On the cliffs of Cessens

A short walk on the Cessens mountain, with views of the lake and the Bugey.

Details

3568093
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.34 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 200 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 197 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 944 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 788 m

Description of the walk

Park in one of the car parks at the pass, either before or after the Notre-Dame de la Salette chapel.

(S/E) Set off along the Chemin de chez Carabin, then turn left off it to take the path leading to the ruins of the watchtower known as the Tour de César.

(1) Follow the route back in the opposite direction to return to the car park.

(S/E) Take the climb via the Passage des Barres, taking care to follow the one-way direction here; there is a warning sign for a tricky section, but it does not present any particular difficulty for hikers.
Once you have crossed the cliff, follow the slightly ascending ledge along the top of the cliff.
You will reach a designated rest area.

(2) Continue along the path to reach a fork in the trail.

(3) Take the right-hand fork and reach the junction with a wide track.

(4) Turn right onto it; a few hundred metres further on, you’ll reach a viewpoint with an orientation table. Turn right to easily find your way back along the road to the Notre-Dame de la Salette car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 809 m - Notre-Dame de la Salette car park
  2. 1 : km 0.59 - alt. 842 m - Tour de César
  3. 2 : km 1.7 - alt. 943 m - Developed area
  4. 3 : km 2.01 - alt. 905 m - Trail junction
  5. 4 : km 2.58 - alt. 797 m - Trail junction
  6. S/E : km 3.34 - alt. 809 m - Notre-Dame de la Salette car park

Notes

The cliff section is short and easy if you’re used to walking in the mountains, but it’s one-way by local by-law: to avoid crossing paths on the cliff or dislodging rocks onto other walkers, please follow this one-way system.
This trail is very exposed and should be avoided during the hottest periods.

Worth a visit

Climbing walls, paragliding launch site, nature trails, and a dip in the lake on the way down.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Naviel
Naviel

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Nice little hike. The second part is less interesting once you've passed the viewpoint, but the view is superb! However, the start isn't easy to find. We couldn't see the Chemin de chez Carabin, so we relied on geolocation. The same goes for the passage through the barriers, again thanks to geolocation, and we didn't see the one-way sign, so we crossed paths with hikers going in the wrong direction.

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cyrille7322
cyrille7322

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A stunning view of Lake Bourget and the River Rhône. There is a short, fairly steep section which is not recommended for children. The route should be followed in the recommended direction.
Not to be missed

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Dilou013
Dilou013

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A quick exit with no particular difficulties. The ‘natural staircase’ section requires care.
Stick closely to the route.
Superb view.

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Domi2107
Domi2107

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 31, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely view of the lake.

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