The Hermone Chapel from the Col du Feu

This short hike, which is a common route to climb to the Hermone Chapel, highlights the small religious heritage sites that are very present along the route and offers superb views of Lake Geneva from the summit.

Details

852823
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.69 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 201 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 201 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,322 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,121 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Departure from Col du Feu, from where the chapel can be clearly seen high up to the north-east. Park in the large car park on the left of the D36 road when coming from Lullin (on the right when coming from Orcier).

Red and white markings + yellow arrow signposts + signposts

(S/E) From the car park, cross the D36 road (take care) and follow the Chemin du Feu to the northeast, a small tarmac road that branches off to the right of the D36 towards Hermone. Ignore a few side roads and pass a cross. The slope is initially gentle, but becomes steeper as you approach the first houses.

(1) At the T-junction, turn left towards the Hermone Chapel. At the edge of the hamlet (oratory), the tarmac gives way to a steep, stony path that is closed to traffic.

(2) Take the hairpin bend to the left and do not take the steep path that branches off to the right (the purple line on the 1:25,000 map is inaccurate here). Take another hairpin bend to the right, climb through the undergrowth and you will reach the start of a Way of the Cross.

(3) Continue along the path marked with Stations of the Cross and, at the end, you will reach the chapel.

(4) Descend by the same path in the opposite direction to the Col du Feu (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,121 m - Col du Feu
  2. 1 : km 0.71 - alt. 1,154 m - Le Feu
  3. 2 : km 1.04 - alt. 1,197 m - Hairpin bend
  4. 3 : km 1.49 - alt. 1,272 m - Way of the Cross
  5. 4 : km 1.85 - alt. 1,316 m - Chapel of Hermone - View of the - Lac Léman
  6. S/E : km 3.69 - alt. 1,121 m - Col du Feu

Notes

Hiking boots are useful on some steep sections.

Bar-restaurant at Col du Feu (S/E).

Additional information:
From the chapel (4), you can continue along the well-marked ridge path to the north-east until you reach the low peak of Mont d'Hermone. Allow for an additional 100 metres of elevation gain and an hour for the round trip.

Hike completed by the author on 31 October 2017.

Worth a visit

- Cross with a quote from Saint-François de Salles on the Chemin du Feu, shortly after (S/E).
- Pretty hamlet of Feu (1).
- Panorama of the Mémises-Oche massif and Mont Billiat from the hamlet of Feu (1).
- On leaving the hamlet of Feu on the way there, after (1), framed by two magnificent beech trees, an oratory whose inscription takes us back to the time of indulgences.
- Way of the Cross between (3) and (4).
- Hermone Chapel (16th-19th century) (4).
- Superb panoramic views of Lake Geneva around the chapel (4). In particular, don't hesitate to continue a few metres beyond the chapel, where a comfortable lawn provides a pleasant place to stop and enjoy the view of the lake.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 13643667

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Well done, always pleasant and reliable. I sincerely recommend them.

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TYS
TYS

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Lovely walk with superb views at La Chapelle.

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Mauro38
Mauro38

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 14, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A short, easy hike, best done early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Fairly steep climb to La Chapelle d'Hermone, but no particular difficulty.
Magnificent view from the summit.

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patte
patte

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

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

You have to go to the chapel to get a view, and then continue past it towards Mont d'Hermone to get a beautiful view of the famous two castles of Allinges (see route and especially their history).
However, going to Mont d'Hermone requires a lot of effort (steep climb) for a view that is non-existent.

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mamaumamar
mamaumamar

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very pleasant 40-minute walk.
Way of the Cross before arriving at the chapel
Beautiful view of Lake Geneva.
Option to climb Mont d'Hermone, 40 minutes from the chapel.
Thank you...

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MIRWIAZ
MIRWIAZ

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 06, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Thank you to whoever described this hike. It's perfect for a short, easy walk, which is just what we were looking for.

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