Bellevue Loop Walk via Le Champel

Directions from Les Houches Train Station to Bellevue Téléphérique

0.00 km – With our back to Les Houches Train Station and the train tracks TURN LEFT.

0.05 km – BEAR LEFT, crossing the bridge and follow the walkway on the left hand side of the road as it ascends towards Les Houches.

0.35 km – At the T-intersection TURN RIGHT, following signs for the Office du Tourisme, and you will cross another bridge.

0.45 km – Immediately after the fork in the road, BEAR LEFT. Follow this road past the Church.

0.70 km – Where there is a road slanting upwards to your left, continue STRAIGHT ON, and you will pass the Office du Tourisme. Stay on this road for about 10 minutes and you will see the Téléphérique on your left.

1.40 km – You have arrived at the Téléphérique. Buy your ticket at the station for your return journey to and from Bellevue.

Start of the Walk, up at the top of the Bellevue Cable Car:

0.00 km – As you exit the Téléphérique, walk STRAIGHT ON, until you reach a crossroads with a signpost.

0.05 km – Walk STRAIGHT ON, following signs for the Col du Tricot. You will cross over a set of train tracks and the path will slope downwards. Remember to always be careful when crossing any train tracks.

0.25 km – You will come down onto another path with a signpost. TURN RIGHT here, following signs for Le Crozat.

0.60 km – At the signpost before you walk up to Hotel Bellevue, TURN LEFT, following signs for Le Planet.

1.50 km – After passing through a field with some houses on your right, you will come to a slightly larger road with a signpost. TURN RIGHT here, passing by some houses, and then TURN LEFT immediately thereafter, following the sign to Le Pont des Places.

1.80 km – Ignore path to your left and BEAR RIGHT, descending slightly.

2.30 km – When the path merges with another road, TURN LEFT on the Chemin de L’Orney, which slopes downwards towards the river, following a sign for the Col du Tricot.

2.70 km – BEAR RIGHT, staying on this road all the way to Le Champel, which will take you approximately 45 minutes. Ignore all other paths and stay on this main road for about 2.8 km.

5.50 km – As you enter Le Champel, you will come across a fork in the road. BEAR LEFT, turning away from the cemented road. This path will take you up the hillside and into the forested area ahead.

6.60 km – When you reach a signpost, TURN LEFT, following signs for the Col de Tricot, and ignoring a path on your right.

8.90 km – At the ‘Miage’ Signpost, TURN LEFT, following the sign for the Col du Tricot.

9.20 km – You will see a small footpath on your left, splitting away from the road. BEAR LEFT on this walking path as it heads in the direction of the Col. This path will snake up to the Col du Tricot. The climb can be quite tiring, so make sure you are hydrated and that you’ve had something to eat before you begin!

10.70 km – Congratulations – you’ve made it to the top! If you’re not had enough climbing, you can always choose to climb up Mont Vorassay (30 minutes up). To do so, turn left, following signs to Mont Vorassay. If not, this is a good place to take a quick rest break. When you are ready to continue, walk STRAIGHT ON, down the valley, following this path for about 2 km.

12.70 – When you come to the next signpost, TURN RIGHT, following the path to Bellevue. Be careful as you will cross the bridge. Shortly after the bridge the path ascend slightly again – be careful here as well as the stones are often wet and slippery.

13.10 km – As you exit the forested area, you will come to a clearing. Continue STRAIGHT ON, ignoring a path on your right.

13.40 km – TURN LEFT at ‘L’Are’ Signpost, following the path to Bellevue.

13.70 km – BEAR RIGHT on the upper path by the signpost, keeping on the path to Bellevue.

14.00 km – Be careful as there are some steep descents here – make sure to use the rope if necessary.

14.90 km – TURN RIGHT here again to come back the way you came initially, as you climb your final meters up to Bellevue.

15.00 km – Cross the train Tracks again and continue walking STRAIGHT ON back up to the station.

15.20 km – Congratulations – your Bellevue loop walk has come to an end! Take the cable car down or rewards yourself with a drink at the restaurant next to the Cable Car.