Every summer, the Tour de France cameras race across the alpine pastures of the Col de Joux-Plane. The slopes are packed with spectators, the pass is closed to traffic, and the image of a hiker eating lunch in the grass at 1,712 metres doesn't make the sports headlines. And yet. Joux-Plane doesn't belong exclusively to cyclists. Its mountain pastures are open to anyone who gets up with hiking boots and time to spare. Looking to hike in the French Alps away from the busy resort atmosphere? This pass is worth your attention.
A pass between two worlds
The Col de Joux-Plane (1,712 m) marks a natural boundary between two distinct worlds. To the west, the road descends toward Morzine and the Chablais, with wide open pastures and scattered chalets. To the east, it drops toward Samoëns and the Vallée du Giffre, a narrower valley hemmed in by rocky ridges that close the horizon to the crests above.
The atmosphere at the top shifts depending on the hour. Early in the morning, before the cyclists arrive, the pass belongs to marmots, cows and the handful of hikers who made the effort to get there first. The low-angled light turns the meadows an almost unreal shade of green, and the only sound is cowbells in the distance. It's a completely different mountain.
The road between Morzine and Taninges crosses this pass, making it easy to reach by car. There is parking at the summit, which is where several hiking routes begin.
Alpine meadows on foot
What strikes you once the road is behind you is the space. Joux-Plane's pastures are wide and open, with unobstructed sightlines to the surrounding peaks. From the ridgelines above the pass, you can see Lake Geneva on a clear day and the Mont Blanc massif to the east. These are rare landscapes in Haute-Savoie, where dense forests often dominate the foreground and hide the horizons.
The paths are well-marked and maintained, and suitable for families on the lower sections. Further up, the terrain climbs steeply and requires some preparation. Cattle are on the summer pastures from July to September, which tells you these highland farms are still actively worked. You will regularly pass herds, sometimes with livestock guardian dogs: stay calm, walk around them, and never position yourself between the dog and the herd.
Two routes worth knowing
The standout hike from the pass is the loop via La Bourgeoise, Angolon and Nyon. This 8.88 km route with 563 m of elevation gain climbs to the Pointe d'Angolon at 2,090 m. The path passes through La Bourgeoise (1,771 m), the Pointe de Chamossière (1,889 m) and Le Collu (2,066 m) before returning via the Col de Joux-Plane (1,712 m). Estimated time: 2h40, moderate difficulty. A solid option for anyone who wants exceptional panoramic views without committing to technical terrain.
For those starting from Morzine who want a harder challenge, the Pointe de Ressachaux (2,166 m) is a serious option. This loop (10.35 km, 1,172 m of elevation gain, 4 hours) starts at the bottom of the Joux-Plane road in Morzine. It is rated difficult and is suited to hikers in good physical condition. The summit view more than rewards the effort.
Eating on the alp
There is no mountain refuge in the strict alpine sense at the pass, but an alpage chalet opens in season (generally June to September). Expect cheese made on site, sometimes local charcuterie, and a place to sit with a view. The menu depends on what the farm is producing that day. It is not the kind of place you go for an elaborate meal, but for simplicity and open-air views.
There is no reliable water source on the trails above the pass. Carry a minimum of 1.5 litres per person, more for longer outings in warm weather.
Getting to the pass
- From Morzine: the road up to the pass is open in summer (generally June to October, depending on snow conditions). It is narrow and winding, with uphill priority in some sections. Allow around 25 minutes from the village centre.
- From Taninges: the pass is reachable via the Giffre-side road through Samoëns. Taninges is well connected to the valley from Cluses and is a practical base for organising a car loop.
- Parking: a free car park is available directly at the pass, a short walk from the first trail markers.
Note that on cycling race days (Tour de France, Critérium du Dauphiné, local sportives) the road is closed to all traffic and driving to the col is not possible. Check the calendar before planning a hiking trip on those dates.
When to go
The alpage is accessible from June to October. July and August are the busiest months but also the best for alpine wildflowers. In September, the herds gradually come down and the autumn colours start to warm the dry grasses. It is often the best time to hike here: fewer people, golden light, and afternoon storms are less frequent than in midsummer.
Joux-Plane is a genuine high-mountain pass. Weather can change quickly, even in summer. Always carry a warm layer and a windproof jacket, and check the forecast before leaving. Clouds often build by early afternoon: starting early is the basic rule.
The Vallée du Giffre has plenty more to offer beyond the better-known routes. This pass is just one of its entry points.