The Keys to the Tournette Tour

I suggest a good hike, partly circular, starting from Les Clefs and heading to La Tournette through areas that are not too busy.
There are no major technical difficulties along the route: at most, there are a few slippery sections in places and access to the summit of La Tournette via a few ladders and cables

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.32 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4,633 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 4,633 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,713 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,553 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

The route starts at the end of the Route de la Tournette. Coming from Thônes, you can access this road from the RD112 by taking thesecond right after the village of Les Clefs (on the left).

(S/E) After the car park, continue along the track (towards La Tournette, as indicated on the sign). After a few dozen metres, you’ll reach a fork in the track.
Go straight on. From here, you can either take the wide track – which has a few fairly steep slopes – or follow sections of path marked by yellow arrows and cairns, which are longer but have a gentler gradient.
Carry on until you emerge from the forest.

(1) You will see the Refuge du Rosairy perched above you. Keep an eye out for a yellow-marked trailhead on your right. Follow this, leaving the path on your left (our return route), and you will reach the Refuge du Rosairy.

(2) Continue slightly to the right towards the ridge (but without reaching it), following the red markings ofthe GRP®® of the Massif de Tournette-Aravis.
The path then continues, with a few steep sections at times (watch out for late-season snow, which may make progress difficult). After a hairpin bend to the left, you’ll reach a junction.

(3) Let theGRP®® trail head off to the right; continue straight on. Once you reach the ridge, you’ll soon join the path coming from the Col de l’Aulp (on the right). Continue straight on towards the large, clearly visible rock ahead.

(4) This rock is the Fauteuil. Continue to the left of it.
Shortly afterwards, you’ll see a cable on the right: take this route. The route then continues via other sections with cables and ladders – take care!

(5) Climb the ladder to reach the summit of La Tournette (topped by a cross). The area is normally quite extensive, so you should be able to find a relatively secluded spot. Return via the same route.

(4) Take a path to the left beneath the Fauteuil; this follows a ledge with little change in elevation and offers lovely views. You’re very likely to come across chamois in this area.

(6) After the Pointe de Bajulaz, the slope becomes significantly steeper in a couloir, with some steep and slippery sections over stony ground. Take care!
This section is potentially prone to rockfalls, so please also be careful.
The route then follows a grassy ridge without any difficulty.

(7) At an unnamed pass, you’ll reach a fork marked by a cairn: take the left-hand path, which is rather faint at the start. This path begins gently but then descends more steeply (watch out for a few slippery sections). The Refuge de les Praz Dzeures is visible on the right. You’ll come close to it but won’t reach it.

(8) At a fork (at Combe des Frêtes, as indicated on the sign), rejoin theGRP®® of the Massif de la Tournette-Aravis. Turn left towards the Col des Vorets and the Refuge du Rosairy.

(9) At the torrent, the path has disappeared following a landslide. Carefully make your way down a few steps on earthy ground that is somewhat exposed, overlooking steep slopes.
Continue on and, after a descent with a few slippery sections, the path climbs again to reach a pass. Follow the yellow and redGR®® de Pays markings, which are visible intermittently, to the Col des Vorets.

(10) At the pass, after a gentle descent, you’ll reach a chalet – actually a sheepfold – and continue downwards into a small valley.

(11) Further down, you’ll come to a fork in the path (marked ‘Combe des Vorets’ on the sign). Keep left onto the path (no sign on the post and no markings).
After a short climb, the path then leads gently downhill.

(12) As soon as you see the Refuge du Rosairy (which you passed on the way out), take a path on the right without delay. Visibility on this path is fair over short stretches. It soon joins the junction of the circular route.

(1) Continue straight on, leaving the Rosairy path on your left. As on the outward journey, take either the wider, more direct path or the various sections of gentler, but longer, trails (the choice is yours). Return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,553 ft - Car park on Route de la Tournette – Les Clefs
  2. 1 : mi 1.16 - alt. 4,918 ft - Junction of the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 1.48 - alt. 5,299 ft - Rosairy Mountain Hut
  4. 3 : mi 1.82 - alt. 5,679 ft - End of the GRP. Near the - Col des Frêtes de Rasairy (1753 m)
  5. 4 : mi 3.45 - alt. 7,592 ft - Under the Fauteuil
  6. 5 : mi 3.54 - alt. 7,713 ft - Summit of the - La Tournette
  7. 6 : mi 4.15 - alt. 7,346 ft - Close to the - Pointe de Bajulaz (2224 m)
  8. 7 : mi 4.58 - alt. 6,621 ft - Pass junction
  9. 8 : mi 5.2 - alt. 5,945 ft - Combe des Frêtes
  10. 9 : mi 5.39 - alt. 5,945 ft - Path collapse
  11. 10 : mi 5.97 - alt. 5,715 ft - Col des Vorets (2000m)
  12. 11 : mi 6.56 - alt. 5,253 ft - Combe des Vorets
  13. 12 : mi 6.99 - alt. 5,276 ft - Junction
  14. S/E : mi 8.32 - alt. 3,553 ft - Car park on Route de la Tournette

Notes

Good walking boots and walking poles are recommended.

Nature struggles to break down your rubbish. Please take it away with you!

The route is generally in fairly good condition throughout:

From (A/D) to (2) A good path, sometimes steep, with no difficulty in finding your way. As an alternative, you can occasionally take sections of other paths (follow the yellow arrows and cairns) which then rejoin the main path; this route is less direct. The route shown is for guidance only and offers alternative options

From (2) to (4) A decent path marked with red signposts

From (4) to (5) The section leading to the summit of La Tournette is equipped with cables and ladders, where you must take great care. Please note that this area is quite busy from July to September.

From (4) to (6) A lovely, easy balcony trail.

From (6) to (7): fairly steep slopes and slippery, stony ground. Please note that this section is potentially exposed to rockfalls.
Once you reach the ridge, the route becomes easier.

From (7) to (8) The start of the path is marked by a cairn (no signs or markings). It is moderately visible at the start.
There are a few slippery sections to negotiate during the descent.

From (8) to (11): a decent path but slippery in some sections. Follow the irregular yellow and redGR®® de Pays markings.

Caution: there is currently a difficult section over a short distance whilst crossing the bed of an intermittent torrent, where a landslide has occurred. You must carefully make a short descent of a few steps over earthy ground that is somewhat exposed, overhanging steep slopes. More precisely, this spot is situated above a spring (as shown on IGN maps)

From (11) to (12): a reasonable path through an unmarked section.

From (12) to (1), the path is moderately visible at times (no markings or signposts), but the direction (generally to the right at the start, then to the left) should not pose any problems.

From (1) to (S/E), the path is steep and slippery in places. As on the outward journey, it is possible to take various sections of the trail as an alternative.

Traffic:
From (S/E) to (4), this section is moderately busy.

From (4) to (5): fairly busy section.

From (4) to (7): a moderately busy section.

From (7) to (12): a quiet area.

From (12) to (A/D) – a moderately busy area.

Worth a visit

La Tournette: at 2,350 m, this is one of the most popular peaks in the region. Read more here.

Initially, I thought of suggesting a route starting from Montremont.
However, the trail between Montremont and Col des Frêtes was in poor condition, with some tricky sections, due to bad weather.
It was also noted that access had been prohibited in the past.
The restrictions seem to have been lifted (there were no signs to indicate otherwise), but when in doubt, I preferred not to publish this route officially. You can view the route here.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

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

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 11 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
Gilles de la tournette
Gilles de la tournette

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Stunning rocky landscapes, with challenging hikes right from the start – make sure you prepare your legs and knees in particular.

If you suffer from vertigo, you might have to cut the hike short, but this only applies to the fateful climb up the ‘chair’ – a heavenly throne offering unrivalled views of the region.

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Jemzolo
Jemzolo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely hike, with quite a few patches of snow on the way up (the GPS really helped me stay on the track).
I get the impression that the section of the path that was previously reported as being in poor condition has been repaired.
Thanks to the author

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Delphinium
Delphinium ★

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I started this walk at 8am. The first part was quite, with not too many people. When I got around The seat, it started to be really crowded with people... The part where it is like a via ferrata was really busy but at the top there is a magnificent view of the Lac d'Annecy. I was glad the route to go back to the car avoided the crowd... Also that's best to walk this route in the way the author suggest as the way down is really slippery when it rains... Be careful to do not miss the turn left on the way down as it goes on a tiny single track.
Thanks for this experience.

denisvindret
denisvindret

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful circular loop with welcome sunshine at the start of November. As soon as we reach the intersection on the western slope, there is a large crowd. It takes 10 minutes to climb up to the chairlift from the bottom and the same to come back down!
From point 4 onwards, it was much quieter, and from point 7 to the finish, I was alone in the world. The ground was dry, so it was easy to get a good foothold. I didn't see the tricky section at point 9 (collapse at the stream), but I think that with so many people passing through, the path is well marked.

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Patrice69490
Patrice69490

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A challenging but beautiful route if there is no fog. However, there are several signs. A GPS is essential
.

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jprohel
jprohel

Indeed, it is between points 8 and 9

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zbh0170
zbh0170

Hello,

I completed the route today and noticed a difficulty that did not exist before: a short section of the bed of an intermittent stream has collapsed. The passage requires a short descent on earthy ground where you need to be careful for a few steps.
I have located this spot between points (8) and (9) between the Dzeures refuge and the Col des Vorets, and more precisely by the blue representation of a watercourse by IGN above a spring.
Can you confirm what I've said? You indicated that the difficulty was encountered after point (9):

For my part, I will add a note to the description.

Best regards

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jprohel
jprohel

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike away from the crowds (except at the summit, but it's worth it).
Completed in 7 hours and 45 minutes on 9 July 2024.
Be careful, there is a large snowfield on a steep slope before reaching the summit.
A rockfall between points 9 and 10 makes for a very difficult passage (over a short but impressive distance).
Sure-footedness and good footwear are essential.
Personally, I would classify it as black rather than red.
The final descent is endless...

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Lebv
Lebv

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike

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Benhur4004
Benhur4004
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike, as mentioned in the description, good footwear is essential.
The weather is wet today, so it's slippery in places.

And the ibex must be used to hikers here, as they don't seem alarmed by your passing a few metres away.

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Satdu42
Satdu42
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The Gourmettes circular is very beautiful, but you should allow for a 5½-hour walk, despite its apparent ease.
A lovely surprise awaits you after 3 hours of climbing, so hold on tight to the rope.
Be careful, the descent is south-facing, so in the middle of the afternoon, it can be quite hot.
Otherwise, there are relatively few people on this hike, but you will share a more touristy section around the pass.
Chamois were present.

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johangold
johangold

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 04, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb circular for hikers, I had serious doubts about whether I was going the right way until I reached the chair. From the Rosairy refuge, you need to follow the red markings all the way, first below the ridge and then in a very rocky environment. The return circular is magnificent, particularly the descent with its view of Lake Annecy, and it is very, very quiet.

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look91
look91

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The first 2 km are very steep. Walking sticks are very useful. La Tournette was shrouded in clouds, but the view cleared up on the way back, offering a view of Lake Annecy. The return trip is a bit difficult because it's quite slippery. Saw chamois. Crossed a herd of sheep. The main attraction is the view.

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