The Grand Tour of Mont Chéry + variant Summer walking - Red level

Discover the route

The great Gets adventure! This demanding 14.6 km route takes you all the way around the giant of Les Gets. It’s a multi-faceted hike that pushes back the horizons to offer you a spectacular succession of views of Mont Blanc, high mountain pastures and wild forests.

Level

Difficult

Elevation gain

460 m D+ (Variant: + 150 m D+)

Negative gradient

460 m D- (Variant: + 150 m D-)

Length in km

14.6 km (Variant: + 2.3 km)

Route description

This long circuit requires a good level of fitness and will reward every effort with breathtaking views.

The warm-up and the “wall”: Starting from the Tourist Office, begin by heading towards Mont Caly on quiet residential roads. Things quickly get serious: the path climbs steeply from the Nants sector to Les Fontanettes.
The Mont-Blanc balcony: The effort is immediately rewarded when you join the magnificent balcony path facing the Mont-Blanc Massif, which guides you to the hamlet of Mont Caly and then heads towards the Col de l’Encrenaz.
The hidden face of Chéry: The route then changes to the north side of Mont Chéry. You skirt around the summit, plunging into a wild and refreshing forest environment until you reach the hamlet of Lassare.
The panoramic finish: After a short transition to the road, head straight ahead in the hairpin towards Les Longues Poses on a suspended panoramic path. The return to the centre of Les Gets is via a pleasant downhill path.

The “Col de Lachat” option (+2.3 km): From Mont Caly, you can choose to climb to the Col de l’Encrenaz via the Col de Lachat. This option adds 150 m of ascent but allows you to take a break at the panoramic picnic area located just above Mont Caly with its breathtaking views.

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Heritage & Nature

The scenery through which you pass is not only beautiful, it is steeped in secrets and age-old traditions:

The hamlet and chapel of Mont Caly: Perched at 1,489 metres, this inhabited balcony welcomes the summer herds. Its chapel, built in 1679, was destroyed the same year due to fierce disputes between neighbours over mountain pasture boundaries! It was rebuilt identically by the local inhabitants in 1986.
Pottery at Lassare: At the end of the loop, you pass through this authentic hamlet, which hides a unique workshop-shepherd’s hut. The craftsman here combines white stoneware with traditional sheep rearing.

The guide’s little tip for turning a beautiful walk into a memorable souvenir: Set off equipped for the day! With almost 5 hours’ walking (not including breaks), this grand tour is a real day out. I strongly advise you to set off early in the morning to make the most of the coolness during the tough climb up Les Nants. Take plenty of food and drink, or plan a gourmet stop at Mont Caly or Col de l’Encrenaz. The use of walking poles will be your best ally in negotiating the changes of pace on this great and beautiful route.