The Col de la Forclaz is famous for its magnificent panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains. At the pass, several restaurants and mountain farms welcome you for a well-deserved break after your hike. From the terraces, you can watch paragliders take off.
A belvedere on Lake Annecy
A pass between Talloires and Montmin
The Col de la Forclaz, or Forclaz-de-Montmin, is a mountain pass located at an altitude of 1147 meters that connects the eastern shore of Lake Annecy and the village of Talloires to the village of Montmin, heading towards the Faverges valley. Forclaz means "passage through the mountain." And that's precisely what this mountain road does, winding sometimes through forests, sometimes in open areas, revealing magnificent views of Lake Annecy and the Bauges peaks, the Semnoz, or just above, the Dents de Lanfon and the Tournette.
In cyclo mode
Climbed four times by the Tour de France , the Col de la Forclaz is one of the must-do mountain passes in the Annecy region. It can be climbed from Menthon-Saint-Bernard or Talloires, on the north side, or from Vesonne, on the south side. Whichever side you choose, expect a very challenging ride. From Talloires or Menthon, the route is relatively similar, with approximately 700 meters of elevation gain over about ten kilometers and average gradients of 7%, reaching a maximum of 11,5% over 700 meters. The final stretch is tough but rewarded by the magnificent view. You can include this pass in a route starting from Thônes, passing over the Col de Bluffy and then climbing again via the Col de l'Épine and the Col du Marais . But be prepared for a tough climb!
A break is in order
The fabulous view from the Col de la Forclaz is so breathtaking that you have to stop, if only to admire the scenery and take some photos. The various restaurants there invite you to extend your break!
Pricaz Chalet
Enjoy the panoramic terrace of this chalet and its plunging view over Lake Annecy to have a drink or taste one of the many Savoyard specialties.
Edelweiss Hotel-Restaurant
From the glass room or the panoramic terrace, you will enjoy the view of the lake and the mountains while tasting traditional or Savoyard cuisine. If you decide to spend the night there, waking up with a view will be enchanting!
Farm
A rustic and authentic restaurant where you can enjoy an excellent Savoyard meal with a view of the mountain and the cows in the mountain pastures or in the stable. The cheese is made on site and the potato fritters are excellent. The Farm also offers you accommodation in addition to meals.
Souvenir shops
You will find everything you need at the Col de la Forclaz to leave with a souvenir in addition to your head full of beautiful images!
Activities at the Col de la Forclaz
Summer and winter, the Col de la Forclaz offers numerous outdoor activities combined with magnificent landscapes.
Hiking at the Col de la Forclaz
From the Col de la Forclaz, you can take sections of the GR 96 and the Tour du lac d'Annecy to do different hikes.
Rochette Point
A first, family-friendly hike takes you to the Pointe de la Rochette (1491 m) in 2 hours and with an elevation gain of 340 m. Just a short walk from the crowds of tourists at the pass, the Pointe de la Rochette will seem like a haven of peace from which you can admire the surrounding peaks, with the Tournette massif on one side and the Bauges massif on the other.
Chalet of Aulp and Tournette
You can also hike to the Chalet de l'Aulp (1424 m). A pleasant little walk with a 500 m elevation gain takes you to this mountain chalet at the foot of the Tournette. There, you can enjoy a drink or a traditional alpine meal while taking in exceptional views of the southwest face of the Tournette, Lake Annecy, and the Bauges mountains directly opposite. The more adventurous can continue to the summit of the Tournette (2351 m), adding another 927 m of elevation gain, but remember to think about the return journey!
Angon Waterfall
During the climb to the Col de la Forclaz, you can also stop at La Closette, just before Vérel, to admire the Angon waterfall and the Pont des Fées (Fairy Bridge). This short, one-hour walk with a 120-meter elevation gain will be refreshing on a hot day and might even give you a glimpse of canyoning enthusiasts descending the beautiful 60-meter waterfall. A small, quiet climbing area, perfect for climbing and a family picnic, is also located along the route.
The Forclaz pass in winter
Alpine Skiing
The small, family-friendly resort of Montmin, located at the mountain pass, offers gentle and fun slopes, ideal for beginners or families with young children. Five runs, including two green, two blue, and one red, are served by two ski lifts.
A boarder cross and a prepared toboggan run complete the resort's offering.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoe outings are also possible from the Col de la Forclaz, particularly towards the Chalet de l'Aulp. Call on a mountain professional to accompany you in complete safety.
Paragliding take-off area
The Col de la Forclaz is an internationally renowned free-flight site that regularly hosts high-level competitions. Initially used by hang gliders in 1975, paragliding naturally developed there 10 years later. The site combines significant technical interest with breathtaking scenery.
The pass has 3 take-off sites, 2 of which are at the top of the pass and another below at Planfait.
And even…
Canyoning
The Angon canyon is one of the most famous in the region with its beautiful 60 m waterfall and its green and fun course. A professional guide will happily help you discover the joys of this white water sport.
Climbing
From La Closette, just before Vérel, a path takes you to the Angon waterfall and passes next to a small shaded climbing site, perfect for climbing and picnicking with the family or for starting climbing. The cliff, about ten meters high, is easily accessible from above to set up the ropes and offers about twenty routes rated from 3 to 5.
Acro'adventures
The large Acro'aventures park in Talloires located in Planfait, next to the 3rd paragliding take-off area, offers numerous activities with treetop adventure courses, orienteering, forest of the senses, treasure hunts... Something to delight young and old alike!
