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La Porte des Aravis
Description
Magnificent hike to a characteristic La Clusaz summit: La Porte des Aravis. Climb up to this easily recognizable pass between two cliffs to enjoy one of the finest panoramas in Haute-Savoie.
During this sporty route, you will explore one of the many combes of the Aravis range: the Combe de la Creuse.
Surrounded by the cliffs of the Aiguille Verte and the Parossaz, the ascent is quite demanding. As you follow the cairns marking the route, take advantage of your breaks to admire the views of the ridges facing the slope you are climbing.
After a final scree section, you will reach the day’s objective: the Porte des Aravis. From there, you can follow the ridge line of the Aravis range and enjoy a truly unique panorama.
This geological curiosity is also linked to a legend about Gargantua, the giant from the novel of the same name by Rabelais. As the story goes, while crossing the Alps, the giant stumbled and kicked the mountain, breaking off a “piece” of the Aravis. The massive rock was hurled through the air and eventually landed in the Beaufortain massif, where it became the famous Pierra Menta.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Date and time
- From 15/06/2026 to 15/09/2026
- From 15/06/2027 to 15/09/2027
Additional information
Open period
From 15/06 to 15/09 daily.
Please check with the Tourist Office beforehand for current access conditions.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Updated by
Office de Tourisme de La Clusaz - 21/04/2026
www.laclusaz.com
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Environments
Mountain view
Panoramic view
Mountain location
Contact
Phone : 04 50 32 65 00
Email : infos@laclusaz.com
Website : https://www.laclusaz.com
Type of land
Not suitable for strollers
Stone
Rock
Ground
Location complements
Access (by car): From La Clusaz, take Route du Col des Aravis (D909), then Route du Crêt du Merle. Always follow signs for Crêt du Merle until you reach the Crêt du Merle parking lot.
Topo guides and map references
Topo guides references :
Hiking Guidebook TOURNETTE | BORNES | ARAVIS : "Randonnées Sportives et Incontournables" (available for purchase at the Tourist Office for €3, in French only).
Map references :
Route Map TOURNETTE | BORNES | ARAVIS (available for purchase at the Tourist Office for €5, only in French).
IGN Top 25 Map 3430 ET: La Clusaz – Le Grand-Bornand (available for purchase in bookshops or similar retail outlets).
Reception complements
Whatever hike you choose, remember to pack snacks, enough water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small first-aid kit, as well as clothing suitable for your outing depending on the season and the weather forecast.
Animals
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
