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Walking loop : Parmelan
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Description
Hike to the Tête du Parmelan and its panoramic Camille Dunant refuge. This mountain with its impressive cliffs overlooks Annecy from a height of 1832m. Discover beautiful lapiaz landscapes, with Mont Blanc in the background.
The Parmelan is a classic hike, much appreciated by Annecy's residents, and offers numerous views of the Annecy conurbation and surrounding peaks.
The ascent via the Grand Montoir can be vertiginous, but the summit is well worth the effort. The Parmelan limestone plateau and its seemingly endless lapiaz form a magnificent landscape.
The Tête du Parmelan, the highest point of the walk, offers a breathtaking panorama of Lake Annecy, Les Bornes, Les Bauges, Le Vuache and Lake Geneva.
A gourmet break is available at the Refuge Camille Dunant, before starting the descent via the Petit Montoir, a longer but less rugged trail that allows you to enjoy the scenery to the full.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Date and time
- From 15/05/2026 to 15/10/2026
Additional information
Open period
From 15/05 to 15/10.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Tips
Take advantage of a beautiful summer's day to admire the sunset over the plateau and sleep at the Parmelan refuge. As the refuge is quite small, you'll need to book your overnight stay in advance.
Updated by
Conseil Départemental de la Haute-Savoie - 29/11/2025
www.hautesavoiexperience.fr
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Environments
Mountain view
Panoramic view
Mountain location
Contact
Phone : 04 50 45 00 33
Email : info@lac-annecy.com
Website : https://www.lac-annecy.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/lacannecy.tourisme
Type of land
Rock
Ground
Not suitable for strollers
Location complements
Access (by car): From Annecy, join Villaz. Once in Villaz, take the Route d'Aviernoz (D5), then the Route du Parmelan. The Bois Brûlé parking lot is at the end of the road.
Topo guides and map references
Map references :
TOP 25 IGN 3430 OT - MONT SALEVE
Reception complements
Whatever your hike, remember to pack cereal bars, plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small first-aid kit, and clothing appropriate to the season and weather forecast.
Tricky passages
Vigilance on the lapiaz plateau
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
1/ From the "Bois Brûlé (Parking)" post, follow the signs for "Tête de Parmelan (Refuge)". Then follow the signs for "Refuge du Parmelan par le Grand Montoir", passing through "Bois Bûlé", "Chalet Chappuis", "Balmont (Sud)", "Balmont (Nord)", "Croisement du Grand Montoir" and "Le Grand Montoir".
2/ At "Le Grand Montoir", follow signs for "Refuge du Parmelan".
3/ At "Refuge du Parmelan", continue towards "Tête du Parmelan".
4/ From "Tête du Parmelan", return to "Le Grand Montoir", then follow signs for "Bois Brûlé (Parking)" via "Petit Montoir". Continue in the direction of "Bois Brûlé (Parking)", passing the "Glacière d'Aviernoz".
5/ Once back at the "Croisement du Grand Montoir", return to "Bois Brûlé (Parking)" via the same route as the outward journey.
Animals
Yes. Pets allowed on leash only.
Data author
