Tête Ronde and Mont Téret circular from Les Molliets

Update by the author on 11/12/2025:

• The route was slightly incorrect just before point (1): it has been corrected.
• The point (17) has been moved back to the intersection. The short section of the route towards the cave has been removed.

The route starts from the car park at the Moliets footbridge in the commune of Thorens-Glières. Access via the RD55 road towards the Plateau des Glières, then the Route de la Verrerie after the village of Nant-Sec, then the Chemin de l'Adiau until its final 500 m, which are unpaved.

Please note that since 17/10/2025, access to the Verrerie bridge has been prohibited to motor vehicles until further notice (while consolidation work is carried out):the starting point of the hike must temporarily be a little earlier, from the hamlet of La Verrerie (additional distance for the round trip = approximately 1.5 km).

(S/E) Cross the footbridge towards the Plateau des Glières. Continue to the intersection.

(1) Continue straight ahead, following the marked route at the few intersections.

(2) Shortly after crossing a footbridge, continue straight ahead until you reach another path.

(3) Join a path and follow it to the left until you reach the chalets (a place called Traversy).

(4) Just after reaching a road, continue straight ahead on it. You will arrive at a place called Dran.

(5) Continue straight ahead towards La Rosière. At the Notre-Dame des Neiges chapel, continue straight ahead for 100 metres.

(6) Leave the track and follow a path on the right that is not very well marked at the start (there is a cairn), then continue along the route, which then turns right and left and includes a few rough sections. Follow the yellow markings. Reach the ridge: be careful to spot an intersection that is not very visible.

(7) Head left, following the yellow markings and cairns as best you can. Next, cross two sharp limestone pavement areas, keeping to the right (there are also some markings). Reach the summit of Tête Noire (nice view).

(8) Continue straight ahead, following the descending path. Shortly afterwards, you will encounter a difficult section where you will need to use your hands to descend a chimney.

(9) Continue downhill until you reach an intersection.

(10) Continue straight ahead. You will arrive at the summit of Tête d'Arpettaz, topped by a cross (very beautiful views).

(11) Retrace your steps to the intersection you passed just before.

(10) Turn left. After a long descent, you will reach the Gorge d'Ablon: continue to the right, then join another path and follow it straight ahead until you reach an intersection.

(12) Follow the path uphill to the left (towards Col du Pertuis) over somewhat rugged terrain in a rocky environment. Along the way, bear right to join another path that leads to the ridge, then continue on a gently sloping route until you reach a section of sharp limestone pavement, which you will cross. You will arrive at the Croix du Bénitier.

(13) Continue straight ahead on a path that slopes downwards. Further down, join another path and continue straight ahead until you reach the intersection before Col du Pertuis (which is actually a little further on).

(14) Turn right towards Alpage du Pertuis. After passing Croix Pradier, you will arrive at a large meadow.

(15) At the junction, continue right towards the Fontaine du Geai, passing through a wooded area.

(16) Pass a chalet and continue straight ahead, passing a shelter. Continue straight ahead at the intersection not far from the Fontaine du Geai.

(17) Turn right onto a discreet path leading to a hut in less than 5 minutes (shelter if needed).

(18) Continue along the route, tackling a few difficult passages a little further on that require a minimum of caution.

(19) Further down, at an intersection, continue to the right (on the left, it is possible to make a round trip to the Grotte de la Diau). Return to the initial fork.

(1) Turn left and you will soon reach the starting point (S/E).

The starting point can be viewed on Google Maps: click here.
Good hiking boots and walking sticks are recommended.

Take your rubbish with you; nature will thank you.

Alternatively, you can shorten the route (approximately 2.4 km and 180 metres less elevation gain) by continuing straight ahead after the point (12): the route then approaches the Chalet d'Ablon to rejoin the current route at the point (2). Click here to access the route.

Below is a difficulty rating for each section (a route is not uniform):
- Green: fairly easy route with no significant elevation gain or difficulty.
- Blue: steeper slopes and/or elevation changes on a well-marked route.
- Orange: route presenting some technical difficulties and/or poor route viability (markings or visibility of the path).
- Red: difficult route due to significant elevation changes that may require some climbing, in an environment with some hazards.
- Black: fairly difficult route and/or involving contiguous dangers.
- White: route in very difficult technical environments requiring certain equipment.

From (S/E) to (3): Blue difficulty
The section is on gentle uphill slopes with minimal difficulty.
Markings: Yellow arrow + signposts.

From (3) to: Green difficulty
A trail, then a carriageway, are easy to follow.
Markings: Yellow arrow + signposts.

From to (7): orange difficulty
Follow a path that winds to the right and left. Be careful to stay on track on the few rough sections encountered.
Yellow markings + cairns.

From (7) to (8): Orange difficulty
Shortly after reaching the ridge, you will come to a poorly marked intersection where you should turn left (the path opposite ends in a dead end not far away). Continue along a moderately marked path, keeping an eye on the markings. The main difficulty is then encountered on two sections of sharp limestone pavement on fairly chaotic terrain with small crevasses, and it is preferable to take the right-hand side to make progress more easily.
Yellow markings + cairns.

From (8) to (9): orange difficulty
The main difficulty is encountered in a short chimney that requires the use of your hands to descend. The rest of the route is relatively straightforward.
Yellow markings.

From (9) to (11): Blue difficulty
A path with short, steeper slopes is followed before reaching a ridge line. Access to the summit of Tête d'Arpettaz is then relatively easy.
Yellow markings.

From (11) to (12): Blue difficulty
Retrace your steps to the intersection and follow a path down a moderate slope. The lower part of the section involves a few steep slopes.
Yellow markings then red markings after the intersection.

From (12) to (14): Blue difficulty
The trail starts off on rough terrain. At the top of the route, the landscape becomes more rocky, passing by a few sharp limestone pavements, particularly around the Croix du Bénitier. The numerous markings should help you find your way. The trail then begins a descent on gentle slopes to reach the Pertuis area.
Markings: Yellow arrow + old red and yellow markings + signposts.

From (14) to (17): Blue difficulty
Follow a path on moderate slopes with minimal difficulty.
Markings: yellow arrow + signposts.

From (16) to (17): Blue difficulty
Continue along the trail, encountering a few steeper slopes.
Markings: Yellow arrow + signposts.

From (17) to (18): Blue difficulty
The route follows a pleasant trail with no significant elevation gain (note that access to the hut is not signposted).
Markings: yellow arrow + signposts.

From (18) to (19): Blue difficulty
The route continues to be easy at first, but then becomes more difficult, requiring caution on a few steep slopes and on a section along the edge of a cliff (there is a rope for safety).
Markings: Yellow arrow + signposts.

From (19) to (S/E): Blue difficulty
After the intersection with the path leading to the cave, continue along an easy route back to the starting point.
Yellow arrow markings + signposts.

• Stèle des Molliets: plaque commemorating the parachute drop on 1 August 1944 on the Glières plateau
• Notre-Dame des Neiges: click here to find out more
• Montagne de Tête Ronde: click here to find out more
• Mont Téret: click here to find out more