Tête de l’Arpettaz via the Passage de la Bourse

The starting point is in La Balme-de-Thuy, at a place called Les Challes. From Annecy, leave the D46 at the Saint-Clair bridge. Take the D216 and, just after the church at La Balme-de-Thuy, take the small road to Les Challes which climbs to the left and stop at the hairpin bend to the right where the start of the path is marked by a signpost indicating: Les Challes 705 m. Coming from Thônes, take the D216 at the Morette bridge towards La Balme-de-Thuy. The Les Challes road branches off to the right before the church.

(S/E) Follow the track and then the path as it climbs northwards through the beech and spruce forest: the gradient is steep. You’ll emerge from the forest at the foot of the cliff at an altitude of around 1,400 m. The path is beautifully marked out and time flies by.

(1) As this section is rarely used, it has not been cleared: take care where you step so as not to dislodge any stones. Signs indicate that this section is dangerous
This is where the Passage de la Bourse begins, protected by a series of chains and a few bolts to secure children if necessary. Return to the forest to reach the Col de la Bourse at an elevation of 1,663 metres.

(2) About a hundred metres past the pass, the path turns sharply to the right, heading north towards the Vallon d’Ablon, before reaching a fork.

(3) Continue above the path, following the existing track, to avoid losing too much altitude. In October 2023, wild boars had ravaged the mountain pasture. About 400 metres further on, join a path.

(4) Follow it to the right, climbing steadily but at a leisurely pace through the forest. As you emerge from the forest, the slope becomes steeper and, after a few hairpin bends, you’ll reach the unnamed pass below the summit.

(5) From the pass, you need only turn your head to see the Tête de l’Arpettaz. Follow the south-west-facing summit ridge to reach the summit of the Tête de l’Arpettaz.

(6) The view is a lovely 360°. Head back down to the Col de la Bourse.

(2) Take care on the descent down the Passage de la Bourse, which can prove tricky for a group. Signs indicate that this section is dangerous.

(1) Then return via the same route you took on the way there (S/E).

The Passage de la Bourse is not technically demanding but requires you to be attentive and vigilant. It is not recommended for those prone to vertigo.
The ‘difficult’ rating is justified by the length and elevation gain, rather than by the difficulty of the route itself.

Places to visit in La Balme-de-Thuy: the Notre-Dame de Lourdes Grotto, the Nant Debout Waterfall, the Resistance Museum and the Military Cemetery.