Montagne Des Frêtes

Montagne des Frêtes is a 1,609-metre summit rising above the commune of Fillière in the Haute-Savoie department of France, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The mountain forms part of the wider Plateau de Glières massif and is recognised as a protected natural area, with much of its slopes covered by forest, part of which falls under a directed biological reserve.

Where exactly is Montagne des Frêtes located?

The summit sits in the Annecy arrondissement, within the Bornes-Aravis massif, at an elevation from which early-morning visitors can often look down on a sea of clouds filling the valleys below. It borders the Haute-Fillière forest, sometimes described as a woodland "above the clouds" — a fitting description for a landscape where dense forest gives way sharply to rocky ridgelines.

What is the historical significance of the area?

Montagne des Frêtes belongs to the Plateau de Glières, a site of considerable historical weight. During the Second World War, the plateau served as a stronghold for the French Resistance, and the events that unfolded there in 1944 remain a defining chapter in the region's collective memory as a symbol of defiance against occupation. Many of the trails and viewpoints in the area today intertwine natural scenery with reminders of this history.

What hiking routes cross this area?

The mountain is a popular destination for hikers exploring Haute-Savoie. One well-known route passes through the Pas du Roc, a narrow gap cut into the rock face that leads onto the Champ Laitier plateau, a broad grazing meadow ringed by forest. The combined route linking the Pas du Roc, Champ Laitier and the summit of Frêtes covers roughly 11 kilometres.

For a more demanding outing, hikers can follow the full loop known as the Tour de la Montagne des Frêtes. This circuit runs about 15.4 kilometres with roughly 738 metres of elevation gain, typically taking around 6.5 hours to complete. It rewards the effort with sweeping views over the Bornes-Aravis massif and the surrounding valleys, though it suits hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

What kind of natural environment can visitors expect?

The slopes of Montagne des Frêtes are largely forested, with part of that woodland protected under a directed biological reserve — a French conservation designation applied to forests of particular ecological value, where logging is restricted or managed to preserve natural processes. As a result, the area retains a relatively untouched character, appealing to those seeking a quieter, less developed mountain environment.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Montagne des Frêtes? The summit reaches an elevation of 1,609 metres.

Where is it located? In the commune of Fillière, Haute-Savoie department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, within the Annecy arrondissement.

What are the most popular routes to the summit? The Pas du Roc and Champ Laitier route (about 11 km) and the full Tour de la Montagne des Frêtes loop (about 15.4 km, +738 m elevation gain) are the two most commonly hiked options.

Does the area have historical significance? Yes — the mountain lies within the Plateau de Glières, a site associated with the French Resistance during the Second World War.

Is the area under environmental protection? Part of the forest covering the mountain's slopes is protected as a directed biological reserve.