In 1943, during the Second World War, France established the Compulsory Work Service (STO). Almost immediately, resistance groups known as "maquis" began forming across the country to oppose and evade the STO. Remote and hard-to-reach locations were needed to shelter and hide the résistants. The Plateau des Glières became one of these iconic sites, thanks to its geography: close to Annecy, surrounded by steep cliffs, and dotted with alpine farms. Many resistance fighters decided to take refuge there during the winter of 1943–1944. In March 1944, the end of the maquis unfortunately came with violent battles, which are still commemorated today.
But to reduce the plateau solely to its wartime history would be limiting. Nestled in the heart of Reblochon country and offering breathtaking views of Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc, it is now a prime destination for hiking. The final night of the trip is spent at the perched Parmelan refuge, where you'll enjoy a panoramic view stretching all the way to the Jura mountains. A perfect getaway for an extended weekend in the Haute-Savoie mountains!
Departure any day except Sunday, from mid-May to the end of October 2025
Without luggage transfer, in classic accommodation
€395 per person
Information and booking available by phone or email
The price includes:
The price does not include:
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Departure from the Chesnet car park in Orange.
Meet at La Roche-sur-Foron railway station for a short taxi transfer if arriving by train.
ORANGE – POINTE DE SUR COU – CHALET DE BALME
The tour begins with a fairly steep climb through the forest and then across a mountain pasture to the Col de Sur Cou. The 360° panorama stretches from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc. A descent through hay fields takes you back to the Col de Cou and finally to your overnight accommodation. You can extend the day a little by passing through the hamlet of Les Mouilles. Overnight in a small dormitory.
4h walk / Distance : 6km / Dénivelé : +640 m ; -320 m
COL DU FREU – PLATEAU DES GLIERES
The Col du Freu, just above the refuge, leads to the Champ Dairy, a wide, wild perched valley. A final passage through the forest leads to the Plateau des Glières, an emblematic site of the Resistance in the Alps. It is possible to go over the Sous-Dine mountain (2hrs 30mins and an additional 500m of ascent).
Overnight in room at Glières mountain cottage, famous for its local cuisine and ressourcing spa.
5h walk / Distance : 13km / Dénivelé : +550 m ; -650 m
COMBE D’ABLON – REFUGE DU PARMELAN
A long day in the heart of the massif's lapiaz through the Plateau des Glières, the Combe d'Ablon, the Vallée du Pertuis and finally the Plateau du Parmelan, which offers the best views of Annecy and its lake. Overnight in a dormitory at the refuge, on a promontory above the valley.
6h walk / Distance : 16km / Dénivelé : +950 m ; -500 m
NAVES PARMELAN – LAC D’ANNECY
Descent via the Grand Montoir, a steep but well-equipped passage through the cliffs (with the option of avoiding it via the Petit Montoir a little further on) through the forest to Nâves-Parmelan, site of the last Maquis battle in the massif.
3.30 walk / Distance : 6km / Dénivelé : +50 m ; -1150 m
7.30 walk / Distance : 18km / Dénivelé : +280 m ; -1650 m walking down to Annecy
Transfer to Annecy or back to the departure's point.
Elevation: +/- 500m - 1000m approximately per day.
Walking time: 4 to 6 hours per day.
Type of trek: mountain hike on marked trails including gravel paths.
You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week.
Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty
The roadbook provides sufficient information on the itinerary of your hike. However, it is essential to be able to read an 1:25,000 map and to be sufficiently autonomous in the mountains to be able to tackle the itinerary with confidence, whatever the weather (fog, snow, etc.). You will be crossing areas with no telephone network. For your own safety, you may wish to bring along a radio or the latest generation telephone with a satellite connection.
Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing:
- 2 IGN TOP 25 with the route highlighted.
- 1 road-book containing all the information necessary for the trek.
- 1 waterproof map holder.
- Accommodation list.
All the paths are well-marked, a part of the trek takes the GR9. You must know how to read a topographical map at 1/25000.
Without luggage transfer: you carry all your luggage
2 nights in dormitory accommodation in mountain refuges (no showers at the Parmelan refuge).
1 night in a private room in a 3-star hotel with spa on the Plateau des Glières.
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation. Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered at each accomodation in the evening. Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking. We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.
We can personalise a tour according to your requirements (number of days, participants, level of route, accommodation, etc.)
IGN Top 25 - 3431OT Lac d'Annecy et 3430ET La Clusaz
Start of the hike at Le Chesnet car park in Orange.
Taxi transfer possible to the departure, from La Roche Sur Foron railway station.
BY TRAIN
Direct TGV from Paris to Annecy or Annemasse then TER to La Roche Sur Foron.
Local trains (TER) from Grenoble, Lyon...
Timetables must be checked on www.oui.sncf
BY CAR
Take the A410 motorway from Annecy or Annemasse to exit 19. Follow signs for La Roche Sur Foron, then Orange, Parking du Chesnet.
CAR-SHARING
Get in touch with people to share a lift! www.blablacar.fr www.roulezmalin.com
CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Geneva (GVA)
Lyon (LYS)
End point in the afternoon at Nâves-Parmelan.
Transfer by taxi to the departure point or to Annecy train station.
Annecy hébergements
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Clothing
Other Equipment
Bring a comfortable backpack of 40 to 50 litres for your personal belongings for the day (including warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.