Alert
Alerts
Hiking: the Baptiste stone
IGN cards
Description
This beautiful forest trail leads to the “Pré Bouillet” chalet, from where you can admire a lovely view of the Salève. Discover the mysterious “pierre à Baptiste” along the way marked by cupules and carved holes.
Departing from Farges, this hike alternates shady paths with open views. On the path winding through the forest, an imposing erratic rock known as the “Pierre à Baptiste”, a glacial rock with intriguing markings carved by “Sieur Baptiste”, who hoped to break it open to reveal its secrets and exploit it. The ascent continues to the Pré-Bouillet chalet, from where there is a superb panoramic view of the Salève and surrounding mountains. The descent then passes through clearings and undergrowth before reaching the first houses.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Additional information
Contact
Phone : 04 50 28 09 16
Email : contact@paysdegex-tourisme.com
Website : https://www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Open period
All year round daily.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Environments
Forest location
Mountain location
Type of land
Stone
Ground
Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
Grit
Not suitable for strollers
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
Hiking in Pays de Gex and the Haute Chaine du Jura: on sale at Pays de Gex tourist agencies: 9€.
Map references :
3328OT - CRÊT DE LA NEIGE
Updated by
Office de Tourisme du Pays de Gex - 02/12/2025
www.paysdegex-montsjura.com
Report a problem
Reception complements
▶ Before setting off :
Check the general and local weather forecast, and make sure there's no precipitation.
Find out about the approach route, the height of the itinerary, the time it will take to complete the climb, and any possible escapes (IGN map, GPS, topo-guide, etc.).
Evaluate possible risks by asking mountain professionals, mountain huts and gîtes.
Inform someone close to you of your objective, and contact them again in the event of any changes: departure and return times, number of participants with telephone numbers for each, vehicle(s), parking, etc.
Avoid setting off alone, and use equipment that is suitable for the activity, adjusted and in good condition: headlamp, complete first-aid kit, survival blanket, etc.
In the event of a problem, call 112 (European emergency number).
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
(1) From the center of Farges village, follow the yellow signs and turn left onto the main road. Pass the restaurant and turn right at the next intersection, turn right again at the fountain.
(2) Continue on the Chemin de Cazuet before taking the Col du Sac road on the left. After a bend in the road, fork left again onto a forest path winding through the trees. It first crosses the Col du Sac road, then rises steadily until it reaches La Pierre Baptiste.
(3) The Pierre Baptiste, an erratic boulder placed there when the ice melted, marks an altitude of 675m. From here, the climb continues through the woods. For the remaining 370m of the ascent, the path crosses the Col road four more times before reaching the highest point of the hike: Pré Bouillet (1045 m).
(4) At this point, the panorame opens up offering a beautiful view of the Salève. Walk alongside the house and cross to the other side to begin the descent. After crossing three successive intersections and continuing straight on, you reach Le Replat.
(5) The steep descent rapidly becomes a negative gradient before reaching the Col du Sac road. Just after the first bend, the path dips to the left and continues downhill. Gradually, the road reappears along with the first houses of Farges. Continue along the road until you reach the Chemin de Beudet, which closes the loop and takes you back to the starting point.
Animals
Yes
Data author
