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Free · Open access

Pointe Percée Geological Trail

Geological interpretation trail in the heart of the Aravis: from the Col des Annes (1721 m) to the Pointe Percée refuge, 4 themed stations and a dozen interpretation viewpoints tell the story of how the massif was formed. Free shuttles in summer.

View on mapOfficial site
Pointe Percee geological trail in the Aravis range from the Col des Annes, Le Grand-Bornand
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Interpretation trail Geology
Access
Free No charge
Duration
2 h 30 to 3 hours round trip
Best season
June to October depending on snow cover
Town
Le Grand-Bornand
Wheelchair access
Not accessible Source: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme

Official source →

What is Pointe Percée Geological Trail

The Pointe Percée Geological Trail is a waymarked interpretive route across the Aravis range, from the green pastures of the Col des Annes (1,721 m) to the foot of the Pointe Percée (2,752 m), the highest peak of the chain. Designed to explain how the Northern Alps were formed — limestone strata, folding, glaciation and karst — it is dotted with 4 themed stations on Earth sciences plus around ten landscape interpretation windows.

The trail climbs via the Tête des Annes and the Col de l'Oulettaz to the Refuge de la Pointe Percée (FFCAM mountain hut, around 2,164 m), where the hike stops for general walkers; the summit itself is the domain of mountaineering. Expect around 6.9 km round trip, 2 h 30 to 3 h, around 540 m of ascent and a chain-assisted section just before the Col de l'Oulettaz: the trail is rated difficult. Le Grand-Bornand Tourisme operates free shuttles to the Col des Annes every summer, cutting traffic and allowing one-way loops. The route crosses pastures, rhododendron banks, glacial valleys and karst pavements and offers, on a clear day, an exceptional view of the Mont-Blanc massif.

Activities

What you can do here

Practical

Practical information

Address
Start: Col des Annes (1721 m), Le Grand-Bornand 74450 View on map
Coordinates
45.970481 N 6.524377 E
Altitude
1721 m (start) → ~2164 m (Pointe Percée refuge)
Distance / Elevation gain
~6.9 km round trip +540 m
Difficulty
Difficult hike chain section before the Col de l'Oulettaz
Phone
Le Grand-Bornand Tourisme 04 50 02 78 00
Official website
legrandbornand.com
Opening hours
Trail with free access. Passable from snowmelt (June) to the first snowfall (October). Check snow cover.
Prices
Free
Access / Parking
Parking at the Col des Annes (limited, paid in high season). Free shuttles in July-August from Le Grand-Bornand. Access via the D 4.
Visit duration
2 h 30 to 3 hours round trip
Recommended gear
High-cut hiking boots, water, windproof, sun protection. Chain-equipped section.
Audience
Experienced hikers, teenagers and adults. Not suitable for young children or prams.

Parking

Parking checked on 2026-06-15 · © les contributeurs d'OpenStreetMap sous licence ODbL

Winter

Winter season

Winter access window
Not specified
Winter infrastructure
Not specified
Snow panorama
Not specified
Equipment mandated
Loi Montagne II — winter tyres or chains required (1 Nov – 31 Mar)
Nearby

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Photos

Gallery

La Pointe Percée au-dessus des alpages des Aravis, sentier en premier planPhoto : Bénédicte · merci ! 🦆

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Pointe Percée Geological Trail start?

The Pointe Percée Geological Trail starts at the Col des Annes (1721 m), in the commune of Le Grand-Bornand, and climbs up to the Pointe Percée refuge at around 2164 m, at the foot of the eponymous summit.

Is the Pointe Percée Geological Trail difficult?

Yes. The Pointe Percée Geological Trail is rated as a difficult hike: 540 m positive elevation gain, alpine terrain, and a chain-equipped section just before the Col de l'Oulettaz. It is aimed at experienced hikers.

How long does it take to walk the Pointe Percée Geological Trail?

Allow 2 h 30 to 3 hours round trip for the Pointe Percée Geological Trail up to the refuge, not counting stops at the interpretation stations. Plan a half day to full day with breaks.

Can you climb to the summit of the Pointe Percée via this trail?

No. The Geological Trail stops at the Pointe Percée refuge. The ascent of the 2752 m summit is a mountaineering route and is normally done with a high-mountain guide, via the routes from Les Troncs or the Col des Verts.

Are there shuttles to reach the start of the Pointe Percée Trail?

Yes. Le Grand-Bornand Tourisme sets up free shuttles every summer (July-August) between the village of Le Grand-Bornand and the Col des Annes, the starting point of the Pointe Percée Geological Trail.

What is the best season to do the Pointe Percée Geological Trail?

The Pointe Percée Geological Trail is generally walked from June to October, after the snowmelt and before the first snowfalls. Mountain weather remains very changeable: check forecasts and snow cover before setting off.

Is there a refuge on the Pointe Percée Geological Trail?

Yes. The end point of the Pointe Percée Geological Trail is the Pointe Percée refuge (FFCAM, ~2164 m), staffed in season, where you can stock up on a drink or meal according to the opening calendar.

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Sources

Sources & verification

Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.

Published 10 juin 2026·Updated 18/07/26

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