The Tournette loop

A magnificent hike in the mid-range mountains with views of Lake Annecy and a 360° panorama of the Northern Alps and Mont Blanc from the summit.
(__Caution__) read this article before embarking on this loop.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.20 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 1,280 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 1,278 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,322 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,195 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the Prés Ronds car park.

(S/E) Continue along the road to reach the Refuge du Pré Vérel.

(1) Pass in front and take the wide track that climbs towards the Col de l'Aulp.

(2) At the Chalet de l'Aulp car park, take the steep path on the right and head east to reach the rocky ridge.

(3) Cross it using the handrails and other chains and metal bars. Follow the green markings to avoid venturing onto some exposed ledges.

(4) Pass in front of the Refuge de la Tournette, located on the small Casset plateau.

(5) Start climbing the second rock bar that passes through the Col du Varo.

(6) Continue to follow the green markings.

(7) Begin the ascent of the Fauteuil.

(8) For the return, there are two options:
- follow the same route in reverse.
- descend via the Pointe des Frêtes, which is the route shown on the map, descend from the Fauteuil via the same route, and at the foot of the hill, take the track on the west side, which then heads south. Follow the track along the ridge, pass under the Pointe de la Bajulaz and, after the pass, start the descent down the moraine to reach the Pointe des Frêtes and the well-marked path along the ridge.

(9) Cross over to the western slope towards the ruins of the Chalet du Lars, continue to the right to reach the Rocher du Charvet.

(10) Descend to the left into the valley, then join the confluence of several streams.

(11) Turn right, cross a stream and descend through the undergrowth to reach the Chalet des Sétets.

(12) Follow the track to the right and across the meadows to reach the Prés Ronds car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,223 m - Pré Ronds car park
  2. 1 : km 1.88 - alt. 1,433 m - Col de l'Aup (1680m}
  3. 2 : km 2.13 - alt. 1,426 m - Turn right - Chalet de l'Aulp
  4. 3 : km 3.87 - alt. 1,782 m - Caset Plateau
  5. 4 : km 4.06 - alt. 1,772 m - Refuge de la Tournette (ou Blonay Dufour)
  6. 5 : km 4.69 - alt. 1,927 m - Chains and bars
  7. 6 : km 5.63 - alt. 2,141 m - Col du Varo (2151m)
  8. 7 : km 6.22 - alt. 2,302 m - The Armchair - La Tournette
  9. 8 : km 7.19 - alt. 2,135 m - Moraine
  10. 9 : km 7.7 - alt. 2,017 m - Pointe cdes Frêtes
  11. 10 : km 9.47 - alt. 1,678 m - Charvet Rock
  12. 11 : km 10.35 - alt. 1,398 m - Directions to Pré Vérel
  13. 12 : km 11.35 - alt. 1,202 m - The Sétets
  14. S/E : km 13.2 - alt. 1,222 m - Pré Ronds car park

Practical information

Caution: This hike is for experienced hikers and some sections, although equipped with chains, bars or ladders, may be difficult for people prone to vertigo.
This route forms a loop that is not much longer than a round trip to the summit, and the descent on the east side is very pleasant.

In the nearby area

Ibex and flora abound.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 38 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
TTing
TTing
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

For those who are used to hiking or sports, go ahead, the path is very safe. For people like me, who don't do much sport on a daily basis, go hiking once or twice a year, and want to add a little spice to their holidays. A few tips: 1. Walking sticks and hiking boots are strongly recommended (I would almost say mandatory). 2. Watch the video by visorandonneur Smashdc posted on this page to mentally prepare yourself for what you're going to see on the trail. Because the more surprises there are, the less chance you have of making it. 3. For your information, I'm 1.68 m tall and have long legs, but I still find some of the very high steps difficult. 4. Go with others so you can help each other on the difficult parts. Some additional information: I did this hike yesterday in thick fog, so I couldn't see anything. What's more, it was 7°C at the summit. So check the weather forecast before you set off. On the way back, you can see a small section of the lake for about 10 minutes, so go back and forth if you want.

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smashdc
smashdc

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Caution: difficult hike! Rocky, slippery climbing areas!
There are cables on the very slippery rocks (except in one place where I think cables are also needed because the steps are quite high) and a fairly vertical ladder under Le Fauteuil with steps that are close together (but it's okay...).
/!\
Old refuge in the distance => Access is blocked (flexible fencing everywhere)!! Caution!!
/!\ Bivouacking is prohibited (too much damage to the campsite/bivouac and rubbish... Thank you to the bivouacers...). You must therefore go to the left at the crossroads sign when you arrive and see the refuge (which is on the right)... /!\ Private property.
Owners no longer want people passing through.
The sign at the car park does not indicate that the path to the refuge is "prohibited" (nor does the route). You must therefore go around to the left as I indicate.

Several stages in the hike:
- Towards the Chalet de l'Aulp, then a very steep zigzag climb before reaching the Casset plateau and the old refuge.
- Passages through the rocks (not slippery here) are not very easy...
- Before starting the other big zigzag climb...
Then several passages through the rocks, but with cables. You have to pull hard on your arms and the steps are quite high too. Very slippery from here on, so be careful!
- Take a step back before climbing La Tournette (or after the climb on the way back): that way, you can see where you're going
- This section with cables is much steeper than the others and very slippery: pull hard on your arms. Be careful on the way down, it's slippery
- We went to the left. Under the Fauteuil on the way up... The descent back is at the base of the Fauteuil on the right at the sign.
- Very rocky at the start but with good grip. Very fine soil afterwards with steep slopes of 20-28%.

Sticks recommended with two very slippery sections
The moraine is also quite long with a gentler slope.
Two sections in the forest before starting the descent into the scree and then back into the forest (3.2 km remaining at this point)

Do not improvise as an experienced hiker
Easy to follow... yes, given how well-trodden and clearly visible the path is!
🚀 The full discovery is here ✔️ Top Panoramas ✨
https://youtu.be/C-ZESzc2aaM

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User 15418944

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
We did this hike as a family with two children aged 17 and 12, and we are used to high mountains and long, technical hikes. Yes, it is beautiful and the setting is splendid.
HOWEVER, it is important to understand that this hike has DANGEROUS sections, both on the way up (slippery rocks in places when reaching the summit, even in dry weather, very high steps between two steps, vertiginous points, etc.) and on the way down (after the summit, the return is on a scree slope that is unstable in places, even with good shoes).
It's not for nothing that the rescue helicopter is called out every day! Unfortunately, we witnessed its arrival for a hiker who had fallen in the upper part of the hike.
We regret that children under 12 are allowed, that some people come in trainers and that the local authorities do not warn visitors more about the special nature of this climb.
Another point is that climbing up in a wheelchair is not an end in itself. Although it is certainly safe on the way up, the descent with all the people already there can quickly become dangerous or inconvenient for everyone.
Finally, please stop using drones! You are frightening the ibex and disturbing people who are looking for peace and quiet...
In conclusion, for your own sake and that of your children, and out of respect for the rescue services, do not take this hike lightly. Make sure you are properly equipped (suitable footwear, walking sticks, water and food) and set off before 8 a.m. to avoid overtourism.
Enjoy your holidays, everyone.

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kaolak1
kaolak1
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Far too many people on the way up, especially at the sections with chains, where there were traffic jams even though we started the hike at around 9 a.m. The descent was more enjoyable

However, the view throughout the hike is magnificent!

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pauldubois
pauldubois
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A magnificent hike with sumptuous panoramic views, but it requires a certain level of fitness to tackle the climb to the summit. I recommend setting off very early if you can to avoid the crowds on this well-known route and escape the bottleneck on the final steps of the Fauteuil de La Tournette. You'll then be able to enjoy the 360° panorama in peace. The advantage of this route is that it offers a wonderful alternative to a simple round trip. Thank you for this hike!

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Charlie 38
Charlie 38

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Superb hike, a bit of elevation gain but the path is clearly visible throughout.

i recommend it in dry weather

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KatyCVJ
KatyCVJ

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Hike completed on 13 August in beautiful weather! Superb hike with a 360° view of Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc. Set off early in the morning to be in the shade (before 8 a.m.)! Very busy route on the way there, much less so on the way back when doing the loop, very pleasant. We saw lots of ibex crossing the path among the hikers! There are a few technical sections, so it's best to be a good hiker!

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Nin@
Nin@

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A superb hike with, if you're lucky with the weather, an extraordinary view from the summit of the fauteuil.
The route up is busy, so it's impossible to get lost. The return route is less frequented, but there is only one path, and the GPS track provides reassurance.
The climb via the Aulp is quite difficult, but the return is much easier (be sure to go all the way around the Fauteuil to find the trail)
It took us 2½ hours to get there and back.
There are lots of ibexes that can be seen close by on both sides.

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Jean-Pierre URBAN
Jean-Pierre URBAN

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Information about the route is very limited and does not mention the two separate paths leading up to La Tournette

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CecileB69
CecileB69

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful route, surely one of the most beautiful we have ever done
We did the loop and the descent is well worth it because the landscapes are very different and it's not very busy
We saw some ibexes!
Quite a challenging route but the scenery is well worth it

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bernardino
bernardino ★

OK, mentioned in the description

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zbh0170
zbh0170
• Last modified:

Hello,

For your information: due to construction work, access to the summit of La Tournette from the Col de l'Aulp is closed until April 2024
From this point, the current solution is to make a round trip via the Crête des Frêtes.

Please read the first article and then the second, more recent one.

Best regards

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JCParavy
JCParavy

In my opinion, the proposed route for the ascent is not very suitable unless you carry your gear and keep your hands free...
It is probably better to ascend via the normal route, which does have a few sections with cables.
However, the descent route would be fine with a dog that is used to hiking.
Best regards.

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V4_pat
V4_pat

Good evening, I'm not really in a position to answer, as I don't have a dog and don't know much about their abilities. However, there are no places where they could climb over... Best regards

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u2pino
u2pino

Is it possible with a dog (used to hiking)?
Thank you

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