Circular route from the foot of the Dents de Lanfon to Pointe de Talamarche

The route starts from the^first car park you come to on the Chemin des Dents de Lanfon (elevation 767).
You reach this spot after passing through the village of Alex and the hamlet of Villard Dessus.

(S/E) Take the track uphill towards the Chalets de l’Aulp-Riant. Not far on, you’ll reach a second car park; continue straight on along the 4x4 track, which climbs quite steeply.
After a short while, you’ll pass a forest hut. About 200 metres further on, you’ll reach a fork in the track.

(1) Take the forest track on the right. Not far on, take a path on the left, the start of which is marked by a cairn. This path is a pleasant walk with a few wide hairpin bends and is generally on a moderate slope.

(2) You’ll reach a final hairpin bend beneath the cliff. Take the path on the left (the one on the right leads to the North Point and the Central Point).
Once you reach a large scree slope, finding your way can be tricky on this moderately difficult route.

(3) Look out for the start of a path on the right, which is only moderately visible as you climb. The route then follows a slightly more obvious path, a short distance from the cliffs and overlooking the scree slope. Caution: this section is potentially exposed to rockfalls.
Another difficulty is encountered next on a fairly steep and slippery section, over fairly stony ground, as you make your way at the foot of the cliffs. Please note that the risk of rockfalls is greater in this area.

(4) You’ll reach a small pass, clearly visible straight ahead. Continue straight on along the ridge (with a beautiful view over the southern part of Lake Annecy) on a fairly easy path. Ignore a path on the right.
After a short stretch through a wooded area, you’ll reach the Col des Frêtes.

(5) Take a path on the left, sloping gently downwards, to a wide track: continue to the right, heading uphill, and reach L’Aulp Riant Dessus, where you’ll come to a fork.

(6) Continue to the left, due north, towards the Pointe de Talamarche. The walk through the lovely alpine pastures is straightforward

(7) You’ll reach the ridge, and the summit – which is very close by and only faintly visible – is easily reached.
I’d encourage you to follow the southern path to its end to make the most of the views (notably the Dents de Laffon, Lake Annecy and La Tournette).
Head back the way you came and carry on straight ahead at the fork along a pleasant route. After a good descent, you’ll reach the Crêt des Tervelles.

(8) Continue to the left towards the Chalet du Lindion^, following the^GR®® route^. The path then winds its way along the bottom of the valley without any difficulty (along the way, you’ll pass the ruins of the Chalet de Chavonnay-Gallet, which was burnt down in 1944 by German soldiers)
After reaching a wooded area, you’ll come to a fork in the path at a bend.

(9) Turn left towards the Trou de la Chapelle (where there is a warning sign), leaving the GR®® route^.
A little further up, you suddenly turn left and then make your way along the right-hand side of a long, steep slope; steps and chains make the climb easier.
After passing through a few very narrow and steep ledges, and after a short 2-metre climb, head left; the whole section is equipped with chains and rungs.
After a final steep climb using a rope, you reach the ridge; continue to the right along a slightly descending path.

(10) Go round a large hole, which you then enter; the entrance to the Trou de la Chapelle appears straight ahead.
Cross the cave with care (length: 60 m). A torch is recommended for this section, which is cluttered with large boulders.
Pass under a large arch visible on the left and continue along the path, which descends a fairly steep slope with a few uneven sections. After a short climb, you reach a mountain pasture (La Rochette dessus). From here, the route is moderately visible (follow the small yellow arrows).

(11) Turn right downhill, then left, then right again after skirting the edge of the clearing. A little further down, continue to the left, then right to enter the forest.
The path, which is not excessively steep, then leads to another area of mountain pasture. Head towards the chalet (La Rochette Dessous). Here, help yourself to water from the fountain if needed.

(12) Head left towards Alex and continue along a wide path with a few steep sections. Along the way, you’ll join a forestry track, which you follow for about 100 metres.

(13) Look out for the start of a faint path on the left: fairly soon, the route follows a fairly obvious track until it joins a track suitable for vehicles.

(14) Continue to the left; the route involves a few steep climbs before reaching a forest lodge further down. Continue left along the track, passing the Grépon lodge on a fairly easy path.

(15) Just before a large meadow, take the path on the left. After following a stream, take a path on the right and, a little further on, turn left at the next fork. You’ll reach the Chemin des Dents de Lanfon. Head right to return to the starting point, which is only a few metres away (S/E).

⚠️08/07/2026 – Sensitive area – Dents de Lanfon
The Dents de Lanfon couloir is currently under close observation. Significant instability has been observed in the upper part of the couloir, with a developing fracture zone and several large, unstable rock blocks that are at risk of dislodgement.
Furthermore, unauthorised fixed ropes have been installed along the route. As these are unsuitable and now severely deteriorated, they may give a false sense of security whilst actually constituting a risk factor in themselves.
It is recommended that you stay strictly on the official paths, do not use this unauthorised equipment and observe the signage in place. As access conditions are subject to change, it is advisable to check with Bluffy Town Hall before setting off.

Update by the author on 26/04/2025 following completion of the route today.

Sturdy footwear and walking poles are recommended.
A torch is strongly recommended for the walk through the Chapelle Cave.

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

The route is generally well-maintained throughout, despite the limited signage.

In detail, below is a difficulty rating by section (the route is not uniform):
- Green: fairly straightforward walking with no significant elevation changes or difficulty.
- Blue: slopes and/or elevation changes are more pronounced on a well-marked route.
- Orange: routes presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor trail conditions (markings 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.

(S/E) to (1): Blue difficulty
Signposting and directional signs are scarce, but finding your way along a wide path is not a problem. After the second car park, the climb is quite steep.
Yellow Arrow markings

(1) to (3) : Blue difficulty
A pleasant trail with a moderate gradient. It is well marked, with the route signposted by numerous cairns.
Unmarked section

(3) to (4): Orange difficulty
A somewhat steep slope over fairly slippery stony ground, potentially exposed to rockfalls. Navigation is moderately difficult at times. Caution!
Unmarked section

(4) to (8): Blue difficulty
A clearly visible route presenting no difficulty. Markings and signposts are few and far between. The walk along the route is quite pleasant.
Yellow Arrow markings

(8) to (9): Blue difficulty
The route follows a GR®® trail (markings fairly regular) via a clearly visible path, presenting no difficulties.
White-Red GR® 96 markings

(9) to (10): Red difficulty
A decent, unmarked route. The presence of chains and rungs certainly helps with progress, but you should still remain vigilant as there are a few steep sections – take care! Access to the cave is easy once you reach the ridge.
Unmarked section

(10) to (11): Orange difficulty
You’ll encounter numerous large boulders whilst crossing the cave (a torch is useful for this reason).
After the cave, the path is clearly visible but descends with a few steep and somewhat abrupt slopes at times.
Further down, after crossing a torrent bed, the slightly uphill section is easy.
Unmarked section

(11) to (12): Blue difficulty
Finding your way around the La Rochette-dessus mountain pasture area is not necessarily straightforward. Use the directions in the route description whilst following the small yellow arrows serving as signposts. The walk through a fairly gentle landscape poses no problems. Once you rejoin the path in the forest, the descent is straightforward, with gentle slopes along a well-marked route.
Yellow Arrow markings

(12) to (14): Blue difficulty
Follow a path with a few steep sections, then continue along a decent forest track: take care to spot the start of the path on the left (not particularly obvious).
Yellow Arrow markings

(14) to (15): Blue difficulty
Following the route is straightforward on a slightly steep track. Once you reach the Grépon chalet area, the rest of the route is fairly easy.
Yellow Arrow Markings

(15) to (S/E): Blue difficulty
The route follows an unmarked but clearly visible path. The only difficulty is spotting the two junctions (right, then left) before joining the Chemin des Dents de Lanfon.
Unmarked section

Traffic:
From (S/E) to (4): visitor numbers are low.
From (4) to (7): moderately busy towards the Pointe de Talamarche.
From (7) to (S/E): generally quiet area.

Options:
For those wishing to go further, I suggest three options that extend the route and increase the elevation gain. These are routes that are at times exposed, where certain missteps should be avoided (if not strictly forbidden), with sections prone to rockfalls.
Once you reach the heights, the panoramic views are superb.

• From (2): access to the North Peak and/or the Central Peak of the Dents de Lanfon. Initially, a fairly steep and very exposed couloir must be traversed before heading towards the Central Peak (requiring a few climbing moves and a section over sharp limestone pavement) or the North Peak (requiring one climbing move on the final section). For more information: read here,

• Around the (4): access to the southern sector of the Dents de Lanfon (on the Petite Molaire, to be precise). The starting point is situated about 50 m before the pass and just past a commemorative plaque; a red dot marks the start. The route to the pass is equipped with cables. The climb up to the Dent de la Petite Molaire involves a few climbing moves with exposed sections: for more information: read here.

• Between the (7) and (8): this involves taking a detour to reach the Dent du Cruet. The difficulties encountered are relatively minor (only the final section towards the summit is a little trickier). To find out more, click here.

For those with a bit more experience, there are plenty of other options too...

Also worth watching is the short video I’ve put together: click here