La Tour de l'Angle Est

La Tour de l'Angle Est is a rocky summit in the Bauges massif above Montcel, rising to 1,562–1,563 metres. Together with the neighbouring Tour des Ébats (1,470 m), it forms a well-known ridge section called the Sentier des Crêtes, popular with hikers for its views over Lake Bourget and the wider Savoie landscape.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point is the Maison Cantonnière, on the D913 road between the Col de la Clusaz and the Station du Revard, in the commune of Montcel in Savoie. From there the trail climbs first to the Tour des Ébats, then follows the ridge across to the Tour de l'Angle Est. The typical round trip covers roughly 550 metres of elevation gain and takes about 3 hours 30 minutes, either back the same way or via a loop through Froidan.

What will you see?

The ridge connecting the two summits narrows in places to a windy, exposed edge, giving the walk a genuinely alpine feel despite its moderate altitude. From the Tour de l'Angle Est, hikers look down on the Dent du Chat and Lake Bourget, with the Bauges massif stretching north to south. On a clear day the view extends further to the Bornes massif with its distinctive La Tournette peak, and even to the Mont Blanc massif on the horizon. It is one of those spots where a modest climb pays off with a panorama spanning several mountain ranges at once.

The terrain is rocky and grassy, typical of the foothills of the Savoie Alps — there are no glaciers or technical climbing sections, but some parts of the ridge require a steady step due to the exposure.

When should you visit?

The route is walkable from late spring through autumn as a classic mountain hike. In winter, with sufficient snow cover, the stretch between the Maison Cantonnière and the Tour de l'Angle Est turns into a snowshoe route — a popular shorter but scenic winter outing in the Bauges. The best conditions for the view come on a clear day, when visibility can reach as far as Mont Blanc.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Tour de l'Angle Est? The summit reaches 1,562–1,563 metres above sea level, depending on the source.

Where's the best place to start the hike? The most convenient starting point is the Maison Cantonnière on the D913 road, between the Col de la Clusaz and the Station du Revard.

Is the trail difficult? It's a moderate hike — the main challenges are the elevation gain (around 550 m) and a few narrower, exposed ridge sections that call for care.

Can you hike it in winter? Yes, with good snow cover it's a popular snowshoeing route, though the exposed ridge sections need extra attention in winter conditions.