The Chemin du Calvaire and the Belle au Bois waterfall

A short, easy route (excluding the optional detour to the waterfall) starting from Megève town centre. Beautiful panoramic views of the resort.

Details

37506660
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.00 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 225 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 223 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,308 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,102 m

Photos

Description of the walk

The route starts from the central ice rink on Place de la Résistance, a few steps from Megève Town Hall, right in the town centre.

(S/E) Take the paved path uphill, following the signs for "Calvaire" to avoid any confusion, and turn left onto Chemin du Calvaire.

(1) Unfortunately, the small buildings marking the stages of Calvary are usually closed. Continue along the same path until you reach Route Edmond de Rothschild and the golf course.

(2) Turn right onto the tarmac road and follow "le Maz".

(3) At Planellet, stay on the main road until you reach Le Maz. Leave the main road to enter the hamlet.

(4) Turn right shortly after the "Le Maz" sign (pretty chapel on the left). The tarmac road descends and then becomes a single track. Arrive at the signpost indicating the Cascade de la Belle au Bois.

(5) Turn right towards the waterfall (completely optional, but it is a tricky passage: exposed roots, slopes, wet stones, arches, etc.). No equipment is necessary other than good shoes.

(6) From the Cascade de la Belle au Bois waterfall, retrace your steps along the track.

(5) The track becomes tarmac again and takes you back to the centre of Megève (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,103 m - Central ice rink (Place de la Résistance)
  2. 1 : km 0.59 - alt. 1,172 m - Le Calvaire
  3. 2 : km 1.53 - alt. 1,276 m - Edmond de Rothschild Road
  4. 3 : km 2.37 - alt. 1,307 m - Le Planellet
  5. 4 : km 2.7 - alt. 1,308 m - Le Maz
  6. 5 : km 3.57 - alt. 1,230 m - Fork in the road. Return trip to the waterfall.
  7. 6 : km 3.77 - alt. 1,232 m - Belle au Bois waterfall
  8. S/E : km 5 - alt. 1,103 m - Central ice rink (Place de la Résistance)

Notes

2/3 tarmac route with no difficulty whatsoever (excluding optional waterfall access). Impeccable signposting.
Occasional shade on the climb, mostly shaded on the descent.
Bars and restaurants at the start and summit of the climb in Théveley.
Panoramic view over much of the resort. Good effort/view ratio.

Worth a visit

Le Calvaire is a Megève classic (listed in the inventory of historic monuments), but unfortunately the interior of the chapels is not usually accessible. The church in Megève is also worth a visit (although it was undergoing renovation on the day of my hike).
The route reveals many chic properties and other luxury chalets.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 8 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
VAN DE WOESTYNE
VAN DE WOESTYNE

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We set off from the foot of the Jaillet cable car to reach the town centre. We continued along the Calvary trail. The route is easy. We continued to the Belle au Bois waterfall. There, the path is uneven, especially on the last part near the waterfall. Not to be attempted in rainy weather. Then we went to Lake Javen. The path is steeper. We then descended back to Megève.

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User 8243617

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk in the hills above Megeve. The only downside is that part of the route is quite busy. Otherwise, it's a pleasant walk.

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Syberia
Syberia

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Route completed for the third time in November 2024.
Passable in all weather conditions, allowing you to walk when other routes become difficult to access.
In November: there is a limited amount of snow on part of the route, but this does not cause any problems.
The road section remains pleasant at this time of year due to the low volume of traffic.
Do not miss the Belle au Bois waterfall on the way back (if the condition of the trail allows it).
It is also possible to make a round trip to Creux Saint Jean (more suitable for a quick dip in the stream, but more crowded).
If I had to choose just one detour, I would go for the waterfall.
Apart from the detours, the route is on tarmac or stabilised ground.

Not done, but certainly interesting: detour via Lake Javen (with a few extra kilometres).

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patmoreau78
patmoreau78

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, not too difficult.
The only downside is the section between points 2 and 4, which is on a very busy road.

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kaolak1
kaolak1
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A fairly gentle hike offering a better view of Megève and its surroundings.
We took a detour at point number 4 to see Lake Javen and have a bite to eat at the "Petite Fontaine" snack bar. The detour is really worth it as there isn't too much of a climb and the lake and forest paths are really beautiful.

The waterfall is superb, and you can even swim in it. The only downside is that it's quite difficult to access.

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Vignieres
Vignieres

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

An easy family walk despite the fairly steep descent on the way back. You will discover magnificent chalets and farms and some very beautiful views.

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Vis8374
Vis8374

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Pleasant coolness in the woods near the village...

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mike360
mike360

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Lovely walk.
Megève church still closed at the beginning of September.

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