Hike to Pointe de Vélan

In spring, I went on a hike to Pointe de Vélan, in the Bauges mountains.

Here is a map of the trail I walked (download KML):

I took an early LIHSA bus from Annecy to Faverges. I then started towards the trailhead in the village of Glaise, walking on paved roads and sometimes cutting through paths in the forest. Once on the trail, the first part along the cliffs was very steep but I reached the Chalets du Gros Tilleul after a while and then the tomb of the Falcy family (Caveau de la Famille Falcy). After the tomb, the path was pretty flat until the Chalet de la Servaz, where the trail to Pointe de Vélan proper starts. I ate lunch then started on the final ascent. At the summit of the Pointe, there was a great view on the Bauges, as well as the Bornes and Aravis on the other side. On the way down, I first reached the Chalet de l’Eau Froide, where I had already been a few years ago. I then took forest roads to Giez in the valley, a very tedious moment. Finally, I took a LIHSA bus back to Annecy.

Above, bus station in Annecy.

Above, in Faverges.

Above, La Glière river.

Above, Bornes mountains on the other side of the Valley.

Above, Dent de Cons.

Above, arriving in Glaise, with La Sambuy in the background.

Above, trailhead.

Above, steep path.

Above, Montriond.

Above, lizard.

Above, in La Motte.

Above, La Tournette.

Above, Lake Annecy to the north.

Above, Chalets du Gros Tilleul.

Above, tomb of the Falcy family.

Above, La Sambuy ski resort.

Above, Pointe d’Arcalod in the clouds.

Above, Pointe de la Sambuy.

Above, arriving at Chalet de la Servaz below Pointe de Vélan.

Above, Notre-Dame de la Source.

Above, Col d’Orgeval.

Above, on the trail to the summit of Pointe de Vélan.

Above, Chalet de la Servaz and La Sambuy ski resort.

Above, Croix de Vélan.

Above, ridge to the summit of Pointe de Vélan.

Above, Pointe de Banc Plat on the other side of the Combe d’Ire.

Above, Montagne du Charbon.

Above, at the summit of Pointe de Vélan.

Above, Vallon de Saint-Ruph.

Above, Dent de Cons.

Above, Chalets de l’Eau Froide.

Above, Belle Etoile.

Above, Mont Trélod.

Above, on the way down.

Above, Chalet des Barbus.

Above, Chalet des Replens Dessus.

Above, La Tournette.

Above, Faverges.

Above, Mont Charvin.

Above, in Giez.

Above, Pointe de Vélan seen from the valley.

Above, at the bus stop in Giez.