Alert
Alerts
Hiking trail: Tour de l'Andran
IGN cards
Description
An easy hike around Manigod's highest point: La Tête de Cabeau. From the Col de la Croix Fry to the Col de Merdassier, discover the magnificent views of the Aravis mountains offered by this panoramic itinerary.
Starting from the Col de la Croix Fry, this short loop takes you along a beautiful balcony trail. The scenery alternates between forests and clearings, and the view of the surrounding landscape is breathtaking.
You will reach the Massif de l'Etale, on the border between the La Clusaz and Manigod ski areas. The route then continues through beautiful mountain pastures, at the foot of the Pointe de Merdassier.
At the Col de Merdassier, take the time to stop at the Ferme de l'Etale for the famous reblochon fermier produced on site.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Additional information
Open period
All year round daily.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Updated by
Conseil Départemental de la Haute-Savoie - 24/11/2025
www.hautesavoiexperience.fr
Report a problem
Environments
Forest location
Mountain view
Mountain location
Contact
Phone : 04 50 02 00 26
Email : infos@thonescoeurdesvallees.com
Website : https://www.thonescoeurdesvallees.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/thonescoeurdesvallees
Type of land
Stone
Ground
Hard coating (tar, cement, flooring)
Not suitable for strollers
Location complements
Access (by car): From Thônes, join Manigod (D12), then the Col de Croix Fry (D16). Park at the Col de La Croix Fry parking lot.
Topo guides and map references
Map references :
TOP 25 IGN 3430ET - LA CLUSAZ / LE GRAND-BORNAND
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.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
1/ From the signposts for ‘Col de la Croix Fry (West)’, head towards ‘Col de Merdassier’. You will pass through the localities of ‘Col de la Croix Fry (East)’ and ‘Merdassier (West)’.
2/ Once you reach ‘Col de Merdassier’, head towards ‘La Vieille Ferme’. You will arrive at the signpost for ‘La Vieille Ferme (Parking)’, opposite a large wooden chalet of the same name.
3/ From there, head towards ‘Col de la Croix Fry via La Frasse’. You will pass ‘La Vieille Ferme (Tennis)’ before arriving at ‘La Frasse’. Then continue to follow the signs for ‘Col de la Croix Fry’, passing through “Danvalet” and ‘Sous les Rosières (South)’ to finally return to your starting point.
Animals
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a leash in the presence of herds.
Data author
