Thanks to the webcam located at the Col de la Croix Fry, you can check the weather conditions before going up there!
Whether you are by car, motorbike, bike or on foot, this pretty pass at an altitude of 1467 m is worth going through and especially stopping there to discover the panorama of the Aravis and the Tournette, but also the magnificent Beauregard plateau with a view of Mont-Blanc.
A plateau collar
Halfway between Manigod and La Clusaz
In the heart of the Aravis mountain range , the Col de la Croix Fry is a mountain pass located at an altitude of 1467 meters, halfway between Manigod and La Clusaz. Its distinctive feature is a lovely plateau, perfect for stopping and enjoying the surrounding nature, particularly on the Beauregard plateau . The large parking areas fill up quickly during peak season. From Thônes, you can reach it via Manigod or La Clusaz . The road descending towards Manigod is very scenic, winding through fields and past chalets, forming tight switchbacks with views of the Tournette mountain.
In cyclo mode
Climbed five times by Tour de France cyclists , the Col de la Croix Fry can be tackled as a loop from either side, starting in Thônes. You'll cover the same 850m of elevation gain, but the difficulty will differ depending on the route. The Manigod version is considerably more challenging, with 13km of climbing, including 7km at an average gradient above 7% and 1km at 9,3%. Milestones along the route will help you keep track of your progress throughout the ascent.
A break is in order
Many establishments welcome you at the top of the pass to take a break and enjoy a unique natural setting.
Hotel-restaurant Les Sapins
You can stay there or simply stop by for lunch or a drink with panoramic views of the Tournette mountain. In a friendly, family atmosphere, you can choose between traditional cuisine and Savoyard dishes.
Hotel-restaurant Les Rosières
Numerous local culinary specialties prepared on site await you. Or simply enjoy a drink on the terrace with panoramic views of the Aravis mountain range , which you can also see again in the morning if you spend a few nights there.
The Chalets-Hotel de la Croix Fry
Marie-Ange's restaurant is an invitation to rediscover the Savoyard terroir through refined, traditional family cuisine . Come and taste the delicate rissoles with porcini mushrooms and foie gras, the lovely Reblochon cheese tart, or the fish from the Alpine lakes… in a cozy atmosphere or on the terrace with panoramic views. A sublime address where you can also stay. The 14 chalets and hotel rooms welcome you in a warm atmosphere with old-world charm. A return to the values of our heritage!
Activities at the Col de la Croix Fry
The plateau at the Col de la Croix Fry is ideal for numerous hikes, both in summer and winter. Remember to check the pass's webcam for the weather forecast before your outing!
Hiking at the Col de la Croix Fry
The Beauregard plateau
The Beauregard Plateau, a Natura 2000 site , is a prime location for hiking through forests, peat bogs, and alpine pastures, where you can search for wild herbs or pick blueberries and mushrooms . Numerous trails crisscross the plateau, offering a multitude of routes of varying lengths and elevation gains. It can also be explored by mountain bike.
You can climb to the Colomban Cross (1690 m) via, for example, the Pointe de Beauregard, which offers a magnificent view of Mont Blanc . From the Colomban Cross, the view extends over the Nom Valley, Thônes, and Mont Lachat. The route is 16 km long with a 750 m elevation gain.
Above the Merdassier pass
The loop of Andran (1469 m) and the Tête de Cabeau (1650 m) takes you to the other side above the Merdassier pass (7 km and 350 m of elevation gain). At the summit, you will enjoy a very beautiful panorama of the Etale, the Charvin, the Pointe de Merdassier and even the Pointe Percée.
For a special moment: have a picnic at sunset!
Lorette Farm
A 45-minute walk from the pass, you can explore a traditional alpine farm with your family . La Ferme de Lorette and its 70 dairy cows welcome you to the plateau in summer for a free, self-guided visit all day or a paid guided tour every day at 14:30 pm (reservations required). You can taste and buy delicious cheeses made on-site, including the famous Reblochon fermier AOP and the legendary Tomme de Beauregard, whose recipe is a closely guarded secret held only by La Ferme de Lorette. And enjoy a drink with a view of the Mont Blanc mountain range!
The Col de la Croix Fry in winter
In winter, the Col de la Croix Fry is a privileged access point for cross-country skiing on the Plateau de Beauregard.
Alpine Skiing
The downhill ski slopes accessible from the pass and belonging to the Manigod ski area offer gentle, wide, and sunny runs, particularly appreciated by families and beginner skiers. The area is linked to La Clusaz, providing 130 km of slopes . It is also the largest area for night skiing in Savoie Mont-Blanc!
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Once blanketed in snow, the Beauregard Plateau unfolds its 36 km of cross-country ski trails in several loops of varying difficulty levels, all within a truly magical setting. You can also enjoy beautiful snowshoe hikes, such as the Frêtes de Beauregard (1734 m), accompanied by a mountain guide. This lovely 5 km loop with 224 m of elevation gain takes you along the ridges through the forest.
Mountain professionals are available to guide you safely off the marked trails. Remember to contact them.
The menhir of the Croix Fry
An astonishing standing stone called the “menhir de la Croix Fry” is visible at the pass. Several thousand years old, this stone was certainly venerated by the druids in the Celtic era. According to legend, the 4 crosses engraved on its 4 faces were engraved by the crozier of Saint Francis de Sales who came to bless the stone during his passage in October 1607.
