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Pierra Perchia Trail

Allières - Les avants 

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Stage info

ith an elevation gain of 900 metres, the route down from the Hongrin valley to Lake Geneva is not for the faint-hearted, and is best suited to seasoned hikers.

The trail begins in Allières, a hamlet in Haut-Intyamon. The initial ascent leads to the Orgevau pasture. The second stage runs up to L'Urqui pasture, where lush meadows gradually give way to a mountain landscape, first the Pre-Alps and then the Alps. The third stage runs through the small combe of Pierra Perchia and its limestone pavements. This distinctive karst landscape, which was formed by water erosion, is peppered with sink holes and underground passages.

The following descent leads along the Les Verraux mountain range, below the peaks of the Cape au Moine and the Corbé, to the Col de Jaman. This mountain pass is the shortest route between the Pays-d'Enhaut, the Gruyère region and Lake Geneva, and was long the only way to reach the region's high valleys. The Col de Jaman is also a great spot to watch migrating birds, and even has a bird ringing station. The final stage, which includes several switchbacks, continues down through the forest to the pastureland not far from Jor before finally reaching Les Avants, a village famed for its fields of wild narcissus.

At a glance

Distance
10.9 km
Duration
4:30
Elevation change
+ 990 m
- 1020 m

Itinerary

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ROAD CONDITIONS

Road conditions may vary at any time. Please consult SwitzerlandMobility before setting off on your hike. Check the Hiking in Switzerland box to see which paths are passable and which.

8.ALLIERES_LES-AVANTS-3008x1692

THE NARCISSSUS FORECASTING

The narcissus forecasting provides information on flowering and abundance in different meadows.
 

Check the forecasting

Points of interest

Col de Jaman
Col de Jaman
Despite the route's dangers and sometimes questionable condition, this path had two big advantages: it was the shortest route between the Pays-d’Enhaut, the Gruyères, and Léman (Lake Geneva), and it was passable almost year-round. It was also an important gateway for the inhabitants of the high valleys who couldn’t live in complete autarky. In the 19th century, however, the route’s roll changed. Tourists in awe of the panorama (and the echo off the Dent de Jaman) replaced cheese-makers little by little. Tour guides of the time often cited Lord Byron: “This view is as beautiful as a dream!” The pass, impassable by car and still closed to automobile traffic today, can be crossed (other than by foot) thanks to a tunnel built on the MOB (Montreux-Oberland bernois) railway line in 1904. This line remains the main public transportation axis between the Pays-dEnhaut, the Intyamon, and the Lake Geneva region.
Col de Jaman
1824 Montreux
Les Avants
Les Avants
Les Avants developed a notable hotel industry starting the middle of the 19th century with the arrival of public transportation. The village has a unique regional architecture. In Sonloup, the funicular (built in 1911), with its distinctive red cars, was recently restored.
1833 Les Avants
Hamlet of Allières
Hamlet of Allières
Allières with its inn (former cabaret), is located on the Jaman Pass mule trail.
1669 Allières
Also worth discovering...
Allières, Auberge la Croix de Fer
Lapiaz de Pierra Perchia
Col de Jaman, Le Manoïre restaurant
Col de Jaman, bird bagging station

Safety

PREPARE YOUR HIKE

Carte KF-3617x2713

Being well-prepared is the first essential step to a successful tour. Have you thought of everything? Here are a few things to help you get ready.

Tips for my hike

Responsible behaviour

Allières-Les Avants randonneurs -1816x1362

This tour takes place in a pre-Alpine environment with an exceptional natural heritage, a rich landscape and a predominantly alpine economy, all of which demand exemplary behaviour.

Hikers' charter

To help you

Buy the park map

Find a mountain guide

Hiking ideas

Awaken your senses

The Cheese trails

Hikes for all ages along the old cheese transport routes

One-day excursions

Cross-country tours with TP stops at the beginning and end of the route.