Hiking route : the routes of the Epine

Sport
Pedestrian sports
Hiking itinerary

Elevation : 407m

Parking de l'église d’Aiguebelette-le-Lac ou parking des Allemands, 73610 Aiguebelette-le-Lac

3h 30min
Medium

DepartureAiguebelette-le-Lac
Distance9.3 km
Difference in height574 m
Elevation407 m
Minimum altitude411 m
Maximum altitude975 m
Total positive elevation574 m
Total negative elevation-574 m

- - 04 79 36 00 02
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Les voies de l'Epine — ©
Savoie Mont Blanc - Martelet

Les voies de l'Épine - Voie romaine et voie sarde à Aiguebelette-le-Lac — ©
C. Moureaux

Randonnée avec vue lac Aiguebelette — ©
M. Lepin

A hike to touch history with the tip of your boot—well shaded and offering rare yet stunning views of the lake… IMPORTANT: The section between the Saint-Michel and Crucifix passes is closed in August 2026.

Begin your journey through time starting from the village of Aiguebelette-le-Lac. First, a small road climbs towards the Épine mountain. As it turns into a stone-paved path, you step into another era. Your steps will then lead you onto the ancient Roman road. You now have real stone slabs under your feet all the way to the Col du Crucifix. This Sardinian route was developed by the House of Savoy in the 18th century. Then, you pass through the Col Saint-Michel. You won’t be the first, as it was the obligatory passage for travelers from Antiquity until the 17th century. It was watched over by a temple, which later became a chapel. Even François The First passed through here. It is said that, surprised by a storm, he took refuge in the cave that bears his name below. If the thunder rumbles, you’ll know where to hide! This hike can be done in several ways. Three variants are provided in the GPX files below.

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
Start: Aiguebelette-le-Lac Church
1/ Take the road toward "Les Allemands", then immediately turn left onto a small road that turns into a path heading toward Côte Épine.
2/ From the "Les Allemands" parking lot, enter the forest via the stony path.
3/ At the first hairpin turn, take the Roman road (straight ahead) to reach the "Rocher du Corbeau" viewpoint.
4/ Continue toward the Col du Crucifix.
5/ At the Roman Road crossing, continue climbing toward the Voie Sarde.
6/ At the Voie Sarde crossing, join the path to the Col du Crucifix.
7/ From the Crucifix, turn right toward the Col Saint-Michel.
8/ For the descent, head toward the François I Cave.
9/ Leave the main path to return to the "Les Allemands" parking via the Grande Dressière Trail (caution, this trail is steep and can be slippery).