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Free access · Year-round
Plateau des Glières
Limestone plateau in the Bornes massif at 1,450 m altitude, an important memorial site of French Resistance and Natura 2000 classified natural site.
Rémih · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Limestone plateau and memorial site
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
2 hours – full day depending on activities
Best season
Year-round · Cross-country skiing December – March · Hiking June – September
Parking
Free (several parking areas on the plateau)
Dogs
Accepted on leash
Stroller
Main trail accessible · Monument accessible
Town
Fillière (Thorens-Glières)
What is Plateau des Glières
The Plateau des Glières is a limestone plateau located in the Bornes massif, at an average altitude of 1,450 m, extending across the communes of Glières-Val-de-Borne and Fillière. Accessible from Thorens-Glières via a winding 15 km road, the plateau alternates between alpine pastures, peat bogs, coniferous forests and rocky ridges. It is framed by Montagne des Auges (1,822 m) to the east and Montagne des Frêtes (1,910 m) to the northwest.
The site is a major memorial place of the French Resistance. From January to March 1944, 465 guerrilla fighters regrouped here under the command of Lieutenant Tom Morel and then Captain Maurice Anjot to receive weapon airdrops intended for the Haute-Savoie resistance networks. On 26 March 1944, they faced a joint assault by the Wehrmacht and the French Militia: 129 guerrilla fighters and 20 residents lost their lives. The National Resistance Monument, a work by Émile Gilioli inaugurated on 2 September 1973 by André Malraux, dominates the plateau. Listed as a historic monument on 27 May 2020, it symbolises the hope and commitment of the fighters.
Classified as Natura 2000 and Sensitive Natural Area, the plateau harbours remarkable biodiversity: lynx, wolves, over 100 bird species. In winter, the Glières cross-country skiing domain offers 29 km of trails, 17 km of snowshoe routes, cross-country skiing lessons and sled dog activities. In summer, visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, climbing, caving and discover the resistance movement's history via a one-hour marked trail with 12 interpretive panels.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
RD 55, Plateau des Glières, 74570 Fillière (access via Thorens-Glières) View on map
Coordinates
45.9583° N — 6.3667° E View on map
Altitude
1,450 m (average plateau altitude)
Opening
Plateau accessible year-round. Maquis Memory building open 5 April to 30 September.
Fees
Access to the plateau, Monument and historical trail: free. Guided tours Maquis Memory: adult €3, reduced €2, free under 8 and first Sunday of the month.
Parking
Free (several parking areas on the plateau, including main car park at Col des Glières near the Monument)
Pets
Dogs accepted on leash
Accessibility
Main trail and Monument accessible by wheelchair with assistance. Maquis Memory building adapted for people with reduced mobility (clear circulation area, adapted facilities).
Visit duration
Historical trail: 1 hour. Complete visit (monument + trail + exhibition): 2 hours. Full day for sports activities (skiing, snowshoeing, mountain hiking).
Contact
Maquis Memory: hautesavoie.fr/glieres · Official domain site: plateaudesglieres.fr
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy (30 km, 50 min): head towards Argonay and Évires, turn towards Fillière near Groisy. Cross Thorens-Glières, then take RD 55 (winding 15 km mountain road through forest with several hairpin bends) to Col des Glières. Free parking. From La Roche-sur-Foron (29 km): via Fillière then Thorens-Glières. The plateau can also be crossed by car: unsurfaced track for a few kilometres in the centre, then surfaced road joining D12 to the northeast (descent towards Bonneville or towards Le Grand-Bornand/Saint-Jean-de-Sixt).
Open in MapsBy bike
Uphill cycling from Thorens-Glières: 15 km of mountain road, approximately 900 m elevation gain, challenging route. The Tour de France has passed here twice. Unsurfaced tracks across the plateau suitable for mountain biking.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Plateau des Glières can be visited year-round. Winter (December to March) is the high season for the cross-country domain: 29 km of skiing trails, snowshoeing, sled dogs, sledging. Snow reserves allow early-season opening and late closing. Nordic nights (Thursday evenings, 10 km lit 6 pm–8:30 pm, €5 per person) attract experienced skiers. Spring (April–May) is a transition period: the historical trail reopens early April with the Maquis Memory building, but snow often persists through May on higher ground. Summer (June–September) offers the best conditions for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching and discovering the historical heritage. Alpine pastures are in flower, high-altitude restaurants open, views are clear. Autumn (October–November) is quieter: the Maquis Memory building closes end September, but the plateau remains accessible. Autumn colours of coniferous forests and low-angle light appeal to photographers. The plateau is frequented year-round by locals for endurance sports (trail, cycling) and remains a place of reflection and remembrance in all seasons.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Plateau des Glières charged?
No. Access to Plateau des Glières, the National Resistance Monument and the historical trail is free year-round. Only guided tours offered by the Maquis Memory building are charged (adult €3, reduced €2, free under 8 and first Sunday of the month).
How do you reach Plateau des Glières from Annecy?
From Annecy, head to Argonay then Évires, turn towards Fillière/Groisy, cross Thorens-Glières and take RD 55 (winding 15 km forest road) to Col des Glières. Allow 50 minutes and 30 km. Free parking on arrival.
What is the best season to visit Plateau des Glières?
Plateau des Glières can be visited year-round. Winter (December–March) for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; summer (June–September) for hiking, mountain biking, discovering the historical heritage and observing alpine fauna within the Natura 2000 site.
Are dogs allowed on Plateau des Glières?
Yes. Dogs are accepted on Plateau des Glières on leash, due to the presence of livestock on alpine pastures and protected wildlife (lynx, wolves, many nesting birds).
Is the National Resistance Monument on Plateau des Glières wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The main trail and National Resistance Monument on Plateau des Glières are wheelchair accessible with assistance. The Maquis Memory building is adapted for people with reduced mobility (clear circulation area, adapted facilities, services for hearing and visual impairments).
How much time should you allow to visit Plateau des Glières?
The historical trail of Plateau des Glières takes 1 hour to walk. A complete visit (monument, trail, exhibition, Maquis Memory building) takes approximately 2 hours. For sports activities (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain hiking), allow half a day to a full day.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
