La Chaux or the Elephant's Head

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This superb hike offers beautiful views of Saint-Jean-d'Aulps and the Roc d'Enfer. When the sky is clear, you can admire the majestic Mont Blanc in the distance!

The climb to La Chaux is on a road suitable for vehicles and through woodland. It is continuous, with no flat areas to stop for a break before reaching your destination. It is best to do it in one go! The view opens up as you walk. Finally, you will enjoy a peaceful grassy area in the sun, with even a picnic table! From there, you can enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks: Roc d'Enfer, Mont Blanc, Pic de la Corne and Roc de Tavaneuse.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.01 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 327 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 327 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,342 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,015 m
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Photos

View of Saint Jean d'Ailes

Description of the walk

Start from the "Onchets" car park, at the junction between Route de la Villaz and Route de Bellecombe.

(S/E) Go up Route de la Villaz on the right until you see a sign on the left for "Les Mellies".

(1) Then take the forest path that climbs to the left until you reach a crossroads.

(2) At the intersection, continue straight ahead towards "Damoz des Prés" and you will arrive at La Chaux, where the panorama awaits you. A picnic table is available for your use.

(3) Return by following the same route you took on the way there (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,015 m - "Onchets" car park
  2. 1 : km 0.23 - alt. 1,045 m - Signpost "Les Mellies"
  3. 2 : km 1.17 - alt. 1,185 m - Crossroads towards "Damoz des Prés"
  4. 3 : km 2.51 - alt. 1,342 m - La Chaux, Saint-Jean-d'Aulps
  5. S/E : km 5.01 - alt. 1,015 m - "Onchets" car park

Worth a visit

- Viewpoint at La Chaux (3).

Reviews and comments

4 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
User 13460823

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Easy hike, suitable for families with young children. I set off early in the morning, so I didn't meet anyone on the way. When you arrive, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view.

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Bossus
Bossus

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

When we arrived at level (3), we looked for the table and the cross, which were not indicated on the left.
The path continued to the right.

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