Opening
From 15/06 to 31/10 daily.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Sentier pédestre : le Colonney par la cheminée de Monthieu
Départ : parking du Grand Arvet
74700 Sallanches
France
45.957495, 6.648195
Elevation gain, rocky terrain and a good dose of vertigo! A demanding hike via the Monthieu chimney, with equipped sections, ridgelines and increasingly rocky terrain. From the summit, enjoy a spectacular 360° panorama of Mont Blanc, the Aravis, the Fiz and the Platé Desert!
rom Grand-Arvet, the hike gradually climbs along a forest track to the Véran alpine pasture, nestled beneath the impressive cliffs of the Croix de Fer. After this initial ascent through the forest, the scenery changes dramatically: the slopes become steeper and the route gains altitude towards the Monthieu chimney.
The trail passes above the Véran farm before reaching the grassy slopes leading to the base of the chimney. Cairns and trail markings guide the way to this rocky section, equipped with cables. Once through the chimney, the route skirts several rocky steps before continuing its ascent through increasingly rocky terrain.
The setting becomes distinctly mountainous: limestone pavement, rocks and rocky ledges create occasionally technical terrain where using your hands may be necessary. The route continues through the basin below the Tête du Colonney, gradually reaching the ridges and summits of Monthieu and the Lindars. As altitude increases, the landscape opens up and the views become spectacular.
The route then includes a few more exposed sections before the final climb to the Tête du Colonney, at 2,692 m. The final ridge, sometimes narrow, leads to the summit and its magnificent 360° panorama over Mont Blanc, the Aravis, the Fiz and the Platé Desert.
A demanding and spectacular hike for experienced hikers, where the effort, rocky terrain and exposed sections are all part of the adventure.
The trail passes above the Véran farm before reaching the grassy slopes leading to the base of the chimney. Cairns and trail markings guide the way to this rocky section, equipped with cables. Once through the chimney, the route skirts several rocky steps before continuing its ascent through increasingly rocky terrain.
The setting becomes distinctly mountainous: limestone pavement, rocks and rocky ledges create occasionally technical terrain where using your hands may be necessary. The route continues through the basin below the Tête du Colonney, gradually reaching the ridges and summits of Monthieu and the Lindars. As altitude increases, the landscape opens up and the views become spectacular.
The route then includes a few more exposed sections before the final climb to the Tête du Colonney, at 2,692 m. The final ridge, sometimes narrow, leads to the summit and its magnificent 360° panorama over Mont Blanc, the Aravis, the Fiz and the Platé Desert.
A demanding and spectacular hike for experienced hikers, where the effort, rocky terrain and exposed sections are all part of the adventure.
Tips
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Start: upper car park at Grand-Arvet
1. From the Grand-Arvet car park, continue along the forest track towards the Véran alpine pasture. The track climbs gradually through the forest, following the Crève-Cœur stream.
2. Continue along the track as it winds through the forest. After several bends, the slope becomes slightly steeper before returning to a more steady climb. At the edge of the forest, cross the Arpenaz stream and continue towards the Véran alpine pasture.
3. Cross the alpine pasture towards the Véran refuge. Shortly before reaching the refuge, take the trail heading east towards the Monthieu chimney, marked with “P” signs. The trail gradually climbs above the alpine pasture, on increasingly steep slopes.
4. Follow the path, which can sometimes be less visible in grassy sections, using the cairns for guidance. The Monthieu chimney gradually comes into view above you. The trail reaches its base, marked by a cairn, before entering the rocky section.
5. Climb through the Monthieu chimney, equipped with cables. About halfway up, the route heads left, then contours the upper section of the chimney before returning to the right. At the exit, bypass a rocky step on the right and continue eastwards.
6. The route crosses a few more grassy areas before gradually reaching much more rocky terrain. Continue between limestone pavement and rocks, with more technical sections where using your hands may be necessary. Cairns and “P” markings help you follow the route through this karst landscape.
7. Continue towards the Col de Monthieu, at 2,251 m, dominated by the Aup de Véran, which rises to 2,438 m. The trail crosses limestone terrain characterised by limestone pavement and rocky steps.
8. From the Col de Monthieu, continue towards the Col du Colonney, at 2,321 m. The terrain remains rocky, requiring careful attention to the trail markings and cairns. At the col, follow the ridge towards the Tête de Monthieu, at 2,479 m. This section gradually offers fine views over the Mont Blanc massif.
9. Continue along the ridge to the Tête des Lindars, at 2,560 m. The route becomes more exposed as you approach the continuation of the ridge. The panorama opens up towards the Platé Desert, the Fiz and the Mont Blanc massif.
10. From the Tête des Lindars, continue along the ridge towards the Col de Tré l’Épaule, at 2,532 m. The descent includes a steep and exposed rocky section equipped with a chain and metal steps. Negotiate this section carefully, then continue along the ridge to the hollow below the summit.
11. From the col, climb back up towards the Tête du Colonney. The route crosses scree and then a few rocky ledges before reaching the summit ridge. The final section is more exposed and requires careful attention to the terrain.
12. Follow the final ridge to the summit of the Tête du Colonney, at 2,692 m. The summit offers an exceptional panorama over the Mont Blanc massif, the Aravis, the Fiz and the Platé Desert.
Return: by the same route.
Useful information
Equipments and Services
Equipments
- Car park
- Free car park
Comforts & services
- Pets welcome
- Restaurant
Prices and payment
Free access.
