La webcam located on the Glières plateau will allow you to check the weather before you set off!
Famous for the tragic and glorious events that took place there during the Second World War, the Glières plateau is accessible via the Glières pass. Numerous hikes, between the National Monument of the Resistance and the Chapel of Notre-Dame des Neiges, allow you to discover this enchanting setting.
On the road to history
Towards the Glières plateau
The Col des Glières is a pass with very little mark at its summit since it is located in the center of the plateau of the same name. Located at 1425m above sea level, it has the particularity of not being tarmacked on the plateau between its two slopes. It is possible to access it by Thorens-Glières, eastern slope or via Le Petit-Bornand-les-Glières, western slope. Both sides are very pretty with passages mainly in undergrowth alternating with more open passages on the mountains. The road is however narrower from Petit-Bornand making it less passable in winter and closed all year round to buses and camper vans. Arrived at the summit, large car parks allow easy parking. You will be won over by the wild beauty of the plateau and the view of the surrounding peaks. There’s a special atmosphere up there!
In cyclo mode
From Le Petit-Bornand-les-Glières
The Col des Glières is a difficult or even very difficult pass from Le Petit-Bornand-les-Glières, slope chosen for the only climb made to date by the Tour de France. This slope, which offers two variants either by Essert or by Lignières, is the most difficult with around ten kilometres to cover for a height difference of between 728 and 808 m depending on the option chosen. The slopes on average at 9% can reach a maximum of 13% over 480 m.
From Thorens-Glières
From Thorens-Glières, the pass is longer, 14 km long and very regular, around 9% gradient with an average of 6,5% due to the first five kilometres and the relatively gentle final. The maximum gradient will remain under 10%. The good quality road winds mainly through the forest. revealing pretty views of the waterfalls at each bend. A small pass called Col du Collet precedes the arrival at Col des Glières and reveals the beauty of the plateau that opens up to your eyes. You can continue on the passable road that crosses the plateau before starting a dizzying descent to Le Petit-Bornand.
A break is needed
La natural beauty of the site but also its history linked to the resistance during the Second World War requires stopping there to discover its riches. And there is no shortage of lodgings and restaurants at the pass and on the plateau...
Direct access from the pass
There are many restaurants and lodges at the pass and on the Glières plateau., accessible by car or on foot in just a few minutes: Chez Merlin, Chez Gautard, Les Lanfiannes, Chez Regina or Chez Constance. All will welcome you in a preserved natural setting and will help you discover the flavors of the Savoyard terroir and the mountain pastures. You can also have a drink there in complete tranquility.
During your walks
The Glières plateau is ideal for walks and picnics with family or friends. But along the trails, you will also find refuges ready to welcome you for a drink, a meal or a night: the Spée refuge at the foot of the pass of the same name, the Mangeurs de Lune on the Auges mountain or the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges refuge on the Dran plain, not far from the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges chapel.
A winter picnic room
In winter, a picnic room is available at the pass car park.
Activities at the Col des Glières
The Glières plateau, served by the pass, is a fabulous setting for practicing outdoor sports but also for contemplating and observing a exceptionally varied flora and fauna.
Hiking
The foot tray
Many trails start from the pass and crisscross the plateau. You can thus go around the plateau by Our Lady of the Snows (10 km and 450 m of elevation gain) and return by the National Monument of the Resistance. But don't hesitate to go first to the Maison du Plateau next to the car park. There you will find maps of the plateau with the different marked trails, some of which are marked with explanatory panels on the fauna, flora and history of the place.
The mountain bike plateau
The plateau's trails can also be explored by mountain bike. The hilly paths are a real treat and for the sporty, several climbs are possible on the mountain slopes surrounding the plateau.
A page of history
The Glières plateau is famous for the resistance which was organized there from January 1944 where hundreds of resistance fighters gathered to receive parachute drops of weapons intended for the region's resistance fighters. In March 1944, fewer than 500 resistance fighters faced 12000 German soldiers. Under the command of Lieutenant Tom Morel then of Captain Anjot, The men eventually had to disperse after losing 129 of them. But the maquis was re-established. And a new parachute drop at the beginning of August allowed Haute-Savoie to be liberated by the Resistance forces alone on 19 August 1944.
Un marked historical discovery circuit invites you to follow in the footsteps of the resistance fighters.
Le National Monument of the Resistance, designed by Emile Gilioli and a symbol of hope, was built in tribute to the fighters in 1973. The building Maquis Memory located near the parking lot offers you various activities by reservation with guided tours, screenings, models, etc. allowing you to enrich your knowledge of the history of the maquis.
Climb and explore
Climbing
A small climbing site located 50 m from the road at Les Collets, on the left coming from Thorens-Glières, offers excellent limestone rock and quite steep. Facing south and in the sun for a good part of the day, you will find about fifteen routes from 4 to 7.
Further along the plateau there is the famous site of Ablon waiting for you. With more than 230 routes from 4 to 8 and its natural atmosphere, spruce, clarines and reblochon! The shaded mountain pasture at the foot of the routes is ideal for spending a pleasant day with family or friends. For climbing, it is necessary to get closer to the Thônes-Manigod Guides Office.
In winter
Cross-country Skiing
The many hiking trails give way in winter to a magnificent cross-country skiing area. 29 km of trails spread over two areas: the Dran plain and the Monument des Glières area allow everyone to choose a loop at their level. Great moments of sliding and pleasure between plateau and forest.
Luge
There are also toboggan runs for young and old!
Observe biodiversity
A sensitive natural space
The Glières plateau is a departmental Sensitive Natural Area. 450 hectares of mountain pastures, peat bogs, cliffs, caves and forests which make up the varied landscape of the plateau represent an authentic setting which shelters remarkable fauna and flora.
Wildlife
Remarkable fauna such as the gray wolf, lynx, and various types of bats and birds : Alpine ptarmigan, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, rock partridge… but also endangered fauna such as the black grouse and the hazel grouse inhabit the plateau.
The flora
The flora is not left out with the multiplicity of environments present on the plateau between peat bogs, rocks, alpine lawns and spruce forests. You will be able to observe the sundew, the Alpine eryngo, the sedge, the andromeda or even the lady's slipper…but also the most classic ones soldanella, yellow gentians, spring gentians, orchids, centauries...
A nature discovery route accompanies you across the plateau.
