Massif des Bauges
A Regional Nature Park in a soft mountain area
Get away from it al in the heart of peaceful and unspoilt coutryside. Lying between lake Annecy and Lake Bouget, the Bauges mountains were granted regional park status in 1995. This has allowed the area to maintain its agricultural base while developing low-impact tourism.
The myriad hamlets to be found thoughout the Bauges are an invitation to linger and to explore the area's continuing agricultural heritage.
The estern ramparts ot the Massif des Bauges rise above the shore of lake Bourget to the summit of Mont Revard - a magnificient belvedere overlooking the lake.
The Bauges mountains, which form part of the French pre-Alps, have been classified a regional park, and the area has remained true to its traditions, with the production of farmhouse cheeses (tomme and vacherin), and craft industries, such as "l'argenterie des Bauges" (production of wooden tableware).
Fabulous walks are to be found throughout the park, notably across the Revard Plateau, through the forests and pastures of La Féclaz and around the Bellevaux Valley.
The Trélod
District: Doucy
Region: Bauges Regional Park
Road access and parking: From the village of La Compôte, follow signs to Doucy dessous. Continue to La Chapelle, and then to Cul du Bois. The road turns into a track. Park in the car park at Les Cornes.
Total time, not including rest stops: 5hrs 30min
Maps: IGN Top 25 n° 3432 OT Massif des Bauges
Start height: 1204 m
Highest point: 2181 m
Height difference: 977 m
Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): round trip/part circuit
Best season: from spring to summer, when snow free
Description:
The Trélod, and its neighbour, the Arcalod (highest point in the Bauges: 2217 m), proudly keep watch over the "heart of the Bauges" and its national hunting and wildlife reserve. It is not unusual to chance upon herds of chamois along this walk.
From the car park, head towards the Dent des Portes. The path goes past the reserve wardens' chalet before climbing up to the summit. The return leg follows the same path as far as the Dent des Portes, and then takes the path on the right towards the Chalet du Golet. At the junction with the track, turn left to get back to the car park.
Dogs must be kept on a leash.
The Bellevaux Valley
District: Ecole-en-Bauges
Region: Bauges Regional Park
Road access and parking: Go through the village of Ecole and head towards Jarsy. After the sawmill and the bridge over the Chéran, turn right onto the minor road to Carlet. Park at the convent.
Total time, not including rest stops: 2hrs 30min
Maps and guides: IGN Top 25 n° 3432 OT Massif des Bauges
Start height: 868 m
Highest point: 1150 m
Height difference: 300 m
Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): circuit
Best season: autumn is a beautiful time of year to enjoy the magnificent colours of the forest.
Description:
The Bellevaux Valley, at the foot of Mont Pécloz, offers a highly enjoyable outing. The nature trail through the valley explains the different components of the landscape and the delicate balance between mankind and nature.
The path goes up the steep wooded slopes to join a shady track. On leaving the forest, go across meadows to the ruins of the village of La Chapelle, and then descend to the stream of the Nant de la Lanche (chapel). The temporary exhibitions that line the return leg along the Chéran can be enjoyed in the cool air produced by the river.
Dogs must be kept on a lead.
