Alert
Alerts
Tour de l'Arcalod - Stage 2 - From Chalet de Coutarse to Jarsy
Description
This tour provides access to the Hautes-Bauges and in particular to the Réserve Nationale de Chasse et de Faune Sauvage des Bauges, a protected natural area in the heart of the Regional Nature Park.
The Arcalod, the highest peak in the Bauges massif (2,217 m), separates 4 valleys between Savoie and Haute-Savoie.
Travelling anticlockwise, the route first climbs up the forested, then pastoral Bellevaux valley, to the Col d'Orgeval.
(The ascent of the Pointe d'Arcalod, on the left, begins at the pass. It is exposed and reserved for experienced alpine hikers).
It then overlooks the forested valleys of Saint-Ruph and Combe-d'Ire, with Lake Annecy in the distance.
The final descent to Jarsy offers fine views of the Bauges-devant and the Col du Frêne.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Additional information
Updated by
Agence alpine des territoires - 14/10/2025
www.agate-territoires.fr
Report a problem
Open period
From 01/06 to 30/06/2024.
Contact
Phone : 04 79 54 84 28
Email : accueil.bauges@chamberymontagnes.com
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
2/ 1- From the Coutarse refuge, reach the Orgeval chalets, aim for the cross to the north, then the collet to the left of the Col d'Orgeval (1732 m). (The ascent of the Pointe d'Arcalod, on the left, begins at the col. 2- From the col, head due north down the winding path towards the St-Ruph valley as far as the Chalet de Bonverdan (open, unguarded shelter). Nearby, leave the path that descends into the Saint Ruph valley to climb up to the left, under the eastern flank of Arcalod.3- Climb steep switchbacks (beware of exposed passages) to reach the Pas de l'Ours (1660 m). Descend to the south-west below the Pointe des Auges, cross a maze of large boulders and head due north to the Plan de France flat (do not take the grassy paths rising to the south towards the Petit Couturier passage) - 4- From the Plan de France, descend to the south-west along the edge of the coppice on the small path which, after 1.5 km, joins the Combe d'Ire forest road in a hairpin bend. At the Col de Chérel, leave the wide track and turn right onto the old track which descends steeply into the forest. Under Les Plans, take the forest road on the right as far as Pont de Leyat (1055 m) - 6- Cross it and reach the hamlet of Précherel - 7- Take a right-hand track to the village of Jarsy.
IGN cards
Animals
Yes. RNCFS regulations prohibit the use of dogs, even on a leash. Only working dogs (assistance dogs) are authorized.
Data author
