Entrevernes Mountain from Le Cruet

In brief: The gîte's signature hike. You set off on foot from Le Cruet, climbing fairly steeply toward the Col de la Cochette through the forest and then along a trail across the mountainside. On the ridge, you reach the summit of Entrevernes Mountain and its cross via a short rocky scramble (with a handline) and an incredible view over the lake. The descent continues along the ridge back down toward Saint-Eustache via a downclimb fitted with a chain.

Entrevernes Mountain in a few words

Entrevernes Mountain is one of the most recognisable mountain ridges on the western shore of Lake Annecy, stretching all the way to the Roc des Bœufs. Its long limestone ridge, visible from Saint-Jorioz, Doussard or the Col de la Forclaz, plunges straight down into the lake. What makes it unique among the other Bauges summits: you can see it from the lake itself, it directly overlooks the road along the eastern shore, and from its summit, Lake Annecy fills the entire foreground like a postcard image.

What particularly appeals to us: you can walk the full loop starting directly from Le Cruet. No car needed to get going — you step out of the gîte on foot and start climbing straight away. That changes everything psychologically, and getting back to the gîte at the end of the day, legs heavy and appetite wide open, only feels better for it.

The view from the summit of Entrevernes Mountain. Lake Annecy stretches from north to south.

The Pas de la Cheville: the chain-assisted passage

This is what sets this route apart, and what keeps it from being just a simple walking trail. On the mountain's eastern flank, to descend from the ridge down toward Le Cruet, you pass through a 10-metre-high gap in the limestone cliff. This passage, known as the "Pas de la Cheville", is fitted with a chain anchored into the rock that lets you downclimb a 50-60° slope. On top of that, there's also the short out-and-back you'll already have done using a chain to reach the summit.

If you're unsure, it's entirely possible to turn back and retrace your steps down the same side (the ascent route from Saint-Eustache), turning the loop into an out-and-back. You lose the loop, but you keep the hike.

Detailed itinerary

This itinerary describes the full loop from Le Cruet: ascent via the western flank (Saint-Eustache), the summit, along the ridge, descent through the Pas de la Cheville, a forest trail, then back to Saint-Eustache via the hamlet of La Magne.

1. 1
   Setting off from Le Cruet (752 m) From the hamlet of Le Cruet, follow the hiking trail that starts above the gîte toward the Col de la Cochette. Cross the paved road and enter the forest, following the very steep forest track until you reach the La Tête car park.
2. 2
   Crossing the forest to the Col de la Cochette (1,298 m) Follow the yellow markers across the forest, then a series of long switchbacks through a more open area on a narrow path up to the Col de la Cochette.

At the Col de la Cochette (1,298 m) — a crossroads of trails toward Entrevernes, the Pas de la Cheville and Les Conis.

3. 3
   Reaching the summit of Entrevernes Mountain (1,338 m) Turn left as indicated and follow the ridge (through woodland) along a fun, varied path until you reach a large rock outcrop on the left fitted with a metal chain handline. Use it to reach the summit and take in the view over Lake Annecy.
4. !
   Descending the ridge to the Pas de la Cheville Climb back down the rock outcrop and continue for a fairly long stretch along the trail to a junction marking the Pas de la Cheville on the left. Take the passage with care, then continue on the descent trail.
5. 5
   Back to the gîte through the hamlets At the end of the path, you'll reach a wooden chalet and then a road, leaving the forest behind. Follow the road to the hamlet of La Magne. At the junction on a bend after crossing the village, take the road on the left — it leads back to the path you climbed behind the gîte (head down to the right).

"This is the hike I love doing with friends or family visiting for the first time. The climb is physical but never discouraging, and when you reach the summit, the reaction is always the same: what a view! It's also my trail-running loop, which takes just over an hour." — Norman, Gîte du Cruet

Practical information

Setting off directly from the gîte

This is a unique advantage of this itinerary. You step out of the gîte and start walking. No car, no shuttle. The climb begins right at the hamlet of Le Cruet (752 m elevation). The total elevation gain from Le Cruet is around 630 m.

Real-world duration

Allow 5 to 5.5 hours for the full loop from the gîte, including lunch and photo stops. If you keep moving without lingering, 4.5 hours is achievable. In the mountains, it's always best to set off in the morning to leave room for the unexpected — between 8am and 10am to make the most of the light and the cool air. Allow around 1h15 if you're a strong trail runner (the path is technical).

With children

The climb up to the Col and on along the ridge is manageable from age 5 for experienced little hikers. The Pas de la Cheville itself isn't technically difficult, but it's more exposed in the event of a fall. Alternative: climb to the summit, have lunch with a view of the lake, then head back down the same side you came up.

Essential gear

• Hiking boots or a solid pair of all-terrain trail shoes — essential, this is a technical trail
• 1 litre of water minimum per person — no water source along the route
• A picnic or packed lunch — no food or refreshments available along the route
• A windbreaker or rain jacket, even under a clear morning sky — afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer
• Trekking poles recommended for sensitive knees