Hike: Pointe de Nantaux

A legendary peak in the Aulps Valley, the Pointe de Nantaux is accessible to experienced hikers, who can enjoy breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, the Dents du Midi, and Lake Geneva.

WARNING: A flock of sheep and guard dogs are present during the summer season. Be sure to follow these guidelines: slow down, stay calm, give the herd a wide berth if possible, avoid walking through the group of sheep, calmly signal your presence, stop or move slowly, avoid sudden movements, do not stare the dog in the eyes, and let it observe or sniff you... These Patou dogs, in particular, can accompany you on long journeys.

The Pointe de Nantaux hike follows a very steep route that will take you through the forest before reaching the mountain pasture and ending on a long ridge leading to the summit. During your hike, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Aulps Valley, the Roc d’Enfer, the villages of Morzine and Montriond, the Dents du Midi, and, of course, Mont Blanc.

This hike is truly intended for the most athletic hikers. The climb is steady, and it’s important to watch your step, especially on the descent, as the steepness of the trail increases the risk of injury. Reaching the cross on the ridge isn’t mandatory: you’ll get an equally spectacular view if you stop a few hundred meters before it.

The trail is marked with signs and yellow arrows on a green background. The section between the mountain pasture and Pointe de Nantaux is not marked. Downloading the GPX track is recommended.

Starting point: Essert-la-Pierre car park

1/ From the signpost at the car park, follow the signs for Pointe de Nantaux via the Route du Plan de Lesse.

2/ After the chapel, turn right towards Le Marteau. The path climbs along a tarmac road which quickly turns into a forest track.

3/ At ‘Le Rocher’, follow the track on the right and begin a long, steep climb through the forest.

4/ The forest gradually thins out before you reach the mountain pasture. From there, you may encounter a flock of sheep and guard dogs.
There is a mountain hut on the right.
If you leave the path (to go round the flock when you reach the mountain pasture), the path through the grass may be difficult to make out; it runs uphill to the right.

5/ After the mountain pasture, the path continues along the ridge to the summit. There are a few tricky sections over the last few hundred metres before the cross. It is not essential to go all the way to the cross, as the view is already spectacular before you reach it.

6/ On the way back, descend most of the ridge. At the junction, follow the path that turns right to continue descending along the ridge towards the mountain pasture. Continue along the same route as on the way up.