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Hiking route : the routes of the Epine

Sport, Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary in Aiguebelette-le-Lac
7.9 km
3h 30min
Medium

  • Route through the trees (2 - 3 ½ hrs) on the Epine mountain, towards the Col du Crucifix and the Col St Michel (former passage ways between France and the Savoie), with pretty views of the lake and its islands. Suitable for intermediate/good walkers.

  • Starting from the village of Aiguebelette, begin your journey through time.
    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...
    Starting from the village of Aiguebelette, begin your journey through time.
    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!
  • 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).
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517 meters of difference in height
  • Maximum altitude : 908 m
  • Minimum altitude : 411 m
  • Total positive elevation : 517 m
  • Total negative elevation : -517 m
  • Max positive elevation : 447 m
  • Min positive elevation : -19 m
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