Rochers de la Bade

Parking is available after the Pont d'Escorchevel bridge when coming from La Compote.

(S/E) Start heading east to reach the La Compote crossroads via La Favière.

(1) Take the forest road just behind the bar-restaurant for 1 km (^GR®®96) or follow the telephone pylon.

(2) Take the path on the left that enters the forest and cross the small bridge (Stream de Rossanaz). The path climbs very steeply for 1 km to Plant du Mont (1,050 m).

(3) Follow the^GR®®96markings on the right to reach the Chalets de la Fullie (2.7 km) by following the top of the ridge.

(4) At Chalets de la Fullie, head north-east and follow the markings.

(5) Turn right towards the Col de la Cochette.

(6) At the pass, a sign indicates the Rocher de la Bade (difficult).
On the ridge, follow the blue and sometimes blue/yellow markings; it is impossible to get lost (blue markings every 2 metres).
The traverse itself is easy with a few tricky sections, but the holds on the rock and the roots on the very steep slopes are reassuring.

(7) Once at the summit (wooden sign "Rochers de la Bade"), the ridge continues south to Montagne Motzon.

(8) The descent from Montagne de Motzon is difficult (rockfalls underfoot).

(9) At the bottom, head towards Col de la Cochette (sign). In fact, the^GR®® de Pays Tour des Bauges trail runs along the side of the Rocher de la Bade in a north-easterly direction. This is a very beautiful trail that leads to the ruined Chalet de la Rapière (1,662 m). Reach the path you took on the way up.

(5) Turn right to reach the Chalets de la Fullie.

(4) Continue to the Fressoz car park (same route as on the way there) (S/E).

Water source at the Compôte car park and at the Chalets de la Fullie.
The Saint-Bernard Chapel and Chalets de la Fullie can be used as shelters.
There are no water sources beyond the Arête de la Bade, but you can reach the Chalet de la Rossanaz (signposted) to fill up with water and buy some delicious Bauges cheese.
Hiking equipment plus a length of rope at the bottom of your bag.
An ice axe may be useful (optional).
Please note that the crossing can only be made in dry weather.

At the Compôte car park, there is a superb panoramic view of the Dent de Pleuven and the Trélod.
Take a break at Plan du Mont (1,050 m) on the way there or back to visit the Saint-Bernard Chapel (the door is always open).