Creux de Lachat loop via La Cochette

A beautiful hike to discover the Bauges' alpine pastures, with two rewards in store : a breathtaking view stetching all the way to Mont-Blanc, and a convivial break at the Creux de Lachat refuge !

The hike starts on a forestry track, but you will quickly leave it for a nicer trail winding through woods and meadows.

When the slope becomes steeper, the cool shade of the trees is pleasant.

Finally, the trail reaches the vast expanse of the large Creux de Lachat pastures. You may come across cattle quietly grazing. Make sure to close de fences behind you : despite the cows' placid demeanor, they could be quick to run off into the mountain !

You too can take advantage of this haven of peace to stop for lunch or overnight at the Creux de Lachat refuge, before continuing on to the Cochette pass ("Col de la Cochette").

Follow the ridge to find an orientation table at the summit, revealing the magnificent panorama stetching from Bourget lake to Mont-Blanc.

After enjoying the view, you will descend through pastures dotted with barns, before returning to the forest and your starting point.

Starting point : Montagny car park. Follow the large track.

1/ Before the big switchback, turn left on the trail, following the "refuge du Creux de Lachat" indications.

2/ After a first uphill, leave this trail and turn right to cross over a small rocky spur.

3/ At the "Combettes" crossing, reach the GR trail (red and white markings) going up to the left.

4/ Cross a fenced-in passage.

5/ At the "Pâturage de Lachat - 1358m" signpost, take the pastoral track to the right for about 150m, until the "Refuge du Creux de Lachat - 1354m" crossing. The refuge is located at the end of the track on your left-hand side, at less than 200m.

6/ Go up to the Cochette lookout, either directly, or by a loop going through the pasture north-bound until the stele, and then going up left after the last chalet ("Sous Chalet").

7/ Keep going down until the Cochette pass ("Col de la Cochette").

8/ Once at the pass, climb up into the woods, and reach the vast pastures of La Culaz. From this plateau, go down through the meadows until La Plate.

9/ Before La Plate chalet, leave the GR trail and go straight ahead towards Arith. Reach the Prisset chalet, and continue until the car park.