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Hiking Trail: La Gouille des Fours Lake (2030 m)
Description
A magnificent hike for experienced walkers in the heart of the Aravis, through mountain streams, waterfalls and alpine meadows, to the famous Gouille des Fours at 2,030 m. The loop return via the Col de Portette and Pierre Fendue offers beautiful panoramic views.
Starting from the Lintre, Phiterne car park, this long loop takes you into a wild valley in the Aravis. The route climbs through the alpine meadows of Couterre and Marcolaz before reaching Lanchéron. The climb then becomes steeper and more rugged, with several exposed sections equipped with cables and ladders, before continuing through the alpine meadows towards Les Fours.
The route then crosses a vast, lush green valley to the famous Gouille des Fours, at an altitude of 2,030 m. This small mountain pool, well known to the people of Sallanches, is associated with many local legends. Other small pools and wetlands can be found throughout the valley. When mist envelops the valley, the landscape takes on an almost mystical atmosphere, inviting the imagination to run wild.
From the Gouille, the route continues to the Col de Portette, at 2,128 m, where, with a little luck, you may spot bearded vultures, chamois or ibex. The descent then leads through a vast scree slope before reaching the Chalets de Cœur and the Frédys alpine pastures. The route continues to the Pierre Fendue, offering beautiful views, particularly of Mont Blanc, before gradually descending alongside the mountain streams to the Pont de la Flée and Pont de Bellecombe, then returning to the starting point.
Very difficult route for experienced hikers only. Some sections are steep, rugged, exposed and potentially slippery. The sections equipped with cables and ladders require good mountain experience. Snow patches may also remain at the beginning of the season.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Date and time
- From 01/06/2027 to 15/10/2027
Additional information
Price(s)
Free access.
Updated by
Office de Tourisme de Sallanches - 15/10/2026
sallanchesmontblanc.com/
Report a problem
Contact
Phone : 04 50 58 04 25
Email : tourisme@sallanches.com
Website : https://sallanchesmontblanc.com/
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
The Gouille des Fours – Step-by-step route description
Start: Lintre, Phiterne car park ⚠️
Very small car park: limited number of spaces. Car sharing is recommended.
1. Follow the vehicle track to the junction, then take the trail climbing up to the right towards Couterre.
2. Continue climbing through the alpine meadows towards Marcolaz. The climb is fairly long, but offers beautiful views over the surrounding alpine pastures. Continue to the junction signposted Pierre Fendue / Gouille des Fours.
3. At the junction, take the small trail on the right towards Lanchéron. The route quickly becomes steep and rugged, climbing alongside the Fours waterfall.
4. At Lanchéron, continue towards Chombas. The trail then becomes exposed, with several sections equipped with cables and ladders. ⚠️ Take particular care on these sections.
5. Once past these technical sections, continue through the alpine meadows towards Les Fours. The trail crosses a vast, lush green valley, where some patches of snow may still remain at the beginning of the season.
6. You then cross a large alpine pasture where flocks of sheep may be present. ⚠️ Beware of livestock guardian dogs (patous). Do not approach or touch the sheep, avoid sudden movements and calmly walk around the flock, keeping your distance.
7. You will then reach the Gouille des Fours, at an altitude of 2,030 m, well known to the people of Sallanches. Several smaller pools dot the valley, which is also an area of wetland.
🔹 Panoramic alternative:
From the Gouille des Fours, you can continue to the Tête du Gréppon (2,044 m) to enjoy magnificent panoramic views. ⚠️ Please note that this area is very exposed and has steep drops.
8. After the Gouille des Fours, continue along the bottom of the valley, following the small stream, then climb to the Col de Portette, at 2,128 m, after a short ascent. With a little luck, you may spot bearded vultures.
9. From the col, begin the descent along the trail leading into the vast scree slope below the Col de Portette. The route continues down a series of steep switchbacks before reaching a vehicle track.
10. Follow the track to the left towards the Chalets de Cœur, then continue through the Frédys alpine pastures. Take advantage of this open landscape to admire the surrounding mountain scenery, particularly Croisse Baulet, whose silhouette appears especially pyramid-shaped from this side.
11. Continue along a long stretch through the alpine pastures to the Pierre Fendue, where you can take a break and enjoy the views of Mont Blanc.
12. Continue your descent, passing through the La Charmette area.
13. Continue along the descending trail, following several beautiful mountain streams.
14. You will then reach the Pont de la Flée, which overlooks the confluence of three streams: the Brayon, Fours and Cœur.
15. Continue downhill to the Pont de Bellecombe, then follow the trail back to the Lintre, Phiterne car park, where the hike began.
Reception complements
Hike safely!
The walking time given is approximate and does not include breaks.
The route description/step-by-step guide provides general guidance but does not replace a 1:25,000 hiking map or other hiking guides available from our Tourist Office!
To help you prepare for your outing, the Tourist Office also provides a Hiker’s Charter and Good Practices, packed with useful advice and information to help you hike safely and respect the mountain environment. Don’t hesitate to ask for a copy at the reception desk!
Our Sallanches Mountain Guides & Accompanied Hiking Office also offers a wide range of guided outings led by mountain professionals, providing expert knowledge of the mountain environment. Please contact the Tourist Office for further information.
Finally, whatever your hike, check the weather forecast before setting off and adapt your route to the conditions on the day. Remember to bring the following in your backpack:
• enough water;
• a few snacks or cereal bars;
• sunglasses and sunscreen;
• a cap or hat;
• a small first-aid kit;
• clothing suitable for the season, your hike and the forecast weather conditions.
Mountain conditions can change quickly: stay safe, be properly equipped and make the most of your hike!
Animals
Yes. keep dogs on a lead from split rock because of herds and wildlife; watch out for the steep path to go to the Gouille des Fours.
Data author
