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Crossing the Bornes in gentle mode - Stage 1: Annecy > Refuge du Parmelan
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Description
Absolutely no need for a car! The Haute-Savoie's bus services will take you from Annecy station to the start of this 5-day hike and bring you back at the end. Take your time during this first stage to admire the lapiaz (limestone pavements) of Le Parmelan.
This first stage, starting from Naves, will take you to the Parmelan refuge, where you'll spend your first night.
On the way, you'll pass the Captain Anjot memorial, witness to a historic battle during the Second World War.
On the final stretch, the limestone plateau and lapiaz of Parmelan await you from the Grand Montoir (or Petit Montoir, a longer but less rugged path).
Once you've reached the highest point of this first stage, take in the breathtaking panorama of Lake Annecy, Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 01/06/2026 to 30/09/2026
Additional information
Contact
Email : secretariat@cafannecy.fr
Website : http://www.cafannecy.fr/
Open period
From 01/06 to 30/09.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Updated by
Conseil Départemental de la Haute-Savoie - 24/11/2025
www.hautesavoiexperience.fr
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Environments
Mountain view
Mountain location
Close to a public transportation
Bus stop < 500 m
Panoramic view
Type of land
Not suitable for strollers
Topo guides and map references
Map references :
TOP75032 - ARAVIS RANGE - BAUGES MASSIF
TOP 25 IGN 3430 OT - MONT SALÈVE
TOP 25 IGN 3431 OT - LAC D'ANNECY
Location complements
Access (coach) : Annecy (Gare routière) - Naves Parmelan
Take the Sibra line n°82 Annecy - Chef-lieu Fillière (Fillière) which serves the Chef-Lieu de Nave Parmelan from the Annecy bus station.
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
Wired passage through the Grand Montoir, to climb to the Parmelan (possibility of climbing through the Petit Montoir).
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Departure : Annecy bus station
1/ It takes about 25 minutes by bus to get to the bus stop in Naves, 900 m from the start of the route. A signpost leads to the route du mémorial du capitaine Anjot.
2/ The local road becomes a real footpath which climbs towards "Col de Barman". In Montfalcon is the Monument du Capitaine Anjot. The path climbs steadily towards the Col de Barman at 1127m.
3/ At the pass, the path bends left towards "Chalet Chappuis" (1251m) - refreshment bar.
4/ It then veers right towards "Refuge du Parmelan", skirting the Parmelan cliffs and crossing their first weakness, the Grand Montoir, a passage built and equipped when the Camille Dunant refuge was built in 1883 to replace the former Chalet Clavel. It then quickly reaches the refuge, renamed Refuge du Parmelan, at 1825m. Don't miss the 5-minute round trip from the refuge to the summit cross.
Alternatively, to avoid the steep Grand Montoir passage, follow "Refuge du Parmelan par le Petit Montoir" at the Grand Montoir junction.
Animals
No. Pets are not allowed.
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