The Mount Saint-Michel via Bellevarde

Go for a lovely hike up Le Mont St-Michel, walking in the woods and enjoying various viewpoints. At the top, you will discover the St-Michel Chapel, overlooking the beautiful Savoy Valley and facing other mountain ranges. Up there you can also watch gliders flying around you.

Climb up to the Château des Comtes de Challes (castle) and continue straight on to the end of the tarred road. Turn right and continue going up the main path in the direction of the Ferme de Bellevarde (farm). You pass in front of the "Pelouse Sèche des Plantées" (a Natura 2000 dry grassland site - information board), where a bench allows you to enjoy a superb view. Continue on the uphill trail and pass in front of the Bellevarde Farm (alt 620 m). Don't traverse the pastures and continue to follow the main path. You soon reach the "Col du Joueret" (Joueret Pass) where you have to take the right path, 50 minutes more walking to do. Follow the path which becomes narrow and sinuous until you reach the "Combe du Puits". Follow the itinerary of Le Mont Saint-Michel which joins a wide trail coming from the hamlet of Montmerlet. Take it on the right to reach the summit passing near an old Romanesque chapel. Go back down the same way. Itinerary No. 4 on the map of Challes-les-Eaux Tourist Office (14 hikes - on sale €4) Duration: 3.5 hrs