Hike to Pointe d'Arcalod, Pointe de Chaurionde & Pointe de la Sambuy (part 1)
At 2217m, Pointe d’Arcalod is the highest peak in the Bauges Massif. The nearby Pointe de la Sambuy and Pointe de Chaurionde are respectively the 2nd and 5th highest. It is possible to climb them all on a single day-hike, in a loop starting and ending in Faverges. It makes for quite a long day though…
Here is a map of the full trail loop I walked (download KML):
For Pointe d’Arcalod, I basically followed this itinerary (until Col d’Orgeval). I will share details and photos for the part from Col d’Orgeval to Pointe de Chaurionde and Pointe de la Sambuy in the next post.
In the morning, I took the first LIHSA bus (6:20am) from Annecy to Faverges. I walked to Saint-Ruph, using mostly the paved road and sometimes cutting through the forest, until I reached the forest road along the torrent. After the bridge, I took the forest trail towards Pas de l’Ours, on the way to Combe d’Ire. However, I didn’t reach Pas de l’Ours: Slightly before, I took an unmarked path to Col de Curtillet. From there, there was a great view on Pointe d’Arcalod and Mont Trélod on the other side of Combe d’Ire. It had started to drizzle by then but I forged on and started on the Arête Nord (North Ridge) of Pointe d’Arcalod. It is a rocky trail, with sometimes a bit of climbing where hands are needed, but not really that difficult if you pay attention. Finally, I reached the summit of Pointe d’Arcalod and its cross. I was the only one there. I then went down to Col d’Orgeval using the standard trail, which was very steep.
Above, Faverges in the morning.
Above, Pointe de la Sambuy.
Above, castle of Faverges.
Above, in Saint-Ruph.
Above, North Ridge of Pointe d’Arcalod.
Above, ants.
Above, Pointe de Chaurionde.
Above, Pointe de la Sambuy.
Above, Mont Charvin, in the Aravis range.
Above, Pointe de Vélan.
Above, Mont Blanc massif in the distance.
Above, start of the path to Col de Curtillet. It was very steep, with no visible trail for a while.
Above, Pointe de Chaurionde and Pointe de la Sambuy.
Above, Col de Curtillet.
Above, at the Col, looking at the other side.
Above, Pointe d’Arcalod.
Above, Mont Trélod.
Above, Lac d’Annecy in the distance.
Above, Vallon de Saint-Ruph.
Above, Dents des Portes and Pointe de Banc Plat.
Above, starting on the North Ridge.
Above, looking back at Col de Curtillet.
Above, the only chain on the trail.
Above, Pointe de Chaurionde and Pointe de la Sambuy. In good weather, Mont Blanc can be seen when looking in that direction.
Above, edelweiss.
Above, Col d’Orgeval.
Above, cross at the summit of Pointe d’Arcalod.
Above, view from the summit, looking towards Chambéry.
Above, Mont Trélod.
Above, Pointe de la Sambuy.
Above, on the way down to Col d’Orgeval.
Above, Pointe de Chaurionde.
Above, at Col d’Orgeval, looking at Pointe de Vélan and Vallon de Saint-Ruph, with La Tournette in the background.
