Restaurant, café, bar
Serving visitors to this site? Appear here.
Become a partner
Free access · Year-round
Tête du Parmelan
The iconic summit of the Parmelan plateau, a vast limestone balcony at 1,832 m offering panoramic views over the Annecy basin, the Aravis and the Mont-Blanc massif.
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Panoramic summit
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
1 h 45 – 3 h depending on starting point (ascent)
Best season
May – October
Parking
Bois Brûlé (Villaz), L'Anglettaz (Aviernoz), La Blonnière (Dingy)
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Stroller
Not suitable
Town
Dingy-Saint-Clair
What is Tête du Parmelan
Tête du Parmelan is the iconic summit of Parmelan, a vast limestone plateau in the Bornes massif peaking at 1,832 m elevation. Although the absolute highest point of the mountain reaches 1,856 m (southeastern cliff), Tête du Parmelan is the identity summit visible from Annecy, marked by a cross and the Camille Dunant refuge managed by the Annecy CAF.
The Parmelan plateau is a spectacular karstic anticline composed of urgonian limestone forming a vast lapiaz riddled with faults, sinkholes and caves. The ascent to Tête du Parmelan takes either the Grand Montoir (an airy passage equipped with cables and chains, shorter but steep) or the Petit Montoir (longer but less steep). The plateau offers a 360° panoramic view over the Genevois, Lake Annecy, the Bauges, the Aravis and the Mont-Blanc massif.
A classic hike for Annecy residents, Tête du Parmelan is accessible from several starting points: Bois Brûlé parking (forest road from Villaz, 1,170 m), L'Anglettaz chalet (Aviernoz, 1,450 m, shortest access with 382 m elevation gain), or La Blonnière parking (Dingy-Saint-Clair, 1,029 m). The Camille Dunant refuge, perched on the summit, offers meals and accommodation from mid-May to mid-September.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Access parkings: Bois Brûlé (forest road from Villaz), L'Anglettaz (Aviernoz), La Blonnière (Dingy-Saint-Clair) View on map
Elevation
1,832 m (Tête du Parmelan)
Coordinates
45,9622° N — 6,2547° E View on map
Opening hours
Free access year-round. Camille Dunant refuge: mid-May to mid-September
Admission
Free
Parking
Bois Brûlé: free, approx. 30 spaces. L'Anglettaz: free, 20 spaces. La Blonnière: free, Saugy parking
Animals
Dogs allowed on leash
Accessibility
Not accessible with stroller or wheelchair (steep trails, rocky passages)
Access duration
1 h 15 from L'Anglettaz · 1 h 45 from Bois Brûlé · 3 h from La Blonnière (ascent)
Contact
Camille Dunant refuge: refugedparmelan.ffcam.fr (reservation recommended for overnight stay)
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy (14 km), follow the D5 towards Villaz. At the exit of the village, turn left towards « R.F Le Parmelan » and drive up the forest road to Bois Brûlé parking (terminus). Alternative access: from Annecy via the D16 towards Thônes, then Dingy-Saint-Clair and up towards the La Blonnière hamlet (Saugy parking at road terminus). From Aviernoz, L'Anglettaz road to the chalet-restaurant (parking, 1,450 m).
Open in MapsBy bike
From Annecy via Villaz, forest road accessible by mountain bike to Bois Brûlé parking. Steep climb over the last 3 km (unpaved drivable track).
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Parmelan is accessible year-round, but the best season runs from May to October. Trails are passable from snow melt (late May–early June depending on snow cover). In summer, start early to avoid weekend crowds and heat on the climb. Autumn offers remarkable golden light on the cliffs. In winter, hiking is possible with snowshoes or ski touring, but the Grand Montoir becomes dangerous with snow or ice (fall risk). The refuge is closed from mid-September to mid-May. Avoid foggy days on the plateau: visibility reduced in the lapiaz and faults.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Bakery, shop
Share your hours and specialities with visitors.
Become a partnerStay
B&B, gîte, campsite, holiday let.
Become a partnerPhotos
Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Tête du Parmelan charged?
No. Access to Tête du Parmelan is free year-round. Only meals or overnight stay at Camille Dunant refuge are charged.
What is the best route to climb Tête du Parmelan?
The classic route departs from Bois Brûlé parking (Villaz) via the Grand Montoir (1 h 45, equipped with cables) and descends via the Petit Montoir (easier). For a short access, depart from L'Anglettaz chalet (Aviernoz): 1 h 15 ascent, 382 m elevation gain.
Is the Grand Montoir on Tête du Parmelan dangerous?
The Grand Montoir passage on Tête du Parmelan is airy and steep but secured by cables, chains and metal handrails. It can alarm those sensitive to heights. If unsure, ascend and descend via the Petit Montoir (longer but without exposed sections). Avoid the Grand Montoir in wet weather, snow or ice.
Can you sleep at Tête du Parmelan refuge?
Yes. The Camille Dunant refuge, located on the summit of Tête du Parmelan, offers overnight stays in dormitories (2 to 18 beds) from mid-May to mid-September. Reservation required via refugedparmelan.ffcam.fr. Bivouacking available nearby under conditions.
How long does it take to reach Tête du Parmelan?
From Bois Brûlé parking (Villaz), allow 1 h 45 ascent via the Grand Montoir (700 m elevation gain). From L'Anglettaz chalet (Aviernoz), 1 h 15 ascent (382 m elevation gain). From La Blonnière (Dingy-Saint-Clair), 3 h ascent (803 m elevation gain).
Are dogs allowed at Tête du Parmelan?
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash on trails leading to Tête du Parmelan. The Grand Montoir passage can be tricky for dogs (cables and narrow passages); prefer the Petit Montoir.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
