Hiking Trail: La Tête de Lassy via Le Lançoir

A true vertiginous adventure! This spectacular route to the Tête de Lassy, via the Lançoir and its airy sections equipped with ladders, offers breathtaking views over the Aravis mountain range. The descent leads to Véran alpine pasture, at the foot of the Croix de Fer, an ideal spot to stop and take in the scenery.

Starting from the Arpenaz waterfall, the route gradually climbs through the beech and fir forest before reaching the Vange cliffs. Several sections equipped with fixed handrails lead to the spectacular Lançoir: a path carved directly into the cliff, with sheer drops on either side. This airy traverse is one of the most challenging sections of the hike and requires particular care.

After crossing the Arpenaz torrent via a footbridge, the trail reaches the Arcets mountain pastures before continuing its ascent towards the Tête de Lassy.

A 15-metre-long metal ladder provides access across a rocky section before reaching the summit.

At the summit, your efforts are rewarded with a magnificent panorama over the Aravis mountain range.

The descent then leads to the Véran mountain pasture and its refuge, at the foot of the Croix de Fer. A stop at the refuge is an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the mountain pastures. At the far end of the valley, you can also catch sight of the Monthieu chimney, a natural passage leading to Coloney from Véran.

Take advantage of your time in the mountain pasture to enjoy a gourmet break and buy farm produce directly from the farm: sérac, tomme, Abondance cheese or butter, before continuing downhill along the forest track.

The route then continues along the forest track to the Meyrieu chalet, then turns right towards Luzier via Écharbon. The trail then reaches the village and its chapel before rejoining the route back to the Arpenaz waterfall car park.

⚠️ This route is for hikers accustomed to exposed sections. The ladders and exposed passages require caution and confidence on mountain terrain.

Start: Arpenaz Waterfall car park

1. From the Arpenaz Waterfall car park, take the trail climbing through the beech and fir forest towards the Vange cliffs.

2. Continue towards the Lançoir. As you approach the cliffs, several sections equipped with handrails help secure the route. The trail reaches an increasingly narrow ridge before joining the Lançoir cliff face. Some sections require the use of your hands to help with your progression. Continue along the ledge equipped with a handrail on the cliffside: this exposed section requires particular caution.

3. Cross the Lançoir, a trail carved directly into the cliff, then continue to the Arpenaz stream and cross it via the wooden footbridge.

4. After crossing the stream, follow the trail towards the Arcets alpine pastures.

5. Cross the Arcets alpine pastures and continue climbing towards the Tête de Lassy. About 500 m before the summit, a 15-metre metal ladder provides access across a rocky section.

6. Continue to the Tête de Lassy and enjoy the panoramic views over the Aravis mountain range.

7. Begin the descent towards the Véran refuge. Take the opportunity to stop at the refuge and admire the Monthieu chimney opposite. Then continue through the Véran alpine pasture, where you can discover and buy local products from the farm, at the foot of the Croix de Fer.

8. Continue downhill. A little further on, on your left, you will see a small waterfall forming a stream: this is the source of the Arpenaz Waterfall. Continue along the forest track to the Meyrieu chalet.

9. At the chalet, turn right towards Luzier via Écharbon.

10. Reach the village of Luzier and its chapel, then continue along the trail which gradually leads back towards the Arpenaz Waterfall area.

11. Return to the Arpenaz Waterfall car park.