The Col de la Forclaz: panorama and activities in the heart of the Alps

Famous in Haute-Savoie, the Col de la Forclaz is renowned for its view over the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy. It attracts travellers, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Allow about 2 hours' drive (around a hundred kilometres) from our campsite in the Tarentaise to reach this iconic Haute-Savoie pass: more than a nearby stop, it is a great day trip for anyone planning a grand tour of the Alpine roads from a biker campsite in Savoie.

The Col de la Forclaz: key information

To grasp the essentials of this place before your visit, here is the main information to remember.

Feature	Details
Altitude	1,147 metres
Location	Talloires-Montmin (village of Montmin), Col de la Forclaz de Montmin, Haute-Savoie
Main view	360° view over Lake Annecy, the Dents de Lanfon, La Tournette and, on clear days, the Mont Blanc massif
Main activities	Paragliding, cycling, hiking
Road access	Departmental road 42 (RD 42)

Geology and geography

The Col de la Forclaz de Montmin, in Haute-Savoie, links the Annecy gap to the Bornes massif. A true viewpoint overlooking the village of Montmin and Talloires, it offers a striking view over Lake Annecy and the Savoie mountains.

This panorama from the Col de la Forclaz is the result of a complex geological history: the relief is organised around the Forclaz anticline, a vast convex fold made of sedimentary rocks (limestone and marl). Located on the western side, the pass was shaped by Alpine folding and the glacial erosion that carved out Lake Annecy.

This exceptional setting, between Montmin, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires, reveals the full natural richness of Savoie. From the summit, the view over Lake Annecy and the chalets of the village of Montmin makes the Col de la Forclaz one of the most beautiful sites in France, celebrated for its unique panorama.

Landscapes, fauna and flora

The landscape of the Col de la Forclaz is a living ecosystem, typical of Haute-Savoie. It is characterised by its mountain pastures and flower meadows, the result of traditional pastoral farming.

Alpine farms, such as the Ferme de la Forclaz or the Chalet de l’Aulp, located near the Col de la Forclaz-Montmin, bring the mountain to life. On each side of the pass, alpine flora (gentian, arnica) blooms from early spring.

As for wildlife, the Montmin area is rich: early risers can spot chamois, marmots or birds of prey. This setting, facing Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains, promises a grand panorama before you reach the top.

What to see and do at the pass?

The Col de la Forclaz is a real activity hub that follows the rhythm of the seasons.

Free flight (paragliding)

The Col de la Forclaz, a paragliding hotspot, is a benchmark in Europe, attracting pilots from France and beyond. The Col de Forclaz-Montmin is ideal for flying over Lake Annecy. The purpose-built take-off area overlooks the Doussard landing zone, 700 metres below. Tandem flights are available (about €95 to €180), for an unforgettable experience between the mountains and the view over the lake.

The cycling challenge (bike)

The climb up the Col de la Forclaz by bike is renowned. The Tour de France has passed here several times, most recently in 2023.

• North side (from Talloires): 7.3 km at an average gradient of 7.3%.
• South side (via the Vesonne exit): more demanding, 9.1 km at an average gradient of 7.5%, reaching up to 12.8%. A climb worthy of the Col de la Croix Fry, delighting fans of steep climbs and Alpine panoramas.

Winter (skiing and snowshoeing)

Skiing at the Col de la Forclaz is also a lovely discovery. The RD 42 road stays open to reach the village of Montmin. There you will find a family resort, the Forclaz-Montmin resort, run by volunteers and equipped with three drag lifts. Open on Wednesdays, weekends and during school holidays, it is perfect for beginners.

The site is also an excellent starting point for snowshoe hikes, like the Pré du Col or the Col de l’Épine. And for even more skiing, you can ski near our campsite in Savoie, close to the vast Paradiski area (425 km of slopes).

Walks in the area

Hikes at the Col de la Forclaz are a must, crossing the GR 96 and the Tour du lac d’Annecy.

• The Chalet de l’Aulp: accessible (approx. 500 m of ascent), this mountain pasture chalet is the starting point for La Tournette. Beware of livestock guardian dogs.
• La Tournette: the local challenge for experienced hikers. The ascent (927 m of ascent from L’Aulp) is demanding, but the view from the summit (2,351 m) is the reward: an incredible view over Lake Annecy.
• The Angon waterfall: lower down, starting from Angon (Talloires-Montmin), a 3-hour loop (384 m of ascent) leads to the Angon waterfall. Take care after rain.

These walks are the heart of the Alpine experience. Our campsite in Savoie is an ideal base camp for exploring around the Col de la Forclaz.

Preparing your visit: access, weather and services

Access to the Col de la Forclaz is via departmental road 42 all year round, sometimes disrupted by safety works. Before setting off, check the Col de la Forclaz weather forecast, as conditions change quickly. A Col de la Forclaz webcam lets you check visibility in real time.

As for services, be careful: searching for a hotel at the Col de la Forclaz often leads to a namesake in Switzerland, near the St Bernard Pass. A third pass of the same name is in the Beaufortain, in Savoie: not to be confused either, it is the subject of our article on the 5 lakes of La Forclaz hike, 15 km from the campsite. The Col de Montmin remains a natural, unspoilt site. For food, several restaurants welcome you in Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard (near Lake Annecy) or right at the pass (such as the Chalet de la Pricaz).

For accommodation, there is no campsite at the Col de la Forclaz. The best option is to stay at a campsite near Lake Annecy, convenient for the descent to the lake and for discovering Haute-Savoie.

Your base camp for the Alps

The Col de la Forclaz is a balcony suspended over Lake Annecy and its mountains. It is an ideal stop on a trip from Annecy to the Col de la Forclaz. To discover the region, from the peaks of Haute-Savoie to the Tarentaise, our campsite near Haute-Savoie, l’Eden de la Vanoise, welcomes you in Landry, combining comfort and proximity to the Alps.