The Col de la Forclaz is famous for the magnificent panorama it offers over Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains. At the pass, several restaurants and alpine farms welcome you on your return from your walk for a well-deserved break. From the terraces, you can watch the paragliders take off.
A belvedere on Lake Annecy
A pass between Talloires and Montmin
The Forclaz pass or Forclaz-de-Montmin is a pass located at an altitude of 1147 m which connects the eastern bank of the Lake Annecy and the village of Talloires to that of Montmin towards the Faverges valley. Forclaz means “passage in the mountain”. And that is exactly what this mountain road does, winding sometimes through the forest and sometimes in the open, revealing sumptuous viewpoints over Lake Annecy and the summits of the Bauges, 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 unmissable 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 sporty route. From Talloires or Menthon, the route is relatively similar with around 700 m of elevation gain over ten kilometres and slopes averaging 7% with a maximum of 11,5% over 700 m. The end is difficult but rewarded by the magnificent viewpoint. You can include this pass in a route from Thônes via the Bluffy Pass and then going back up through the Epine passes and Marsh. But you'll have to have some under your feet!
A break is in order
The fabulous view from the Col de la Forclaz requires stopping there if only to admire the landscape and take a few photos. The various restaurants present invite you to extend the 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 of Lake Annecy to do different hikes.
Rochette Point
A first rather family-friendly walk, takes you in 2 hours and 340 m of altitude difference to the Pointe de la Rochette (1491 m). A few steps from the crowd of tourists of the pass, the Pointe de la Rochette will pass for a haven of peace from where you can observe the surrounding peaks with on one side the Tournette massif and on the other the Bauges massif.
Chalet of Aulp and Tournette
You can also go to the Chalet de l'Aulp (1424 m). A beautiful little walk with a 500 m difference in altitude that takes you to this alpine chalet at the foot of the Tournette. You can have a drink or a traditional alpine meal while enjoying an exceptional view of the southwest slope of the Tournette, Lake Annecy and the Bauges just opposite. The bravest can continue towards the Tournette armchair (2351 m) by adding 927 m of elevation gain but be careful, think about the return!
Angon Waterfall
During the climb to the Col de la Forclaz, you can also stop at La Closette, just before Vérel, to admire Angon waterfall and the Fairy Bridge. This short one-hour walk with a 120 m elevation gain will be refreshing in hot weather and you might even see some rock climbing enthusiasts. canyoning descend the beautiful 60 m waterfall. There is also a small, quiet climbing area on the route where you can climb and have a picnic with the family.
The Forclaz pass in winter
Alpine Skiing
The small family resort of Montmin located at the pass offers gentle and fun slopes, ideal for starting skiing or skiing as a family with little ones. Five slopes including 2 green, 2 blue and 1 red are served by 2 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 where high-level competitions take place regularly. Invested since 1975 by hang gliders, paragliding naturally developed there 10 years later. The site combines both great technical interest and breathtaking landscapes.
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!
