Pointe du Velan via the three chalets

Park at the side of the track at the start of this walk; there is space for four vehicles. To get there: from Faverges (74210), pass through the hamlet of Glaise, then continue along the road and the forest track towards the Pont de Saint-Ruph car park, where you can also park.

(S/E) Turn right onto the yellow and red-marked^GRP® trail of the Massif des Bauges from the ‘Les Clavins’ signpost. The path is steep at the start, then becomes slightly gentler and more even, before steepening again. You will reach the Chalet de la Servaz.

(1) Keep to the right on the^GRP® and carry on straight ahead, first slightly uphill followed by an easy descent to reach the Chalet des Barbus.

(2) Turn left and resume the climb to reach the junction at the Chalets de l’Eau Froide.

(3) Leave the^GRP® here and turn left onto a small, clearly visible path heading due east. Continue until you reach the ridge; in some places you may need to use your hands to get over the rocks. Turn left and follow the ridge to the Pointe du Velan.

(4) Descend via a small, well-marked path – which can be a little slippery in places due to the stones – to the Chalet de la Servaz, which you passed earlier.

(1) Turn right onto the^GRP® alternative route, reaching the place known as Les Rois, then the junction marked by the ‘Ruisseau des Rois’ sign.

(5) Leave this signposted path and take a clearly visible but unmarked path opposite this sign. Walk down to the forest track and rejoin the^GRP® of the Massif des Bauges.

(6) Turn left onto it, then follow the right bank of the Torrent de Saint-Ruph until you reach the bridge and then the Clavins car park (S/E).

Walking poles are strongly recommended for this walk.
(3) Take care here: this is the slightly more challenging part of the walk; the path is very steep at the start and should be avoided by inexperienced walkers if the ground is wet or too dry, as there is a high risk of slipping.

(S/E) Bauges Regional Nature Park