Hiking Book (English Version) 2013

Summary

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Page 3 - 4 : Le lac Bénit

Page 5 - 6 : Le lac de Lessy

Page 7 - 8 : Les Féaux

Page 9 - 10 : Malsaire

Page 11 - 12 : Le Jalouvre

(Easy)

(Difficult)

(Easy)

(Very easy)

(For good hikers)

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Page 19 - 20 : Rochers de Leschaux

Page 21 - 22: Security Advices

Page 13 - 14 : La pointe d’Andey

Page 15 -16 : Plateau de Cenise / Cascade du Dard

Page 17 -18 : Pointe blanche

(Easy)

(Difficult)

(Very easy)

(Easy)

Caption : High mountain, very difficult.All hikes are under hikers’ responsability

*You’ll fine description of this word at the bottom of the page or in the pink box.

Le lac Bénit Information :

- Level : Easy - Time to rise : 1 hours 15 - Time for descent : 45 minutes - Inclination : 350 m - Altitude : 1452 m

The lac Bénit, up to 1477 meters of altitude, is standing at the bottom of the great Bargy, which eyes are indeed staring at the lake. Located on a «Natura 2000» (environment protection organization) zone, this glacier original lake provides a rich endemic wildlife: alpine tritons, red frogs, toads, salamanders...

The lake is also a part of a legend that gives it its name. It’s quite the right place for a cosy moment of relaxation. And for this moment to be perfect, you can enjoy the pump-room for a refreshment from Pentecôte to the end of September.

Start:

There’s different paths leading to the lake, choose the one you want:

If you’re in Mont-Saxonnex, you have to go down by the Route de Cluses but stop at the fork «Mont-Saxonnex/Le Reposoir» and choose Le Reposoir’ s way. Once you take the road, turn on the first on your right and you’ll find The Bottes’s parking.You’ll rise your way through the Bottes’ forest. Shadowed, this walk is easy even with a hot weather in the middle of summer. Don’t take the indicated way, but opt for the one on the left called « Le chemin des gardes». This isolated itinerary is going along the Bargy and go through a very flowered clearing, especially in July (martagon lily).

You can also start the hiking from Mont-Saxonnex. You’ll have to take the road of Morsullaz (the one going to the chairlift), and stop at the place called «Le Bété».Children and grown-ups are always amazed by their first view of the lake. Lots of people of the village just go there and chill, or trout fish. On the hottest days of summer, some even go and try a little swimming in the clear water of the lake.

You can also go see the lake with a very brief walk, by taking the chairlift ( open from July, 14th to August, 22nd included from 9.30am to 18pm). Once you arrive at the top, you take a left and walk straight until you see the lake on your right.

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Le lac Bénit

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(Lac Bénit’s pump-room)

Did you know?This mountain lake snuggled into a deep valley between the abrupt high wall of the Bargy, the pasture and the wood also has its mystery: One captivated legend is about the inundation of the city of Marnaz because of the water of the lake. So believers went on a procession to solemnly bless the lake.

Legend

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Le lac de Lessy Information :

- Level : For good hikers - Time to rise : 3 hours - Time for descent : 2 hours - Inclination : 472 m - Altitude : 1730 m

The place is quiet. Some well-maintained cabins are hiding a private mountain hut where you can have lunch.

Nested into the green ridge of the Jalouvre, the Lessy Lake is where the GR96 is. The GR96 is a itinerary of hiking in mountain which is quite known.

This very pleasant family hiking will enthusiasm children and parents. The diversity of beautiful landscape is a good reason to go on this hike.

Start:

Les Frachets, just after Morsullaz where the chairlift stands. You can just park at the end of the road. Don’t park too close to the farm.

Follow the ATV road which goes to Le Col de Cénise (30 minutes).Very exotic place.

You go through the pasture walking on the left side until you see a way cut out in rocks. This projection leads to a berm where the way for the Jalouvre and the one for the Lessy’s lake separate. Follow the one going on the right. You quickly arrive at an exposed way just before the Col de Sosay. A fine cord will be enough for kids.

From the Col, you will already see the lake. Then you go down a little valley ending up with a berm. Be warned, there is often nettles in all the way.

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Did you know?As stunning as the tour of the Mont-Blanc, the GR96 is for the wild nature lovers. A lot of locals hikers are doing it, altering between wild zone, difficult access... the best way to stay secured is to stay in the path.

With a magnificent view of the Mont-Blanc in the back, this hiking offers you the complete range of feature landscape of the Pre-Alps of Haute-Savoie.

From Samoëns to the Haut-Giffre, it is stretching until the Bauges where it enters the Regional natural Parc. Then it goes through the Platé’s desert, jump on the Arve Valley, cross the Plateau des Glières and go around the Aravis chain. It finally goes down to the Lac of Annecy.

The GR 96

(Annecy Lake)(Annecy Lake)

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les Féaux Information :

- Level : Easy - Time to rise : 30 minutes - Time for descent : 30 minutes - Inclination : 100 m - Altitude : 1140 m

This easy hiking is worth considering for a 4 years old children and more. Nice walk into the pasture on the highline of the village, which allows to discover different hamlets and to get a beautiful view of the

Start :

Once you're in Mont-Saxonnex, take the Route de Morsullaz that go up to the ski lift. Park next to the skilift Les Planets and take the road going up to the chairlift but continue the road on the left, and not to the chairlift Morsullaz. Juste after the first turn, take the left and go into the forest path into the Vuargnes.

Go on on this way and go through the ski slope and a hamlet with some cabins. The path goes on on a berm into the forest. Just after the stream, take the way down on the left into the forest until you see some new cabins.

Still in the same path, go through the field and go all the way down to the hamlet of Feaux. Take back the road and go back to the ski resort low part by taking a left into the street «rue du front de neige». Then you can find your way back to the parking by walking straight for 1 minute.

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(View on Mont-Saxonnex’s church)

A village full of traditionSince decades, the Dumont has lived to the rhythms of time and seasons.

Today, a lot of things have changed but some tradition have survived and are still forming the pattern of months and years...

Taking place at the « Creux de la Boite », in January-February, the ambulant still distils some plums, pears, gentians, cherries...

At summer, on certain bar or on the 15th of August for the Village Party, skittle game is still played by some Dumonts. This is the time when «les Bescoins» are made as «les Rissoles» are made at christmas. The ancestral bread oven sometimes get back their activities during the year.

* Bescoins Les Bescoins are a king of bread or brioche with taste of Anis and colored by safran.

* RissolesLes Rissoles are prepared for christmas: There’s puff pastry full of stewed apples

(Bescoin)

(Rissoles)

Malsaire

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Information :

- Level : Easy - Time to rise : 30 minutes - Time for descent : 30 minutes - Inclination: 50 m - Altitude : 1000m

This easy one-hour walk is possible for 6 years old and more. It’s a very lovely walk between the pasture and the village’s hamlet from where you can admire the village of Brison from a new perspective. The undergrowth path make the walk less difficult on a very hot weather.

Start :

Park near the Chapelle of Pincru in Mont-Saxonnex (near the place du Bourgeal).

From here, take the direction to Bonneville and walk on the tar road since the junction pointing to «Quart Dernier». Take this direction, then the one to Malsaire. The road would become stony at the end of habitations.

Go on this way until you reach another habitation then take the path going on the right and rising to the forest. Once you arrive to the sign « La Balme», go straight and down to get a path going to the hamlet of The balme. Once you arrived to the habitation; go along the tar road until the sign « Le Lac Bénit».

Take this direction by taking the forest path near the water reservoir. Then when you’ll arrived at the habitation and the tar road again, take a right and go straight until a turn when you have to go on straight on a non-tar path going to others habitations. Go down to the next junction and take a right to go back to the Chapelle de Pincru.

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(Chapelle de Pincru)

Did you know ?The founding of Pincru decided to put their location of an ancient lake’s place.

Independent enough to declare themselves free of any feudal rights in 1770, the hamlet became a section of the village of Mont-Saxonnex only in 1800.

Its elegant chapel from the 17th century has been offered by its habitants and Claude Roch, german seller but Mont-Saxonnex’ s native.

It has been restored recently, but on the inside, the painting of Joseph and Marie is still the same (from 1665).

*Pincru (Mont-Saxonnex’s hamlet)

(Inside the chapel and its «retable*»)

*Retable : Paintaing that we place vertically behing the altar

Le Jalouvre

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Information :

- Level : Difficult - Time to rise : 3 hours - Altitude : 2408 m - Inclination : 838 m

Take the Route of Morsullaz and go to the Frachets. You can park at the end of the road, but don’t park to close to the farm.

This hiking is only for experienced hikers.

Indeed, it starts like a lovely walk through the pasture, but what follows isn’t the same! Very quickly, the path goes near a great scree that goes all the way up to the Col du Rasoir that gets its name right: The vertical height is present both sides of the col. Then you take the path called « the tie» under the top cap which is often exposed to rock fall. The final ridge that reaches the summit asks for a good aptitude in front of empty space and habits for delicate ground. Moreover, you should chose smartly the date of your hiking because of the «névé».

+ : Don’t forget to check for ibex on your way up. You could catch sight of it.

Start :

Did you know?In winter, a lot of snow piles up on the mountain. When comes summer, the snow is melting but some parts are protected by the relief and shadows and doesn’t melt as quickly as the rest and that creates the Névé.

*Névé

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La pointe d’Andey

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Information:

- Level : Easy - Time to rise : 1 hour - Time for descent : 40 minutes - Altitude : 1877 m

This two-hours hike, for good walkers, can be considered for 6 years old children. You would enjoy the panorama on the Bargy, the Leschaux Rocks and The Arve Valley.

Start from the restaurant «La Bruyère» on the Plateau de Solaison.

Real balcony suspended above the Arve Valley, this peak is a perfect goal for a spring-starter hike when snow doesn’t allow you to go somewhere higher. Its localization allows a dominante view from the surroundings summits, particularly on the Bargy chain on one side, and on the Leman and the Jura on the other side.

The rise is sustained but accessible to everyone. Be still warned if you have children at the summit, because the other side is 1400 meters down to the Arve Valley. The hike forms a circle, going to the summit then down by the Col of Andey.

The hike starts on a path going on the right from the end of the road near the last cabins of the plateau de Solaison. A sign will let you know.

After a hundred meters in the pasture, take a right at the junction. The left path is the one you will take to go down. Very quickly, the slope will become steep until a first headland from where you see the summit. After some rocky path, you will see The Virgin, who marks the arrival.

For the descent, take the path to the Col d’Andey you will quickly reach. This path becomes craggy and asks for a lot of attention from you, without being a real danger. When you’re at the col, you’ll see the parking and cabins of Solaison. Follow that path until the start’s junction.

Know that you can do this hike in winter with snowshoes.

Start :

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Plateau de Solaison

This plateau knows a good frequentation, making this itinerary one of the best Sunday walk. Hikers can discover the plateau from place to place, walking around this enormous space and reading the 6 explanatory desks to know better about particularities and richness.

An easy-access and enriching walk to do with children. Most ambitious won’t miss the rise to La Pointe D’Andey

Le plateau de Cenise

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Information :

- Level : Very easy - Time to rise: 1 hour - Time for descent : 40 minutes - Altitude : 1877 m

Point de départ : Start the hike at the Frachet. The frachet is at the end of the Morsullaz road (after the chairlift).

Walk along the ATV road. Go across the field until you get to the Cross of Cenise. After a last effort, the large plateau finally revealed itself, mysterious, huddled between the Bargy and the Leschaux’s rocks.

The short weed, colored by an amazing alp flora, is softly replaced by a beautiful heather zone.

For the bravest, le Plateau de Cenise is on the way to Le Jalouvre, La Pointe blanche and le Lac de Lessy.

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La cascade du Dard Information :

- Level : Very easy - Time to rise : 20 minutes - Inclination : 35 m - Altitude : 837 m

A way through the forest that will lead you to the very lovely Cascade du Dard (Dard’s fall). You can enjoy a fresh stop next to it.

Start :

Take the road down to Bonneville once you’re in Mont-Saxonnex (not the Cluses road, the other) and park near the «Cascade du Dard» sign.

Take the path going up on 50 meters then take the first right and go along the Bronze (stream) until the fall (10minutes walk). This is a really lovely little hike, perfect to go freshen up in the middle of summer.

Pointe blanche Information :

- Level : Difficult - Time to rise : 2 to 3 hours - Time for descent : 2 hours - Altitude : 2438 m - Inclination : 820 m

Start :

You have to start at the Col de la Colombière.

Take the path behind the restaurant in direction of Le Jalouvre. Leave it 20 minutes later to take a right and up to the climbing rocks ( you will see the sign).

Go on up after the rocks near the cliff for 200 meters. Then you have to take a left when you’ll see a very discreet red mark. The start’s rise up is easy to climb then you find yourself on a balcony-way quite exposed to emptiness but quite large too.

You will overhang the wonderful Combe de Balafrasse. The Gypaete* is often flying over this place.

The following happens in a multicolor moss field, often frequented by ibex, who are very present in this part of the mountain. You can easily approach them and photograph them. Then you will quickly arrive at a last part of loose stones then at the summit of the peak. You’ll be finally rewarded by the view and the feeling of achievement.

You can go back by taking the same way, or if you’re not afraid of emptiness, it’s better to go back by the razor of the Jalouvre. First part of this itinerary is easy. The indicate way ( some marks are painting on rocks to help you locate) goes down north to go around a ravine then plunge into south into large slabs

where it disappears. You will find the path back lower on your way. (cairn*)

Go down a series of projections sometimes equipped of cables. Then you are at The Col du Rasoir. A little cord could be useful in this breathtaking zone.

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From the col, you have a beautiful view of the Plateau de Cenise. The bravest could go up to the Jalouvre. This one hour- detour make the hike more enchanting. Then there is a one hour walk to the Col de la Colombière.This amazing hike is one of the most beautiful of the region but you have to be very healthy !

This is an artificial heap of rocks. We find these most of the time on the reliefs, the peat bog or on mountain summits. this term is a reference to Scotland but we actually find these everywhere.

Did you know?

It’s one of the four great species of European vulture.Most of the time, it’s nesting on the mountain located at the superior limit of the forest, sometimes in cave on the cliffs, near or not to the scree.

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*cairn

*Le Gypaète barbu

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Rochers de Leschaux Information :

- Level : Easy - Time to rise : 2 hours - Time for descent : 1 hour - Altitude : 1936 m - Inclination : 434 m

Start :

Plateau de Solaison, access from Brison.

The path goes from the last turn before the Plateau de Solaison, go thought the field then go into the forest.

Don’t take the direction of «La Glacière» but take the one to Leschaux. You will quickly reach a lightly exposed way, equipped with a handrail cable. It’s called «Le Mauvais pas» (the wrong step). You have to pay attention, but it’s widely practicable, and it will only spice up a little this hike.

The path goes on into the forest, but you will be abble to have a gorgeous view on Solaison and the Pointe d’Andey. A last little effort, and you’ll arrived at the large plateau de Cenise.

Then you’ll have to walk 200 meters on the right to find the well indicated path going up to Les

Rochers de Leschaux. You’ll snake around the lapies* until the summit, with still a great overview on the Plateau de Cenise and The Bargy.

To go back, take the path near the cross going directly to Solaison. The lovely declination goes near cliffs, go into a corridor and ends into a forest that marks out the plateau.

This quite easy hike takes you to a surprisingly landscape concentration of Haute-Savoie, one followed by the others. This is one not to miss !

Did you know? *The lapiesVery frequent in our chalky mountain, the lapies are when rock is dissolved by rain water’s streaming and forms some large carvings.

It can be small or measure several meters. Sometimes two just got into one big discharge spout.

It’s a trick for hikers, you will have to be very careful.

(Les Lapiaz d’aujon - Flaine)

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Security Advices

The minister of Health and Sports has published a memento with some mountain securities rules: Here’s what you have to remind

Before the hike- Choose ac activity adapted to your level-Choose your itinerary depending on your skills- Check the weather before you decide to do anything- Let someone know you’re going on this particular hike. Avoid to go alone.- Don’t count on your phone. You probably won’t get any network

The good reflexe - Get to know your hiking: the level, how long it lasts, for whom this is adviced. Don’t hesitate to go back on your feet if you’re not feeling well. - Equip yourself with good walk shoes - Some activities require helmets. (biking, climbing...) - For difficult hikes, it is advised to be accompanied by Mountains guides

Don’t forget- Take enough food (sugar) and water- Clothes adapted to the weather, which could change at any minute of your hike- Take sun protection cream- Take a first aid kit, a blanket and whistle- A phone with emergency number- A map- A compass and an altimeter to get your bearings- A multi function knife- A flashlight

Be watchful with the children- They tend to tired themselves too quickly and could be exhausted without a pre-sign- Avoid brutal altitude changing ( bad for hears)

With a Baby :- If you carry them on your back, immobility and prolonged suspension can make some phenomenon worst: insulation, dehydration, cold...- Avoid to carry baby over 2500 meters- Think to get your children good protection against the sun

Good to know:Measure Rules: On a map on 1/25 000 : 4 cm represent 1 km. A gap of 1 mm between two level’s curves amount to 40% slope.

In case of accident: Protect the victim in imminent danger, cover them, put them in a dry place and try to reassure them. Call the emergency and let them know the following facts :

• Nature of the accident of number of victims• How bad the situation is ( inconscience, blood...)• How did you help the victim so far (what gesture?)• The precise place of the accident• The local weather conditions• Your name and your phone number

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Come and visit us...

Office de tourisme de Mont-Saxonnex

294, route de l’église 74130 Mont-Saxonnex

04 50 96 97 27www.mont-saxonnex.info

contact@mont-saxonnex.info