Les Bénés walking loop

This hike takes you to a "plateau" at an average altitude of 1,800m, from which the view of the Mont-Blanc massif is incomparable.

Walking along this very wide ridge, located between the eastern slopes of the Aravis mountain range and the Arve valley, gives you a pleasant sense of escape.

A sunny slope, rich in traditional mountain agriculture, the Cordon hillside opens up to the whole of the Mont-Blanc region.

From the hamlet of Mouilles, after an initial climb through the forest, you'll discover a magnificent 360° view of the Aravis mountains, the Tête du Coloney, the Arve valley, Mont Joly and the Combloux-Cordon hillside below you.

You're now on the Plateau des Bénés, facing the Mont Blanc Massif. The trail guides you along this wide, open ridge to the foot of Grand Croisse Baulet, a 2236-meter-high peak.

Once you've reached the Cabane du Petit Pâtre, take time to enjoy the picnic area and contemplate the view before heading back down to your starting point.

Caution: dangerous passage at Les Seyttets (sheep park and patous), but passage possible. Alternate route recommended by Tête Noire.

1/ From "Parking les Mouilles", follow signs for "Le Peray".
2/ At "Le Perray", follow signs for "Le Chanté-Chalets des Bénés-Cabane du Petit Pâtre". Be careful not to head off in the direction of "Tête noir".
3/ You will then pass through the following villages: "Le Chanté", "Les Seythets d'en Haut" until you reach the Cabane du Petit Pâtre.
4/ Once at the Cabane du Petit Pâtre, continue on in the direction of "Chalet des Bénés".
5/ From "Chalet des Bénés", take the fork that will take you back down towards "Le Peray", "Cordon", and then back to your starting point at the Les Mouilles parking lot.