject of particular vigilance. Significant instability has been observed in the upper part of the couloir, with a developing fracture zone and several large, unstable boulders that are at risk of dislodgement.
Furthermore, unauthorised fixed ropes have been installed along the route. As these are unsuitable and now severely deteriorated, they may give a false sense of security whilst actually constituting a risk factor in themselves.
It is recommended that you stay strictly on the official paths, do not use this unauthorised equipment, and observe the signage in place. As access conditions may change, it is advisable to check with Bluffy Town Hall before setting off.

Important: the route from the hermitage to (6) is not signposted. (The signposts otherwise direct you towards the Planfait site). Then, from (7) to (12), follow the yellow-green markings.
Furthermore, the path leading to the Col des Frêtes is very steep and muddy when wet. (You can slip even with good footwear).
The descent via the Vallon du Stream of Sallier is steep but nothing more; if in doubt, head back to the (5) to reach the hermitage via the same route as on the way there.

Visit the hermitage of St-Germain and the cave.
The Col de la Forclaz, a paragliding take-off site, with views over Lake Annecy.