The irresistible Aravis range!

From valleys to peaks

It catches the eye, but beyond its unique beauty – which ranks it amongst the most exceptional panoramas in the French Alps – do we really know the irresistible Aravis range? Here’s a reminder of the names of its peaks and valleys visible from Le Grand-Bornand – learn them by heart so you can impress everyone at your next raclette evening…

A Short Treatise on Bornandine Geology

“The majestic Aravis and Bargy ranges form the rims of a syncline*, a vast downward-sloping fold of sedimentary rock. They were deposited in an ancient sea under a warm climate, between approximately 200 and 35 million years ago. Among the various rock strata, the very pure Urgonian* limestones stand out; they crown the main peaks, form the backbone of the terrain and brighten up the landscape (Pointe Percée, Charvet, Jallouvre, Buclon, Roc des Tours, etc.).

But an intriguing geological feature adds to the geological heritage of Le Grand-Bornand.

The early stages of the Alps’ formation involved massive tangential thrusts towards the north-west. Allochthonous* rocks, originally deposited in the Alpine Sea much further to the east, were transported here, covering the autochthonous sedimentary rocks in an unusual manner.

Subsequently, the uplift of Mont Blanc and the final folding of the Bornes-Aravis, combined with the action of erosion, isolated these strata from their roots; this is known as a klippe*.

Consisting mainly of marly limestone (rich in clay), the Klippe des Annes (Aufferand, Lachat) forms fairly gentle slopes, which contrast sharply with the steep ridges of the Aravis and the Bargy; these slopes are well-suited to pastoralism and skiing.

It is on this distinctive geological formation that the remarkable harmony of the Grand-Bornand landscape is based.”

Patrick Gardet, geographer

*syncline: a geological structure consisting of a concave fold, the trough of which is occupied by the most recent geological strata
*Urgonian: a limestone sedimentary facies of the Lower Cretaceous, characterised by a very light colour
*allochthonous: originating from a different location, having been transported (as opposed to autochthonous)
*klippe: part of a rock mass isolated from the rest of it by the effects of erosion

Take a closer look

Lapiaz? Grooves?

Lapiaz is a surface geological formation found in limestone, created by rainwater runoff that dissolves the rock. These formations, which can have sharp, jagged edges, are criss-crossed by numerous channels, fissures and crevices of varying sizes, some of which can be several metres wide.

A groove is a regular furrow or striation, of varying width and depth, carved out by glacial erosion. It is a geological formation found mainly on vertical rock faces.

An alpine playground!

Naturally, it offers a fabulous alpine playground for everyone, whatever the season, amidst the lapiaz and other grooves carved into the rock by erosion: hiking, multi-pitch climbing, ski touring, mountaineering…

In summer and winter alike, every valley has its own route and summit from which you can admire a unique panorama of Mont Blanc and its massif. Enjoy walks with family or friends, perhaps with a picnic break by Lake Tardevant.

“An intriguing formation has been added to the geological heritage of Le Grand-Bornand”

Two recently refurbished sites allow visitors to observe these geological features in the summer, with information boards and display panels
. These are:

the Mont-Lachat panoramic trail, a 550-metre loop accessible via the Rosay cable car and the Lachat chairlift
the Pointe Percée geological trail (450 m elevation gain), starting from the Col des Annes

What you need to know

Pointe Percée really is pierced! There is indeed a hole beneath its north/north-east ridge. A climbing route, the “Voie du trou”, even allows you to cross through it.
Pointe Percée also has its “finger” – a rocky outcrop on this same ridge, also known as the “Arête du Doigt” – a beautiful climb leading to the summit.
Another natural curiosity to discover in both summer and winter is the “Trou de la Mouche”! A very picturesque passage beneath a rock arch that links the Combe de Grand Crêt to the Combe de Paccaly.
The Aravis range also conceals small secret passages for venturing onto its south-eastern slope, notably the “Porte des Aravis” at the top of the Combe de la Creuse, the “Passage du Père” at the top of the Paccaly valley, and the “Passage de la Grande Forclaz” at the top of the valley of the same name.
This same Combe de la Grande Forclaz is also the narrowest valley in the range.
On 10 March 1817, a major avalanche originating in the Combe de Tardevant swept away numerous conifers in its path all the way down to the valley. The trees were sawn into planks in the spring, and this marked the beginning of the trade in planks and timber.
In 1848, the newspaper *L’Echo du Mont-Blanc* reported on the ascent of the Pointe Percée by a religious pilgrimage led by Canon Pasquier.
In 1903, Genecand and Cevey made the first ascent of the ‘Doigt de la Pointe Percée’.
Two mountain huts welcome you at the foot of the valleys and summits:
- Refuge de la Bombardellaz at the foot of the Combe de Tardevant
- Refuge de la Pointe Percée (Gramusset) at the foot of Pointe Percée