February 25, 2024

Hike to Chapeau de Napoléon

At the end of 2022, I went on a hike to Chapeau de Napoléon, a minor summit located between Mont Veyrier and Mont Baret above Lake Annecy. The name refers to the similarity of its shape with the hat worn by Napoléon.

Here is a map of the path I walked:

In the morning, I took a Car Région bus to Col de Bluffy. I then started walking around Mont Baret on the way to Col des Contrebandiers. At the Col, I started going down on the other side but made a detour to the summit of Chapeau de Napoléon. There was a view on Mont Baret and Lake Annecy from there. After that, I walked the trail down until Veyrier-du-Lac. The sun had set when I reached the village.

▲ Chapeau de Napoléon and Lake Annecy, seen from Croix du Crêt on Semnoz.

▲ Col de Bluffy.

▲ Dents de Lanfon.

▲ On the way to the trailhead.

▲ Path in the forest below Mont Baret.

▲ View of La Roualle in the Aravis.

▲ Plaine du Fier.

▲ At the location known as Croupe du Mont Baret, where the trail starts going down. There is a path from there to the summit, but it seems strongly suggested not to go through there (“NON”).

▲ The road to Col des Contrebandiers.

▲ At Col des Contrebandiers, looking towards Semnoz.

▲ Passing below some cliffs.

▲ Going down on the other side of the Col.

▲ I walked the off-trail path to the top of Chapeau de Napoléon. There is a faint track but it is very short anyway.

▲ At the top of Chapeau de Napoléon, looking towards the second summit of Mont Baret (apparently known as Mamelon de Beauregard according to the orientation table on the Pâquier, although I haven’t seen that name anywhere else).