The Pecloz and Armenaz mountains

A beautiful, challenging circular route that takes you to two of the 14 2,000-metre peaks in the Bauges massif, Mont Pécloz and Mont d'Armenaz. The climb up to the pass separating the two peaks is quite steep, but you'll be accompanied by chamois. Once you reach the summit, Mont Pécloz offers a 360° view of the Alps. The descent is popular with ski tourers in winter.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.80 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 8h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,509 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,508 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,194 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 855 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐
    Areas: Alps, Bauges
  • ⚐ District: École (73630)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 45.639453° / E 6.204874°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3432ET, 3432OT, 3432OTR
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Start on foot from the Couvent car park (868m), clearly signposted on the Bellevaux forest road from École (in Bauges).

(S/E) Take the tarmac road closed to traffic (south-west direction), Notre-Dame de Bellevaux Chapel well signposted, Mont d'Armenaz also signposted (4h55), follow the yellow-red markings throughout the climb.
At the end of the road, turn left (south-west) onto a good forest track, which climbs gently to the Notre-Dame de Bellevaux Chapel.

(1) Still in the shade, continue along the well-marked track, which after a few hairpin bends joins a larger track (there is a water source here, although it is not very useful given the proximity to the start). Open section (south-west). At the end of the meadow (1310m), the track becomes a path and the slope becomes much steeper.

(2) At the next fork, turn left, Mont D'Armenaz is still very well signposted (to the right is the direction of Col de l'Arclusaz). Take a sharp left turn (1348m), the path winds and leaves the woods behind, fairly steep, heading west to the plateau and meadow (1640m) near the Chalet des Gardes (on your right).
On your left, you will see the two peaks, the pass between them, the path winding along the steep slope and the herds of heifers present at this time of year (summer).

(3) Take the path that climbs up to the pass, winding along the steep slope (north-north-west). You will be accompanied by numerous chamois, which are not far away despite the presence of the herds. This allows you to take a break.

(4) Once you reach the pass (2010m), turn right (south-east) onto the easy path along the ridge, at the intersection on the left, which will take you to Mont d'Armenaz (2158m).

(5) Descend via the same route to the pass.

(4) Continue straight ahead (north-west) towards Mont Pécloz. The path is easily visible, with a few yellow paint marks on the ground. The climb is steep and there are a few sections where you will need to use your hands, but it is not that difficult.
You will quickly reach the summit of Mont Pécloz (2,197 m) and its cross (radio relay and sign) with a superb 360° view of the Alps. Unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy during my trip.

(6) To descend, follow the ridge (south-west) along the clearly visible path. This is where you reach the steep, exposed descent (ski spot) (north-west), with a few sections requiring the use of your hands for safety (this section can be difficult and even risky in wet weather). The path is not marked but is relatively visible, having been trodden by hikers.
Descend to Varapet, the entrance to the woods (1633m). The path then winds through the woods (north-west), with a moderate slope allowing you to jog all the way.

(7) At Replats d'en haut, you will come across a track; continue straight ahead along the trail.
You will reach the Sentier Découverte de Bellevaux track. Turn right. There are two hairpin bends on the track, then the path branches off to the left, indicated by a sign.

(8) You will then reach the tarmac road to the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Bellevaux, which you took on the way there. Turn right and you will soon reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 855 m - Couvent car park. On the edge of the - Chéran (rivière)
  2. 1 : km 1.16 - alt. 935 m - Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bellevaux
  3. 2 : km 2.59 - alt. 1,102 m - Fork in the road, left
  4. 3 : km 5.02 - alt. 1,661 m - Fork in the road, left
  5. 4 : km 6.1 - alt. 1,995 m - Pass, on the right
  6. 5 : km 6.66 - alt. 2,156 m - Mont d'Armenaz
  7. 6 : km 7.55 - alt. 2,170 m - Mont Pécloz
  8. 7 : km 10.01 - alt. 1,342 m - Flat areas above, opposite
  9. 8 : km 11.85 - alt. 975 m - Path on the left
  10. S/E : km 12.8 - alt. 856 m - Couvent car park

Notes

On the way up, the park is well marked for Mont d'Armenaz, yellow-red.

This is a fairly challenging hike given the elevation gain. Best done in dry weather. There are a few sections that require the use of your hands and the views are quite "plunging". Be careful on the descent, which is quite difficult. However, I think the time indicated at the start of the Parking du Couvent (4h55) is overestimated.

Alternative route: At the meadow (1640m), turn right at the Chalet des Gardes (south-southeast) and, once you reach the ridge, climb up to Mont d'Arménaz. The slope is less steep.

There is a water source just after the Notre-Dame de Bellevaux chapel, but it is not very useful given its proximity to the start.

IGN TOP 25 3432 OT map is up to date. The 1999 map in my possession is no longer suitable for the descent, probably due to changes made by the discovery trail.

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Nearby, Notre-Dame de Bellevaux Chapel, Bellevaux discovery trail with some information (including interactive) on the fauna and flora.

Near the car park, there is a small fun trail with some creations by local schools, which leads to the Torrent du Chéran, a refreshing spot after the hike (though not for swimming).

Bauges Regional Nature Park (park headquarters in Le Chatelard a few kilometres away) and its typical products (Tomme des Bauges cheese, etc.).

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 13 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
Nono23
Nono23

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

Very humid weather. Fog everywhere. We couldn't see anything of the landscape until we reached the summit of Mont d'Armenaz, where the other side was clearer and the view magnificent, with chamois present on the climb via the Arpete ridge and on the climb up Armenaz.
I would classify this hike as difficult, not necessarily technical for Armenaz, but it is long and sometimes slippery.
At the 1665m sign (below the guards' chalet), I recommend taking the climb via the Arpete ridge as it is more interesting, except for those who are afraid of heights (very steep and sometimes technical but not too risky) and descending via the Armenaz chalets (less interesting but easier and safer to descend).

I strongly advise against doing this hike with children or frail people. You need to take plenty of water with you as there are no water sources on the entire climb.

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annievilliers
annievilliers

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 15, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The final climb is very steep. Try via the Gardes chalet. I didn't do the Pécloz, I settled for the Armènaz. Average view.

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Petitchamois
Petitchamois

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 05, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent views, the hike is challenging and should be considered difficult. We did it in the opposite direction to that indicated on the website, and the climb up to Pécloz is very steep (you need to use your hands and not be afraid of heights), but the descent is easier on the Armenaz side, so it's definitely more suitable for the end of a hike when your legs are starting to get tired. We spotted a chamois and various birds of prey through our binoculars, plus a marmot on the way back on the Armenaz side. Great!

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Florent69140
Florent69140

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

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

Nothing to say about the description and interest of the hike. Magnificent view from point (4).
However, climbing Pécloz from point (4) is not for everyone. It is (very) physically demanding. It requires climbing steps where you have to use your hands and commit without room for error. Those prone to vertigo should refrain and settle for the more accessible summit of Armenaz. In my opinion, the hike should be classified as very difficult.

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Akinad
Akinad

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 13, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful walk, quite technical nonetheless, and best done... in the opposite direction to avoid the perilous descent, even in dry weather.
Lots of chamois on the road: bring your binoculars.

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Orle
Orle

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 18, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful day hike. The path is well marked and easy to follow.
It should be noted that some sections can be difficult, particularly at the summits (path made slippery by moisture, presence of frost, steep sections, use of hands necessary).
The 360° view of Mont Blanc (among other things) is well worth the detour.

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BenDu74
BenDu74

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 27, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike with no particular difficulties except for the passage over Mont Pécloz, where you will need to use your hands.

Be careful not to fall during the final descent.

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phiphivisorando
phiphivisorando

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A small addition: descending via the ridge is strongly discouraged, especially in wet weather. It remains risky even for experienced hikers in dry weather.

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Thibaultmotte
Thibaultmotte

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 30, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The hike is really nice.

We just changed one small detail: instead of climbing up to the pass, we went past the chalet and followed the valley to the end, then climbed Armenaz via the southern ridge. That way, we did a real circular route

the views from the summits are truly incredible, and I can't say it enough, but this mountain range is so beautiful.

The descent from Pecloz is a bit tedious on the steep section before reaching the forest, so it might be worth considering doing the route in reverse.

The printable map is very clear, but despite the high quality of the print, I was glad to have the IGN map of the Bauges massif as well.

In any case, we were delighted with our outing.
Our only regret is that we didn't see the herds of chamois

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Bernardparent
Bernardparent

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 11, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Hello, everyone

Hike up Pecloz in Les Bauges.
A very pleasant hike with no particular difficulties and breathtaking 360° views of the entire Alpine range as a reward upon reaching the summit.
The weather was exceptionally pleasant for the season, with clear blue skies just as we like them.
Have a good day

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zbh0170
zbh0170
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 24, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike today (but in the opposite direction).

The description of the hike is well done: it would be good to add some intermediate waypoints.

The route should be classified as difficult rather than moderate (particularly the tricky sections between Monts Pecloz and the pass, which require the use of your hands at times and are exposed to rockfalls).

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rando34se
rando34se

hike cancelled

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AVET René
AVET René

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2016
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

For our group of retirees, we only used the Combe d'Armeinaz section, pushing to the bottom of the valley to overlook the Isère plain (passing near the guards' hut).
We returned via the same route, with a few complaints about the length of the wooded section but overall satisfaction with the walk as a whole, enjoyed in beautiful sunshine which allowed us to appreciate the coolness of the spring water linked to the chapel.

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Patdam
Patdam

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2014
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

I only did Mont d'Armenaz because of the weather.

A very beautiful hike among the chamois with magnificent views from the summit.

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