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 massif, the Col de la Croix Fry is a mountain pass located at an altitude of 1467 m halfway between Manigod et La Clusaz. It has the particularity of forming a pretty plateau suitable for stopping and enjoying the surrounding nature, particularly on the Beauregard plateauThe large car parks are quickly taken over in season. From Thônes you can get there via Manigod or La ClusazThe road that goes back down to Manigod is very beautiful, in the middle of fields and chalets, forming tight bends opening onto the Tournette.
In cyclo mode
Climbed five times by Tour de France cyclists, the Col de la Croix Fry can be done in a circuit by both sides from Thônes. You cover the same height difference of 850 m but the difficulty will be different on one side or the other. The version via Manigod is much more athletic with 13 km including 7 km above 7% and 1 km at 9,3%. The markers that mark the route will allow you to locate yourself throughout your 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 for lunch or a drink with panoramic view of the Tournette. In a friendly, family atmosphere, you can choose between traditional cuisine and Savoyard dishes.
Hotel-restaurant Les Rosières
Many local culinary specialties prepared on site await you. Or simply a drink on the terrace with panoramic view of the Aravis mountain range, which you can find in the morning if you spend a few nights there.
The Chalets-Hotel de la Croix Fry
Marie-Ange's table is an invitation to rediscover the Savoyard region through refined traditional family cuisine. Come and taste the fine rissoles with porcini mushrooms and foie gras, the lovely Reblochon pie or even 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 rooms of the hotel welcome you in a warm atmosphere with the charm of yesteryear. A return to the values of our heritage!
Activities at the Col de la Croix Fry
The plateau of the Col de la Croix Fry is ideal for many hikes in both summer and winter. Remember to consult the pass webcam to check the weather before your outing!
Hiking at the Col de la Croix Fry
The Beauregard plateau
The Beauregard Plateau, Natura 2000 site, is a privileged place for hiking through forests, peat bogs and mountain pastures in search of wild herbs or picking blueberries and mushrooms. Many trails cross the plateau and offer a multitude of possibilities for circuits of varying lengths and gradients. It can also be explored by mountain bike.
You will be able to go up to the cross of Columban (1690 m) passing for example by the Pointe de Beauregard which offers a magnificent view of The Mont Blanc. From the Croix de Colomban, the view extends over the Nom valley, Thônes and Mont Lachat. A 16 km long circuit with a 750 m difference in altitude all the same.
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 set off with your family to explore a traditional alpine farm. The Ferme de Lorette and its 70 dairy cows welcome you in summer on the plateau for a free and self-guided tour all day long or a paid guided tour every day at 14:30 p.m. by reservation. You can taste and buy the good cheeses made on site, including the famous Reblochon ferme AOP which has the legendary Tomme de Beauregard of which only the Ferme de Lorette has the secret. And have a drink facing the Mont-Blanc 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. Beauregard Plateau.
Alpine Skiing
Alpine ski slopes accessible from the pass and belonging to the estate from Manigod, offer gentle, wide and sunny slopes particularly appreciated by families and beginner skiers. The area is linked to that of La Clusaz for 130 km of slopes. It is also the largest night skiing area in Savoie Mont-Blanc !
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Once adorned with his white coat, the Beauregard Plateau unfolds its 36 km of cross-country ski trails in several loops of varying levels in an absolutely magical setting. You can also enjoy beautiful snowshoe hikes such as the Frêtes de Beauregard (1734 m) accompanied by a mid-mountain guide. This pretty 5 km loop with 224 m of elevation gain takes you to 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.
