Little frequented by cars, this small secret pass nestled at an altitude of 1299 m at the foot of Sulens is a haven of peace in the middle of the mountain pastures. The Plan Bois inn restaurant will delight hikers and cyclists for a well-deserved break.
The Plan Bois pass, a secret pass
At the foot of Sulens
Located at an altitude of 1299 m, the Plan Bois pass is located in the commune of Keys at the foot of the Sulens mountain. From Les Clefs, you can go to the pass and then go back down in a loop since the small mountain road quickly divides into two routes to reach the pass either by the Veuillet or by the Plan des Berthas. It alternates between forests and meadows offering viewpoints on the surrounding mountains. Small hamlets punctuate the ascent with many farms that sell their farmhouse reblochon. Often snow-covered in winter, the road is subject to the aggression of the cold and the surface suffers! But the pass offers a magnificent viewpoint on one side of the imposing Tournette and on the other of the Col de la Croix Fry and the valley of Manigod. Starting point for many hikes in the summer, the small car park quickly fills up and cars park on the verges.
In cyclo mode
Annecy Mountains, which includes the areas from Annecy to the Aravis ski resorts, is an accessible and sporty playground located between lake and mountains. With its cultural wealth and its relief, this area is suitable for both cyclosportives and cycle tourists.
| Did you know? A topo-guide and a map represent the essential routes as well as the “secret roads”, of which the Plan Bois pass is one. |
There are three possible slopes for the ascent of this small pass, short but formidable whatever the chosen route. All start from Thones and pass either by The keys with two variants by the Berthas plan or the Veuillet, or by Manigod.
By the Keys via Veuillet
The first slope via Les Clefs via Le Veuillet is the shortest with a 9 km climb to make a 672 m difference in altitude with an average gradient of 7,5% reaching 12,5% over 1 km but closer to 10% over almost half of the route. Despite the difficult climb, the road is very pleasant between forests, meadows and pretty little hamlets. The view of the chapel of La Frasse in the middle of a pasture announces the imminent arrival at the pass. Courage!
By the Keys via the Plan of Berthas
The second route through Les Clefs via the Plan des Berthas has nothing to envy its neighbour even if the effort is a little less violent. With a length of 10,8 km, you cover the same difference in altitude of 672 m but with a lower average gradient of around 6%. You will however face a kilometre of steep slope at 13%. The road on this side is more shaded and the passage near the Plan des Berthas waterfall is refreshing. You will also pass close to a chapel – the Plan des Berthas chapel – but this will not announce the end of your limestone. A little more effort!
By Manigod
The slope via Manigod takes the first kilometers of the Col de la Croix Fry between Thônes and Manigod then branches off to join Praz Riand then the Plan des Berthas for a common end with the route described above. You will cover 12,2 km and 729 m of elevation gain with an average gradient of 6,5% and a small descent in the middle of the route. But the last 5 kilometers will be tough, including a portion at 13% over 1 km and 8% over the last 2 kilometers. So you will have to keep some energy in reserve to reach the summit and enjoy the view!
The Plan Bois Inn
The restaurant of The Plan Bois Inn welcomes you at the top of the pass and at the start of your walks towards Sulens. You can have a drink or lunch on the terrace in the summer facing the Envers de la Tournette, or enjoy its warm interior in the winter when you return from your walk. The potato fritters are famous there, but you can also taste other Savoyard specialties served in a friendly atmosphere. Remember to book!
Hiking in Sulens
The Sulens
Leave from the Col de Plan Bois for a hike to the Sulens mountain. Located between Aravis and Tournette in the heart of the Sulens valley, this long ridge of modest altitude and relatively quick access is one of the best viewpoints in the massif.
Varied paths
You can choose routes adapted to the desired effort. It is possible to go around it (500 m of elevation gain) or to climb it to reach the cross planted at 1828 m as well as the orientation table located at the summit at 1839 m (545 m of elevation gain). A short 2-hour route with a 320 m elevation gain takes you to the Chalet de Sulens at the place called La Grande Montagne. From the chalet, you can admire the view of Thônes, the Envers de the Tournette et Parmelan before returning to the pass by the same path.
And also…
The trails of the The Sulens mountain tour can also be done by mountain bike. You can also simply walk in the forests in search of mushrooms or observe the local flora and perhaps find the famous lady's slipper (protected species). Paragliders take off from the heights of Sulens to carry out hike-and-fly flights and land at Marais Pass. Yet another way to hike, this time in the air!
In winter
In winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers take over the area for varied itineraries. during the day or by moonlight. Consider calling on a mountain professional to help you discover these winter activities!
