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Via Ferrata de la Tour du Jallouvre

Via Ferrata de la Tour du Jallouvre, one of the longest and most demanding in the Aravis, with 1100 metres of cables, a suspension bridge and spectacular views of Mont Blanc.

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Via Ferrata de la Tour du Jallouvre in Le Grand-Bornand, Haute-Savoie
At a glance
Type
Via ferrata
Access
Free access (gear required)
Price
Free (optional guide ~€120/pers)
Duration
5–6 h (round trip)
Best season
Late May to late October
Town
Le Grand-Bornand

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What is Via Ferrata de la Tour du Jallouvre

The via ferrata de la Tour du Jallouvre, at the Col de la Colombière near Le Grand-Bornand, is one of the most impressive in the Aravis range. With 1,100 m of cable and 590 m of elevation gain, it combines exposed traverses, metal rungs, dramatic crossings and a 16-metre suspension bridge - the Passerelle du Gypaète - which delivers serious thrills over the void.

Graded AD to D+ depending on the route taken, it is intended for participants in good physical condition with prior experience. The difficulty lies less in technical moves than in length and commitment: once across the bridge, you have to push on to the summit before descending via a hiking trail that can itself be tricky. An escape, the 'Sortie à Fred', shortens the route after the first section (around 500 m). The path starts at 1,410 m and climbs to 2,000 m, with a panorama over Le Chinaillon, the Aravis, the Pointe Percée and Mont Blanc.

Free access, late May to late October depending on snow. Mandatory equipment: harness, double lanyard with energy absorber, helmet and mountain boots. For beginners or supervised outings, the Bureau des Guides du Grand-Bornand offers group or private sessions with all equipment provided. Allow 30 min approach, 3-4 h on the route and 1 h for the descent.

Activities

What you can do here

Practical

Practical information

Address
Jallouvre via ferrata car park, Col de la Colombière road (D4), 74450 Le Grand-Bornand View on map
Coordinates
45.9859° N — 6.4577° E (car park)
Altitude
Start 1,410 m, summit 2,000 m (elevation gain +590 m)
Opening Hours / Season
Open 24/7, practicable late May to late October depending on snow
Rates
Free for self-guided access. Supervised outing by Bureau des Guides du Grand-Bornand: €122/person in group (gear included).
Phone
Bureau des Guides du Grand-Bornand: +33 4 50 02 78 18 — Tourist Office: +33 4 50 02 78 00
Official website
guides-grandbornand.com — franceviaferrata.fr (detailed topo)
Access / Parking
Free parking along D4 ~2 km before Col de la Colombière. Very busy July-August: arrive early or park at the col (10-min extra walk).
Duration
5-6 h round trip: 30 min approach + 3-4 h via ferrata + 1 h descent
Required equipment
Mandatory: harness, double absorber lanyard, helmet, mountain boots. Recommended: 1.5 L water, picnic, warm/windproof layers.
Level / Public
AD to D+. Good fitness and experience required (1100 m, commitment). Min age 13, min height 1.40 m. Not for complete beginners.
Booking
No booking for free access. For supervision: Bureau des Guides du Grand-Bornand, booking advised 48 h in advance.
Access

How to get there

By car

From Le Grand-Bornand, head to Chinaillon then follow the D4 towards Col de la Colombière. Via ferrata car park on the left on the way up, approx. 2 km before the pass (well signposted). GPS: 45.983139, 6.465222. Free parking, but very busy in summer: arrive early or park at the col car park.

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Public transport

No public transport. Nearest train station is Cluses (approx. 25 km). Car essential.

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Nearest stops

  • La Cour · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · N-ARAVISBUS · 1180 m

Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)

When to visit

When to visit

Open from late May to late October, depending on snow conditions. Contact the Le Grand-Bornand Tourist Office (+33 4 50 02 78 00) at the start and end of the season to check accessibility. Best in summer and early autumn, in dry weather. Absolutely avoid in storms or on wet rock. Southwest-facing: prefer mornings in heatwaves.
Nearby

Where to eat, drink, stay

Photos

Gallery

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a guide for this via ferrata?

Access is free, but a guide is strongly recommended if you are a beginner or inexperienced. The Bureau des Guides du Grand-Bornand offers group outings (€122/pers) with equipment provided.

What level is required?

Graded AD to D+. The difficulty lies mainly in the length (1100 m) and commitment. Good physical fitness and stamina are required. Not recommended for complete beginners.

How long does it take?

Allow 5 to 6 hours in total: 30 min approach, 3 to 4 h via ferrata, and 1 h descent. A full day is necessary.

What equipment should I bring?

Essential: harness, double lanyard with energy absorber, helmet, mountain boots. Recommended: backpack with 1.5 L water, picnic, warm and windproof clothing, sunglasses, sun cream.

Can I turn back?

An escape route, the 'Sortie à Fred', allows you to exit after the first section (500 m, grade D). Note: this section also has cabled passages, so keep your equipment on. After the footbridge, you are fully committed.

Is it busy in summer?

Yes, this via ferrata is very popular in July–August. The car park can be full: arrive early in the morning or consider parking at the Col de la Colombière car park (10 min extra walk).

Is the via ferrata suitable for children?

Minimum age 13 years and minimum height 1.40 m recommended. Possible with younger children on private outings with a guide, provided they are fit and comfortable with heights.

When is the via ferrata open?

Theoretically from late May to late October, but check snow conditions at the start and end of season with the Tourist Office (+33 4 50 02 78 00). The route is freely accessible 24/7.

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Sources

Sources & verification

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

Published 3 juin 2026·Updated 04/07/26

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