Col des Glières: access, monument and hikes from Le Petit-Bornand (Glières-Val-de-Borne)

The Col des Glières is the gateway to the Glières plateau. It is where the two mountain roads up to the plateau end: one from Le Petit-Bornand, starting in the campsite's village, the other from Thorens-Glières, on the Fillière side. Here you find the big car parks, the National Monument to the Resistance and the start of the plateau walks. The pass and the plateau lie at around 1,400 to 1,450 m, depending on where you measure.

Getting to the pass

From the campsite, the road to the pass starts in the village: allow about ten kilometres and roughly half an hour. According to the Thônes tourist office, it is steeper and narrower than the Thorens road. With a motorhome or a wide vehicle, check with the Glières-Val-de-Borne town hall before setting off. Between the two sides, the crossing of the plateau is on an unsurfaced track. On foot, the Sentier des Patriotes climbs from the village to the pass.

The monument and the "Mémoire du maquis" centre

Émile Gilioli's National Monument to the Resistance was unveiled on 2 September 1973 by André Malraux, at the initiative of the maquis survivors. It was designed as a symbol of hope rather than a war memorial. Next to it, the departmental visitor centre screens the film "Vivre libre ou mourir" and runs guided tours in season. Admission: €3 full price, €2 reduced, and a ticket gives access to the Morette site within 48 hours.

Walks from the pass

The plateau discovery trail is the family walk par excellence: about 5 km, less than 100 m of ascent, with panels on nature and on the life of the maquis fighters. Higher up, the Montagne des Auges is reached past the monument, then through forest and pasture.

Winter

Cross-country skiing is the plateau's big thing: classic and skate skiing, snowshoeing and sledging. In 2025-2026 an adult day pass cost €9.50. Dogs are not allowed on the Nordic area; in summer they are welcome on a lead.

Where to eat

On the plateau, several mountain-pasture restaurants open in season, including Chez Constance, Chez Régina and Les Lanfian'nes. Opening periods vary: call before driving up.