Culminating at an altitude of 843 m, the Col du Marais connects Serraval to Keys, halfway between Thones and Faverges-Annecy. This road through chalets and mountain pastures takes you to peaceful and wild regions.
A bucolic pass
Between Thônes and Serraval
The Marais Pass is located at an altitude of 843 m on the road that connects Thônes to Serraval. Located on the Eastern flank of the Tournette, it does not owe its name to any marsh but to the small village located nearby. From Thônes, the road first runs along the Fier then rises through the pastures to reach the pass which offers beautiful landscapes on the Tournette but also on the Dent de Cons.
In cyclo mode
From Thônes, The Col du Marais is a fairly easy and rolling pass, ideal for warming up or learning to climb in the mountains. The slope is gentle, on average 3,5% without ever exceeding 7% during a passage of 400 m before Le Cropt. Very pleasant to climb in a rural setting, you will have covered 8 km and made 268 m of difference in altitude when you arrive at the summit.
To extend the route, you can go back down to Saint-Ferréol, go around Faverges to reach the Annecy lake by the cycle path and continue with other passes depending on the chosen route.
Hiking at the Col du Marais
From the Marais pass to Sulens
The hikes from the Col du Marais mainly go in the direction of the Sulens mountain or the Col de la Botte which you can explore in summer and winter, on foot, mountain bike, snowshoes or cross-country skis. A large car park has recently been set up at the pass.
However, we would like to remind you that winter hiking always presents risks and that it is more prudent to go out accompanied by a professional.
From the Marais pass to the Tournette
On the eastern flank of the Tournette, a path from Les Pruniers allows you to reach the Country GR and go around the Needle passing by the Praz Dzeures or to join the various circuits that go up to the Tournette. These trails pass through steep places. It is strongly advised not to use them in winter.
In the forested areas on either side of the pass, you can go mushroom picking.
