Pointe des Arbennes via the Méry chalets

Take the D119 from Cluses and pass through the village of Romme towards Le Reposoir. 1.9 km after leaving the village, park in the car park at the start of the Méry forest track, which is located in a bend on the right.

(S/E) Take the forest track leading to the Méry chalets. The climb, which is fairly steady, takes you through a mixed forest of conifers and deciduous trees. You’ll start with a series of tight hairpin bends, followed by a straighter stretch of path to reach the Méry chalets, where you’ll join the^GR®96.

(1) Turn left onto it and continue along this^{GR® trail}, which starts with a steep climb through the mountain pastures. A gentler slope leads to the Col de la Gueule à Vent.

(2) Leave the^GR®96here and turn right onto the grassy ridge path, which you follow.

(3) Turn right at the junction with the Champ Fleuri ridges. Further on, you’ll reach the sloping scree slope beneath the Tête du Château.

(4) Cross this scree slope and continue on; keep left at the junction, leaving the Col de la Forclaz path on your right. A final steep section through the grass leads you to the top of the Col de la Forclaz. Then begin the final, fairly steep section of the climb, over scree and sharp limestone pavement, following the cairns. This will take you to the
summit of the Pointe des Arbennes, marked by a cross.

(5) Return via the same route to the car park on the Méry forest track (S/E).

The only water source is at the start of the walk, at the Méry chalets.
Between (S/E) and (1), the forest still bears traces of the 2018 storm in some places.
(2) From the Col de Gueule à Vent, the path follows the ridges, which can be windy and shrouded in cloud. Make sure you pack suitable clothing.
A significant part of the walk is unmarked: it’s advisable to bring a GPS device for accurate positioning, or the Visorando app. As this is a popular walk, you’re unlikely to be on your own.

With a bit of luck, you’ll spot some wildlife: roe deer in the woods, chamois and ibex near the Col de la Forclaz and the summit. And plenty of cows in the mountain pastures.
The peaks above the Col de la Forclaz serve as a launch site for paragliders brave enough to make the climb.
(5) Pointe d’Arbennes: from here you can make out the Pointe d’Areu further away, which is not easily accessible and is not recommended for casual walkers.