Glières Plateau

Plateau des Glières is a limestone upland in the Bornes Massif, part of the commune of Glières-Val-de-Borne in Haute-Savoie — a place that carries both the weight of French Resistance history and a reputation as one of the region's best cross-country skiing grounds.

What is this place?

Sitting at roughly 1,400–1,500 meters and ringed by the ridgelines of the Bornes Massif, the plateau lies about 15 km from Thorens-Glières and just under 30 km from La Roche-sur-Foron. It's a wide, open highland basin — summer pasture and meadow, winter snowfield — that has become one of Haute-Savoie's signature spots for cross-country skiing.

Historically, Glières is a name tied directly to the French Resistance during the Second World War. In spring 1944, several hundred Maquisards gathered on the plateau, hoping to receive Allied arms drops and organize resistance against Vichy and German forces. The confrontation that followed ended badly for the Resistance fighters on the ground, but it left the plateau permanently etched into French national memory as one of the enduring symbols of wartime resistance.

How do you get there?

Access is by road from the valley floor, with parking at the main entry points onto the plateau — typically approached via Petit-Bornand-les-Glières or Thorens-Glières. In winter, access can depend on snow conditions, and some approach roads are specifically maintained for ski traffic. The nearest larger towns are Annecy and La Roche-sur-Foron, both connected by local roads running up toward the Bornes Massif.

What will you see up there?

The historical heart of the plateau is the National Necropolis (Nécropole Nationale des Glières), anchored by a striking memorial monument sculpted by Émile Gilioli in tribute to the fallen Resistance fighters. A small museum or memorial house nearby fills in the story of the 1944 events for visitors.

Beyond the history, the plateau is above all an open-air playground: an extensive network of groomed cross-country ski trails in winter, and in the warmer months, hiking and cycling routes that climb toward the surrounding peaks and passes of the Bornes Massif, opening up views over the Savoy Alps and the Arve valley.

When should you visit?

Winter (December to March) is cross-country ski season — the plateau has a well-established trail network spanning difficulty levels, appealing to beginners and seasoned skiers alike. In summer (June to September), it becomes a hiking destination in its own right: the open terrain and moderate elevation gain make it a more accessible alternative to the region's higher, more demanding alpine routes, and a solid option for families.

Frequently asked questions

What's the historical significance of Glières? In spring 1944, several hundred Maquisards — French Resistance fighters — gathered on the plateau, clashing with German and Vichy forces. The National Necropolis, with its Émile Gilioli monument, commemorates the event today.

Can you go cross-country skiing here? Yes — the plateau is one of Haute-Savoie's recognized cross-country skiing centers, with a groomed trail network covering multiple difficulty levels.

Are the hiking trails suitable for families? Yes, many routes across the open plateau have gentle gradients and don't require high-mountain experience, though checking current weather conditions before setting out is always a good idea.

What's the best way to plan the drive there? The easiest approach is from Annecy or La Roche-sur-Foron toward Thorens-Glières or Petit-Bornand-les-Glières, from where signed access roads lead up onto the plateau with marked parking areas.