Mont Lachat and Croix de l'Enclume loop from Mont Jean

Update by the author on 28/09/2026 following a recent reconnaissance of the route:

• minor adjustment to the route between points (9) and (10)
• Addition of a note to the paragraph (9) specifying the presence of old red markings (these help with navigation).

The Route de Fetelay starts at a place called Mont Jean (in the municipality of Thônes). There are a few parking spaces available in the area.

(S/E) Follow the road towards Fetelay for about 300 m.

(1) At the first junction, turn right onto a path running alongside a meadow, then continuing for a short while through woodland. You’ll reach a chalet at a place called La Combe Banon.

(2) Continue along the path to the right for about 150 m until you reach the junction, then take a path on the left towards Les Granges de Lachat. You can take a short detour to the left to reach a viewpoint.

(3) Turn back and rejoin the route to the left. After a short descent, you’ll reach a junction at a place called La Frasse.

(4) Follow a path to the left towards Les Granges de Lachat and, further up, you’ll reach an area of mountain pastures, passing by a few chalets.

(5) Continue along the path, following the ridge line through terrain that is generally quite open.

(6) A little further on, pass by a cross on the right at a place called Chalets de Lachat. Carry on straight ahead towards a long rocky spur, stopping about ten metres before reaching it.

(7) Please note that the route becomes difficult from this point onwards (see the ‘Practical Information’ section)! Head left, following a faint track along the foot of the spur. Continue along the hillside on a more visible path, which presents some difficulties in eroded areas. After a short while, the path suddenly disappears: using the azimuth method and whilst maintaining the same direction, head for a solitary fir tree situated not far straight ahead.

(8) Follow a path to the right, heading uphill, which disappears a little further on: proceed as best you can using azimuth navigation, following your instincts whilst heading generally towards the rising ridge line and aiming for the large, isolated rock known as the ‘Pierre à la Dame’, which could serve as shelter if needed.

(9) Continue straight ahead towards the cliff face until you reach a small hillock. Please note that difficulties are to be expected from this point onwards (see the ‘Practical Information’ section)! Do not climb any further; instead, continue to the left along the hillside until you reach the base of a gully. Leave the gully fairly quickly by heading right via a weak spot in the rock; the presence of some slightly faded old red markings serves as a landmark. Then continue as best you can along a path heading towards the ridge (for further details, see the ‘Practical Information’ section). You will thus reach the summit, topped by the Croix de Lachat: a very lovely viewpoint, particularly towards the Aravis range.

(10) Facing due east, follow the marked path down the slope until you reach the vicinity of a relatively large rock.

(11) Please note that the route becomes difficult from this point onwards (see the ‘Practical Information’ section)! Look out for and take a path on the right, which is only moderately visible at the start, as you make your way along the hillside, then head right towards a small pass. Continue down a steep descent through a gully until you reach a small pass, which you then cross. Go round the rocky outcrop and climb up to the right along a path, following the ridge line to its highest point, then quickly turn off onto a descent to the right (west side) down a small, rather grassy gully for a few metres: at^{the second} access point (the^first being a dead end), then head left along the foot of a small cliff. Reach the Croix de l’Enclume, which is clearly visible below.

(12) Please note that there are difficulties to be encountered from this point onwards (see the ‘Practical Information’ section)! Follow a path to the left, heading downwards through a gully, and aim for an imposing rocky spur directly ahead, heading diagonally. Follow the route marked by cairns as best you can, crossing a few scree slopes along the way and following some steep, descending slopes. At the foot of the rocky outcrop, head left along the path. Join the junction with a path coming from the Croix de Lachat.

(13) Follow it to the right.

(14) At a place called La Mare (a lovely spot), turn sharply right, then continue down a long, steady descent until you reach a chalet at a place called Le Mont.

(15) Carry on straight ahead along a route that remains almost at the same altitude, then head downhill and reach two chalets at a place called La Côte.

(16) Walk past them, then follow a path to the left downhill to a track, which you follow to the left.

(17) Continue straight on along the track towards Mont Jean and return to the starting point (S/E).

The starting point can be viewed on Google Maps: click here.
Good walking boots and walking poles are recommended.
Please take your rubbish away with you – nature will thank you for it.

This walk is not recommended for those who are unsteady on their feet or prone to vertigo, and is best undertaken on dry ground.

From the starting point (11), I suggest two options (both avoiding the Croix de l’Enclume area):

• either by shortening the route and reducing the difficulty by heading directly to the point (13): to do this, continue along the signposted path.
• or, conversely, by increasing the distance along a scenic but challenging route by heading towards Le Suet: follow the route in the opposite direction = cross Mont Lachat from Le Suet, then head towards Mont (15) or La Mare (14).

In detail, below is a difficulty rating by section (a route is not uniform):
- Green: fairly straightforward with no significant elevation gain or difficulty.
- Blue: slopes and/or elevation changes are more pronounced on a well-signposted route.
- Orange: routes presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor route conditions (signposting or visibility of the path).
- Red: a difficult route due to significant elevation changes that may require some climbing, in an environment presenting certain hazards.
- Black: a route on a fairly difficult trail and/or involving imminent dangers.
- White: routes through very challenging technical terrain requiring specific equipment.

From (S/E) to (1): Green difficulty
You follow a small road with ease
Marked route

From (1) to (2): Blue difficulty
The path you take involves a short stretch of steep slopes at the start. These are not excessive thereafter
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (2) to (5): Blue difficulty
The route^initially follows an easy path. It then continues along a trail with a few steep sections at times, but without any significant difficulties.
Markings: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (5) to (7): Blue difficulty
You follow a path along the ridge through alpine pastures. No difficulties to be encountered
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (7) to (8): Orange difficulty
From this point, the^first challenging section of the route is encountered on a path running along a hillside track: this is sometimes only moderately visible or not very wide, whilst overlooking some steep slopes (take care not to slip). As the area is dominated by cliffs, also be aware of the potential risk of rockfalls throughout ( avoid lingering too long in certain places). The end of this section is off-trail, following a bearing.
Unmarked section.

From (8) to (9): Blue difficulty
Follow a steep, direct path which disappears shortly afterwards, then climb as best you can through grassy mountain pasture terrain. The steep slopes and, possibly, the orientation are the main challenges you’ll face.
Unmarked section.

From (9) to (10): Red difficulty
Please note that this section presents difficulties with navigation and some steep slopes beneath your feet. Continue along the route, still through grassy terrain. After reaching a small hillock on the ridge, follow a path along the hillside with a degree of caution, overlooking some relatively steep slopes on slightly rugged terrain. As soon as you enter the gully, leave it via a short passage through a weak spot in the rock marked by an old, somewhat faded red marker (no major difficulties to be encountered with good handholds), then follow the path without losing sight of it as you meander left and right: do not head too quickly towards the Croix du Lachat and, if in doubt, follow the track leading towards the ridge instead. From there, the route proceeds gently along its base up to the Croix du Lachat.
Unmarked section.

From (10) to (11): Blue difficulty
Follow the marked path on the other side of the ridge: this requires caution in places on the descent through some rugged sections
Markings: Yellow arrows

From (11) to (12): Orange difficulty
Please note that from this point onwards, you may encounter some difficulties with navigation and a few steep slopes. Initially, follow a moderately visible path running along the hillside. Further on, you will encounter a challenging descent down a stony gully with some steep slopes. After crossing a pass, head right as soon as possible, following some tracks to the top of the ridge. From here, the easiest route is to descend a few metres, then follow a track at the foot of a small cliff. From there, the route continues relatively easily to the Croix de l’Enclume below.
Unmarked section.

From (12) to (13): Orange difficulty
Please note: from this point onwards, you will encounter some difficulties with navigation and a few steep slopes. To the left of the Croix de l’Enclume, follow the path through the gully down a few sustained slopes. Further down, you will need to cross a few scree slopes, where the challenge is to keep the path in sight (the presence of a few regular cairns is a great help). Take care: there are some very steep slopes in one section on stony, slippery ground.
Cairns are fairly regular

From (13) to (17): Blue difficulty
You follow a series of sections of path without encountering any particular difficulties
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

From (17) to (S/E): Green difficulty
A track suitable for vehicles is followed with relative ease
Signposting: Yellow arrows + signposts.

There are three peaks of Mont Lachat, which should not be confused. The one shown here is Mont Lachat in the Massif des Bornes. The^{second one} nearby is called Mont Lachat de Chatillon and the^third is Mont Lachat in the Mont Blanc massif.