Hiking Trail: Les Quatre Têtes via Doran (2364 m)

A beautiful hike in the Aravis mountains, discovering one of Sallanches’ finest peaks. The route crosses scree slopes, mountain pasture, a mountain pass and a ridge before reaching the summit, where magnificent views over the valley and Mont Blanc await.

A challenging mountain hike in the heart of the Aravis range, discovering one of Sallanches’ iconic peaks.

From Burzier, the route leads to the Doran mountain pasture, nestled in a vast mountain cirque dominated by the Pointe Percée. The trail offers beautiful views of the Fiz mountain range and Mont Blanc before entering the Doran valley and gradually reaching increasingly rocky terrain.

Doran Pass marks a new stage of the hike. From here, the route becomes more exposed and climbs towards the summit of the Quatre Têtes along a rocky ridge. The steeper sections and sometimes challenging terrain require good mountain hiking experience, as well as particular care with weather conditions.

At 2,364 m, the summit offers a magnificent reward, with a 360° panorama over the Sallanches valley, Mont Blanc, the Pointe Percée and the surrounding mountain ranges.

The Doran mountain pasture is also a real highlight of the hike. From June to September, visitors can discover its traditional pastoral and cheese-making activities, meet the mountain farmer, taste local produce and stop at the refuge. The Doran chapel, built by the Scouts for the shepherds between 1951 and 1956, adds an unusual touch to the discovery of the mountain pasture. The area is also known for the presence of the bearded vulture, which was reintroduced at Doran from 1999 onwards.

A rewarding and sporty hike combining spectacular landscapes, a taste of mountain-pasture life and an authentic high-mountain atmosphere.

Start: Burzier car park

1. From the entrance to the car park, take the 4x4 track towards Doran. The slope is fairly steep for the first 200 metres, then becomes gentler.

2. At the junction with the paths to Mayères / Le Tornieux and Doran, continue straight ahead towards the mountain pasture and Doran refuge.

3. The 4x4 track winds along the rocky cliffs, offering beautiful views of the Fiz mountain range and, further south, Mont Blanc.

4. After around 50 minutes' walking, you reach the Green Gate. Turn right and pass through the gate on foot, then continue along the path above the stream. A little further on, look out for the start of the Gypaète trail on your left. This narrow trail climbs through the woodland and joins the mountain pasture just below the refuge.

5. Continue through the Doran valley towards Doran Pass and the Quatre Têtes. The path gradually becomes steeper, first crossing grassy mountain pastures before entering increasingly rocky terrain. The climb becomes more sustained and stony; early in the season, you may still encounter a snow patch.

6. You reach Doran Pass (2,178 m). To the right, admire the Pointe Percée, the highest peak in the Aravis; straight ahead, the trail continues towards the Combe des Fours; to the left, the route climbs towards the Quatre Têtes. This is also a good spot for wildlife watching: with a little luck, you may see ibex, chamois or bearded vultures.

7. From the pass, the trail becomes more exposed as it follows the ridge towards the summit. The rocky slabs seem to tile the mountain. Take particular care when clouds gather around the peaks and reduce visibility.

8. After this final climb, you reach the Quatre Têtes (2,364 m). The 360° panorama is the reward for your efforts: Mont Blanc rises before you, while the Sallanches valley lies below and the surrounding mountain ranges unfold in every direction.

9. Take a well-earned break and enjoy a picnic, remembering to take all your rubbish back down with you.

10. On the way back, follow the same route down to the Doran mountain pasture. Take the opportunity to stop and discover this green haven nestled in the heart of a magnificent mountain cirque. From June to September, you can meet the mountain farmer and discover the traditional pastoral and cheese-making activities, with the opportunity to buy cheese directly from the pasture.

11. Don't miss the Doran chapel, built by the Scouts for the shepherds between 1951 and 1956. You can ask the mountain farmer to show it to you. The Doran refuge also welcomes hikers for a well-deserved gourmet break.

12. To vary the route, you can descend via the 4x4 track or return along the same path as on the way up.