Les Aiguilles de Baulmes

(S/E) Leave the hamlet of La Gittaz-Dessous and take the road towards La Gittaz-Dessus, snowshoes in hand.

(1) After about 400 metres, leave the road and head left towards the south-east (direction sign). Pass close to the sports field and continue along the wide path through the forest. There are directional signs from time to time. Head towards Mont de Baulmes, passing a sign for "Cave Noire" on your right and a sign for "Culliairy" on your left.

(2) A little further on, it is advisable to leave the wide path and take a trail that climbs up the hillside. It is marked in yellow (the usual trail marking in Switzerland) but is not very visible, so be careful.

(3) The forest thins out. Continue towards the ridge. As you approach, you will come across the marked trail that runs along the cliff from east to west. Follow it to the left (east) to a beautiful viewpoint with panoramic tables.

(4) At the top, join the ridge trail, which is generally well frequented. You will soon discover the view of Lake Neuchâtel on your left, the plain and the Alps in the background, and the knoll on your right. Enjoy this superb view all the way to the summit. Follow it for about 900 m.

(5) Ignore the sign for "Gittaz Dessous 35 min" and continue straight ahead. Also ignore the sign for "Cave Noire" on the left and continue along the ridge, alternating between flat sections, ascents and descents. You will see a small chalet with red shutters on your right below. Ignore it. Continue until you reach a crossroads.

(6) Continue along the ridge to reach the large cross that marks the summit of the Aiguilles de Baulmes. You will see Knoll Suchet on your left.

(7) Turn back to the previous crossroads.

(6) Turn left to head approximately north-east. There is not always a trail (skiers, snowshoers). Descend gently without going too far east. The terrain is easy and you can stray from the suggested trail without any problems. A little further on, on the right, you will see the Chalet des Aiguilles. To the west, a path descends gently to a crossroads in a hairpin bend.

(8) Leave the wide path and take the trail that descends to the right. Further on, at the fork, turn right. Exit the forest to reach the fields. Further on, you will come to the crossroads you passed on the way up.

(1) Follow the same route as on the way up to reach the Gittaz-Dessous car park (S/E).

Parking: coming from the village of Les Fourgs (France), enter Sainte-Croix and quickly turn right: La Gittaz is signposted. The road may be snow-covered depending on weather conditions (the Tourist Office can provide information). Stop at the first hamlet.
If there is a lot of snow, parking spaces are limited, but I have always managed to park two cars. For example, go towards the café, or continue past the café: there is a small car park further on after the last house.
In winter, the road coming directly from Auberson is not passable.

The hike: summer hiking trail markings except for certain unmarked sections.

The ridge is also very pleasant to walk along in summer. On a clear day, you can admire the Alps all along the way. There are several pleasant picnic areas facing Mont Blanc.