La cabane du Petit Pâtre - hiking trail

Hard
4h30min
10.3km
Round trip
+755m
-755m
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Description

Hike with views and balconies, before heading for the alpine pastures where cows and sheep graze: the Cabane du Petit Pâtre.

Discover the Petit Pâtre hut: from the forest trail starting in Le Peray to the scenic ridge trail connecting Croisse Baulet to La Tête Noire, enjoy a varied hiking route.

This hut is not only a traditional shelter for shepherds but also a must-see stop for hikers seeking breathtaking views. Picnic tables are available so you can enjoy a well-deserved moment of relaxation.

The unobstructed view of the Mont Blanc range offers a spectacular sight. This exhilarating trail invites you to explore remarkable landscapes while respecting the pastoral environment that characterizes our region.

This route can be hiked as a loop. Caution: there is a dangerous section near Les Seyttets (where there is a sheep pen and Patou dogs), but it is passable. An alternative loop route via the Tête du Planet is recommended.

Construction on the Chemin des Têtes

Maintenance work will begin on the Chemin des Têtes on Thursday, September 3, 2026, and is expected to last about ten days. The goal is to restore and secure this trail.

Due to the nature of the work, which involves crushing and grinding rocks, please note the following:

No detours are possible: As this is a mountain road, no alternative route can be established. Traffic will therefore be severely disrupted and may be blocked at times.
Safety and Extreme Caution: The utmost caution is required in the vicinity of the construction site. For your safety, it is imperative that you keep your distance from the crushing machinery and wait for instructions from the contractor before proceeding.
Please avoid this route. To reach the Plateau des Bénés, you can take the Chemin des Sions/Bœufs (to the left of the Peray parking lot), which will lead you toward the plateau.

We are aware of the inconvenience this may cause, but this work is essential to ensure the long-term viability of our trails and the safety of everyone.

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Difficult sections

Caution: dangerous passage at Les Seyttets (sheep park and patous), but passage possible. Alternate itinerary/loop recommended by Tête du Planet.

Marking

Departmental signposting beige metal panel with green writing

Map references

Map IGN 3430ET - LA CLUSAZ LE GRAND-BORNAND
Les Belvédères du Mont-Blanc map on sale for €7 at the tourist office.

Amenities

Guided steps

1/ Park in the Peray parking lot.
2/ Head towards Tête Noire.
3/ Once you've reached Tête Noire, head for Plateau des Bénés and Cabane du Petit Pâtre.
4/ Take the same route back down.
VARIATION: return via Le Chanté, descend via Les Lanchérus, Les Seythets, Le Chanté and finally the Le Peray parking lot.

Address
Parking du Peray, Route du Peray, 74700, Cordon
Opening
All year round daily. Dates are indicative and may vary according to snow conditions. Please contact Cordon Tourisme for current conditions. Information dated 28.03: Please note: for the hike to the Petit Pâtre hut, we recommend that you go up via Tête Noire, continue via Plateau des Bénés, continue via Tête du Planet to reach the Petit Pâtre hut: today we strongly recommend that you make a round trip to avoid descending through avalanche paths. Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

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Address
Parking du Peray, Route du Peray, 74700, Cordon
Opening
All year round daily. Dates are indicative and may vary according to snow conditions. Please contact Cordon Tourisme for current conditions. Information dated 28.03: Please note: for the hike to the Petit Pâtre hut, we recommend that you go up via Tête Noire, continue via Plateau des Bénés, continue via Tête du Planet to reach the Petit Pâtre hut: today we strongly recommend that you make a round trip to avoid descending through avalanche paths. Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.