Hiking: Col de la Buchille

The Col de la Buchille hike takes you through the forest to the stunning Pleney mountain pasture, a truly peaceful spot.

Enjoy stunning views of the iconic mountains of the Chablais region: Dent d'Oche, Mont Chauffé and Mont Ouzon. All this against the backdrop of Mont Billiat, which towers above you.

The hike is challenging, with steep, continuous climbs. The route is little known and therefore not very busy, which makes it a wonderful way to reconnect with nature, alone.

1/ From the cemetery car park, follow the track behind the bins towards the Col de la Buchille.

2/ A little further on, leave the track and take the path that climbs more steeply to the left.

3/ At the “l’Allier des Bois” chalet, take the forest track to the left. Further on, the track becomes a footpath.

4/ At the junction with the forest track, continue straight ahead. The footpath continues opposite, uphill.

5/ Turn left at the “le Mossay” sign, continuing to climb the footpath.

6/ A little further on, at the junction with the forest track, continue straight ahead as before.

7/ Another junction with a forest track: follow the track on the left for about 4 metres, then take the path that branches off to the right.

8/ The path crosses the forest track again. Follow the track to the right to join the path that climbs a little further on (follow the yellow arrow on a green background).

9/ As you leave the forest, the path becomes a forest track. Arrival at Les Granges. Follow the forest track to the right towards the Col de la Buchille.

10/ At Les Chalets, the forest gives way to a beautiful alpine meadow. Here we are in the heart of the Pleney mountain pasture, a magnificent haven of tranquillity. Continue up the track towards the Col de la Buchille.
Please note: the route becomes harder to follow: make sure you follow the yellow arrows on a green background.

11/ Arrival at the Col de la Buchille. Return via the same route.

Alternatives:

• It is technically possible to reach the Pointe d'Ireuse or Mont Billiat, but this is not recommended as the route is unmarked and dangerous.

• It is possible to reach the Chalets de la Buchille in around 20 minutes (please note that you will have to climb back up after descending to the chalets).