Pathway "the story of the granite men"

Follow in the footsteps of the Combloux granite workers! This forest loop takes you past glacial erratics and the remains of old quarries, offering a glimpse into the lives of the men who shaped the granite in the early 20th century.

➡️ The route in brief

At the entrance to Combloux, the *Sentier des Graniteurs* (Granite Workers’ Trail) takes you on a short forest loop to discover a piece of local history: granite quarrying and the work of the granite workers.
Along the way, the path winds between large stone blocks, remnants of old quarries, and various installations that offer insight into how these men worked in the past.

➡️ Following in the footsteps of the granite workers

Many granite workers—notably from neighboring Italy—came here to earn a living. The trail follows some of the paths and access ramps originally built in the early 20th century for stone extraction.
As you walk, you discover a landscape that was once a workplace, defined by the rhythm of extracting, shaping, and moving heavy blocks of granite.

➡️ What you will discover along the way

The route preserves several traces of this activity: winches, chutes, access ramps, and a loading dock, as well as a reconstructed forge and examples of small tools.
Thematic information panels line the path, telling the story of the granite workers' trade and explaining the purpose of the various remnants.

➡️ Blocks brought by glaciers

The trail also offers the chance to see numerous glacial erratics scattered throughout the forest.
These massive stones were transported and deposited around 15,000 years ago as the glacier retreated. Their presence partly explains why granite could be quarried here, far from its original mountain massif.

➡️ The route

The loop runs mainly through the forest. The terrain features roots, small rocky sections to navigate, and a few wooden footbridges to make certain passages easier.
As the trail is mostly shaded, the ground can remain damp or muddy, especially after rain, and the rocks can become slippery. Follow the white arrows featuring a granite cutter to stay on the trail.

➡️ A special touch

Here, heritage isn't viewed behind a display case; it remains a tangible part of the landscape.
Granite blocks, old quarry paths, and tools left on-site offer a vivid glimpse into the daily lives of the men who worked the stone in Combloux.
The trail was created in collaboration with the National Forestry Office (ONF), Espace Mont-Blanc, the Department, and the Municipality of Combloux to showcase and share this local heritage.

➡️ Good to know before you go

Please note: the trail can be slippery in winter—be sure to wear suitable footwear.