Stage 2 Les Contamines-Montjoie → Les Chapieux
The big climb of the tour: from Notre-Dame de la Gorge to Col du Bonhomme and Croix du Bonhomme.
Updated
- 18.2 kmdistance
- +1,319 mascent
- −909 mdescent
- 8h30walking, no breaks
- 2,478 mhigh point
- Harddifficulty
The walk
The route follows the Val Montjoie up to the Notre-Dame de la Gorge chapel, then the old paved Roman road to Nant Borrant and La Balme. Above, the path opens onto the Plan des Dames pastures and reaches Col du Bonhomme, before a traverse to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, the day’s high point.
Note: the Croix du Bonhomme hut is closed for renovation from August 2026 to spring 2029. The stage therefore ends at Les Chapieux (about 900 m lower), or is split in two with a night at Nant Borrant or La Balme. In good weather and without snow, the Col des Fours variant (2,665 m, the TMB’s highest point) leads straight to Les Mottets.
Passes on the way
- 2,329 mCol du Bonhomme
- 2,433 mCol de la croix du bonhommeSnow patches possible early in the season
12 water points mapped on OpenStreetMap along the stage (check drinkability on site).
Where to sleep in Les Chapieux
3 places listed. Check opening dates and prices with each place. All accommodation on the tour
Good to know
- North side of the Bonhomme: snow patches are common until July. Poles are a must, microspikes useful early in the season.
- Les Chapieux only has a small grocery and cheese shop: plan the next day’s lunch.