The Croix de Colomban circular walk starting from the Pré à l'Ours car park

The information about the car park at the start is incorrect! It no longer exists...;
The route has been changed, starting from La Croix Fry and rejoining the route.
At two or three points, the information is unclear.
The path doesn’t exist in certain places.
Otherwise, a quiet route...; Fewer people than on the classic trail.
Daniel

I went there two days ago.... THERE IS NO LONGER A CAR PARK. I know the area well and I definitely took the right road. I live in Le Grand Bornand.

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The Pré à l'Ours car park does exist. On the Route de la Croix Fry, about 2 km before the pass, turn left onto a road which, incidentally, bears the same name.
There is even a sign showing the hiking trails in the area

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Date of your route : May 11, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The information about the starting car park is incorrect! It no longer exists...;
The route has been changed, starting from La Croix Fry and rejoining the route.
At two or three points, the information is unclear.
The path doesn’t exist in certain places.
Otherwise, a quiet route...; Fewer people than on the classic trail.
Daniel

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

A pleasant hike, especially during hot weather as it is mostly shaded by trees.
After the cross, there is a very beautiful view.
However, most of the hike is without any clear views.
The path is often covered with roots in the second half, which isn't too difficult but not very pleasant either.
Towards the end of the route, the suggested route is completely incorrect: there is no path. Be careful.

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Date of your route : Jul 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

With the fallen trees, the end of the trail is no longer usable. We found ourselves in bushes as tall as us and at one point we had to cut across the trail because we were blocked by barbed wire. But the hike is really beautiful and enjoyable, just the end needs to be changed

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Date of your route : Jun 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with many magnificent views.
Thank you to the author for taking the time to make it available to us.
I think a GPS is essential. There were a few difficulties finding the right path at times, particularly between points 8 and 10. But it's not easy to give precise directions when there are so many possible paths.
Between points 2 and 3, the wording misled me: "At the crossroads, continue straight ahead, ignoring the sign for Colomban d'en bas". There is no direction called "Colomban d'en bas" and you don't go straight ahead (otherwise you end up at Colomban d'en bas, like I did), but take the path on the left that descends slightly.
I will add some photos of the hike in June (without snow).

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Date of your route : Jun 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful walk. As previous comments have mentioned, the route became complicated at number 8 due to a lack of signage. Otherwise, I highly recommend it :-)

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Date of your route : Nov 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

To save the easiest part for the afternoon, we did the route in the opposite direction. It was a bit of a steep start. A rollercoaster ride between 7 and 6. Between 10 and 7, a GPS seems essential to me because, as mentioned in the description, there are numerous paths to choose from, some of which are more appealing than the one you’re actually supposed to take.
An interesting route that takes you to the chalet and the Colomban cross via little-used paths

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Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A steep climb right from the start along a well-marked path up to the ridge. Stunning views, including those of Mont Blanc on the way down.
However, from there on, the markings become scarce and are virtually non-existent from Maison des Bois onwards. It’s difficult to find your way unless you have a map, the route description and a GPS.
The final section of the hike before joining the farm track that takes you back to the car park is very quiet and unmarked.... Fortunately, we had the GPS to guide us.
A lovely hike nonetheless, but one I wouldn’t recommend with young children.

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