The Colombier d'Aillon

A two-loop circuit to reach a viewpoint overlooking Les Bauges and far beyond.
There are a few information panels about the forest along the route.
Directional signs at the main intersections.

Technical sheet

1576690
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.83 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 917 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 920 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,043 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,168 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) From the car park, continue along the road and, immediately after the hairpin bend, turn left into the mountain pasture (barrier), which gradually becomes a wooded area; climb up to the Col de la Fullie (1,338 m).

(1) Leave the path that arrives on the right and return to the mountain pasture (barrier). Leave the path on the right and climb up to the left along a barely marked trail to the Chalets de la Fullie.

(2) Pass between the buildings to reach theGR®96, then take it to the left. A path, then a stony trail, climb up through the forest. Return to the mountain pasture and a balcony trail, reaching a track (signposted "Sous Col de Cochette 1680m")

(3) Leave theGR® here, which descends into the valley, and follow the slightly uphill track to reach the Col de Cochette (1694m) a little higher up.

(4) From the pass, climb up the north-east ridge of Mont Colombier. A sign indicates that it takes 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the summit, with 350 m to climb. The path is steep, winding and well marked. This will take you to the summit at 2,043 m.

(5) Descend the west-northwest face of Mont Colombier towards the Col du Colombier, which is clearly visible from the summit. Cross a few steep sections with caution.

(6) From the pass, descend to the left to reach the Chalets de Rossane (1,738 m) in a few minutes.

(7) From the chalets, head left along the pastoral track to return to the Col de Cochette.

(4) Then follow the intersection and theGR®96.

(3) This time, take the track on the right to descend and arrive at an intersection.

(8) Stay on the track, ignoring a path that descends to the left (this is a shortcut, temporarily closed due to forestry work). Stay on the track and ignore the paths that branch off to the right to reach the Muret car park.

(9) Turn left onto the road and you will reach the vehicles in twenty minutes (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,188 m - Praz Gela car park
  2. 1 : km 0.89 - alt. 1,345 m - Col de la Fullie (1338m)
  3. 2 : km 1.35 - alt. 1,390 m - Chalets de la Fullie
  4. 3 : km 3.17 - alt. 1,662 m - Below the Col de Cochette
  5. 4 : km 3.59 - alt. 1,703 m - Col de la Cochette
  6. 5 : km 4.4 - alt. 2,043 m - Mont Colombier
  7. 6 : km 5.15 - alt. 1,803 m - Col du Colombier
  8. 7 : km 5.47 - alt. 1,739 m - Chalets de Rossane
  9. 8 : km 7.51 - alt. 1,505 m - At the intersection, stay on the track
  10. 9 : km 9.61 - alt. 1,183 m - Turn left
  11. S/E : km 10.83 - alt. 1,188 m - Praz Gela car park

Practical information

For the Praz Gela car park: in the resort of Aillon-le-Jeune, take the Route du Couvent and follow it almost to the end, a few metres before crossing a bridge.

Good walking shoes and walking sticks are useful for the stony and steep sections.

This route passes through a sensitive area where specific rules may apply:

In the nearby area

During the season, goat's cheese is sold at the Chalets de Rossane.

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 24 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Thomas73
Thomas73

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

a beautiful hike in two circular loops with steep climbs (after the Fulli chalets and to reach the summit). But the view and the vistas are a wonderful reward. The return trip through the forest and along forest trails is easy on the knees.
There are people at the pass and the summit. The descent from the summit takes you through a herd of goats (not shy) well guarded by two sheepdogs, which let me pass with my dog (Jack Russell).
All in all, a magnificent hike, to be repeated.
took 4 hours and 40 minutes, including a picnic

Automatically translated

Retraité67
Retraité67

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

At point 8, there is no more forestry work and you can take the shortcut.

Automatically translated

Faustine M.
Faustine M.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

I needed to clear my head, and this hike was perfect with an incredible view from the top.
At first, I took the wrong path but quickly found my way back before reaching the chalets.
The last stretch was tough, but it's better to go up there than to go around (I think )
Be careful on the climb to stay alert so you don't fall.
It was a bit crowded at the top.

Automatically translated

sempervivum
sempervivum

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Snowshoe hike following spring reconnaissance. The icy road was closed at Chartreuse d'Aillon, adding 4 km to the walk. We did the loop in reverse, climbing steadily along a pleasant winter trail with no other hikers in sight and a herd of 60 chamois below the Col de la Cochette. The powder was thick and untouched, so we used GPS. The hike took eight hours (five hours without snow)

Automatically translated

Blin
Blin

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very beautiful hike, certainly physically demanding with a steep climb to the summit (cross), but the effort is rewarded with a superb 360° panorama!
Apart from the slope, there are no notable difficulties and I recommend this beautiful loop to all hikers.
It is possible to do this hike in the opposite direction.
Thanks to the author.

Automatically translated

gbacherot
gbacherot

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very beautiful hike.
The final climb is quite strenuous, but the view at the top is well worth the effort.
Thanks to the author.

Automatically translated

Lire7lynx3
Lire7lynx3
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A sporty route following the directions provided by Visorando. Particularly beautiful from start to finish along the balcony trail at point (2), followed by the climb up the trail to the summit of Colombier, where you are rewarded with a 360° view of numerous mountain ranges.
The first few metres of the descent towards the Colombier pass are a little slippery due to small stones, but walking poles are reassuring and the path quickly becomes clear (go around the central rocky section on the left, do not climb it...).
The descent along the track from point (3) is less interesting, as is the short uphill section on tarmac to the car park, but it makes for a nice circuit.
We're not tempted to do the route in the opposite direction...
We used the GPX track a few times for confirmation.

Automatically translated

Barbouille73
Barbouille73

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

Superb hike in beautiful weather. Be sure to bring sunscreen as you will be exposed to the sun, and bring cash to pay for the small goat cheeses at the refuge. Delicious!

Automatically translated

sempervivum
sempervivum

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Hike with no technical difficulties (the "difficult" rating must be due to the elevation gain) despite late-season snow. Beautiful forest with clusters of century-old trees and numerous educational signs. I did the second loop in the opposite direction to the recommended route; the downhill ridge trail is easy to follow. Saw a herd of 30 chamois just before the Rossane chalet. Magnificent views. The shortcut between points 8 and 9 is accessible again. The return is a bit long but easy on the knees... 4 hours 50 minutes with a picnic

Automatically translated

acgmkg
acgmkg

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful hike in the Bauges with the climb up to the Chalets de la Fullie, then the climb to the summit via the ridge (very steep) from the Col de la Cochette. Descent to the Chalet de la Rossane (also very steep) then the Col de la Cochette to the car park. Approximately 1,000 metres of elevation gain (about 11 kilometres) and 4 hours 40 minutes (including a snack break).
Nice view from the summit of the Bauges massif and other mountains, including Mont Blanc.
No particular difficulty for a summit over 2,000 metres high.

Automatically translated

vagabond71
vagabond71

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

On the way back, in the forest section (forest path), the GRP route does not correspond to the route marked on the IGN map. There is no risk of getting lost as you will find it again later, but a change to the route must have been made
made and the update not carried out.

Automatically translated

DidierA
DidierA

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful route, never dangerous, but the climb and descent at the top of the Colombier are quite steep.
The route is easy to follow, with directions in the guidebook and signposts.
The return via the track and road is less interesting, but the descent is gentler (thank you for my knees).
.
...
.

Automatically translated

Deuxpattes
Deuxpattes

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 22, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Beautiful route; beautiful views. Good signposting; good description. A bit chilly with a westerly wind today....
Thanks for this post

Automatically translated

achard
achard

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 17, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Hike completed yesterday to escape the sea of clouds. Objective achieved, the sky cleared at the Cochette Pass.
The climb up the south ridge is magnificent and in very good conditions (dry ground, so not slippery).
The descent via the north ridge is more tricky because the melting snow has made the path wet and very slippery. Fortunately, we were able to get through the grassy slopes on either side of the path without any problems.
Return from the Rossane chalet as indicated.
Highly recommended.

Automatically translated

vincent D
vincent D

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 31, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

an interesting walk, not difficult with a lovely view at the top... the descent offers few views, but you have to do it to get back to the car! On the route, we missed the direct climb up the ridge at the pass, but we didn't regret it because we went through the mountain pasture and descended via the path that wasn't marked on the map but was recommended in the guidebook. It was a pleasant walk with views of chamois! We saw some herds, but they were far away, so there was no problem with the sheepdogs

Automatically translated

Other walks in the area

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of the author. Do not copy them without permission.