La Roche Parnal and Sous Dîne loop from Les Glières

The Plateau des Glières is accessible by car from the D12 road that climbs from Bonneville to Saint-Jean-de-Sixt. Simply take the D55B between Le Petit Bornand, Les Glières and Entremont. This description starts from Chez la Jode on the Plateau des Glières. You can also start from the Col des Glières (12) if you are coming from Annecy and Thorens-Glières via the D55. The SIBRA G1 bus line serves the plateau from Fillière.

(S/E) Head towards Chez Constance and continue north-east to Fréchet (farm).

(1) Continue uphill, heading northeast.

(2) Cross the cattle grid, which has a handle here. Follow the path, which becomes a trail. Join a track that passes under the Refuge de Spée. Continue on the track heading north-west to the Col de Spée, where there are magnificent views of Mont Blanc to the south and Roche Parnal to the north.

(3) From the pass, the descent leads to the Chalets de Tinnaz. Follow the markers to climb back up to the Col du Freu without passing by the chalets.

(4) From the Col du Freu, head due west to reach a pass after a recent rockfall. Then continue to the summit of Roche Parnal.

(5) From the summit, descend to the Col du Câble. Then, follow the barely visible path through the forest to reach the Pas de la Truie, paying close attention to the markings made with old paint on the rocks to avoid a detour and stay cool.

(6) Further on, join the trail coming from the Col de l'Ébat. Then pass through the cliff, made easier by cables. Reach the ridges of the Sous Dîne mountain, heading due west. A small ladder allows you to pass a rocky outcrop. Arrive at Sous Dîne.

(7) First head south-west, then west to the Trou de la Pierre.

(8) Change direction: turn south-east to pass the Chalet de Landron under the Col de Landron. Reach the resistance memorial.

(9) Continue for about ten metres and head south. Cross the Champ Laitier mountain pasture, passing the Chalet du Plan, before first turning left then right to head towards the Nant des Brassets footbridge, which is often dry in summer.

(10) Cross the footbridge and climb up through the Haute Fillière national forest to the Col de Ronceveaux. The climb is quite steep, but then the path is very pleasant and relaxing through the forest and blueberry bushes.

(11) At the crossroads at the edge of the forest, head towards Col des Glières.

(12) From the pass, follow the track that leads back to Chez la Jode (S/E).

(3) Water point on this route at the Chalets de Tinnaz.

Between (6) and (7). The summit of Sous Dîne can be easily reached in a few minutes.

(8) At the memorial, information panels provide details about the Resistance.

Between (10) and (11). A sign indicates Col de Ronceveaux 10 min. This must be a mistake as it takes longer, especially at this stage of the race.