The Croix du Nivolet, Nivolet Cross, is a monumental cross installed at the summit of the Nivolet, in the Bauges Massif. It overlooks Lake Bourget as well as the towns of Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry. The Croix du Nivolet hike is THE classic hike for the people of Chambéry. The trail is easy and accessible. As a result, it gets very busy, especially during peak season. It is therefore better to visit outside the tourist season.
Leaving from Annecy, I set off alone for this hike. After a tough week at work, the call of the mountains is strong. Parked at the Sire parking lot, I begin by admiring the view near the chalet/snack bar. Magnificent! Today, the lake’s water is a stunning turquoise, just like that of Lake Annecy.
Chambéry Airport, located at the end of Lake Bourget, offers a breathtaking view, especially during takeoff. In summer, when the lake takes on a turquoise hue, the scenery is particularly striking. Upon landing, it’s best not to come in too fast, or you might end up in the lake!
The trail to the cross is well marked, making it impossible to get lost. The Croix du Nivolet is accessible in all seasons, whether with hiking boots or snowshoes when there’s snow.
Hike to the Croix du Nivolet
I first went to admire the view, then returned near the parking lot and decided to take the wider path located to the left of the ski lift. It’s far too hot today, and this trail is more or less shaded.
The elevation gain is mainly in the first part of the hike. After this initial slope, I reach the Sire chalet (1521m). From here, the Croix du Nivolet is marked as 35 minutes away. This second part is a shaded walk through the forest, perfect for hot weather.
3 paths are now in front of me. There’s always a bit of FOMO, the fear of missing something on one of the other routes! So, I chose the path on the right, the one that runs along the cliff, dotted with beautiful viewpoints. Since I started in the early afternoon, I mostly pass hikers on their way back.
At the top, there’s a stunning viewpoint offering a panorama of the Belledonne range and the Chartreuse massif. You can clearly see Mont Granier, easily recognizable by its distinctive shape.
The Croix du Nivolet
The cross stands at a height of 21.50 meters. It’s quite impressive when you reach its base. A barrier has been installed around it to prevent falls. With the erosion and the number of visitors, caution was definitely needed. There’s only a group of young people having a picnic, leading me to believe that most of the hikers are already on their way back. The landscape is breathtaking, and the place feels almost serene.
History of the cross
This cross has certainly had its share of adventures! Due to urban development, the cross from the Chapel of the Black Penitents had to be relocated. In 1861, the first cross was erected at the site. Unfortunately, in 1909, a hurricane bent the cross, causing irreparable damage. A new cross, 21.50 meters high, was then built. But again, it faced challenges. Not only was it vandalized, but it was also struck by lightning. It had to be rebuilt yet again. The current cross, installed in 1989, has stood tall ever since.
Way back
On the way back, instead of taking the same path, I headed left to follow the cliffs and get closer to the lake and the view. The colors were different in the afternoon, less contrasted.
The Nivolet Natural Area
The Nivolet Natural Area is a protected natural zone surrounding the Croix du Nivolet. It is part of the Bauges Massif Regional Natural Park, a protected area due to its wildlife, flora, and landscapes. This protection status helps preserve the region’s natural beauty while making it accessible for activities. Besides hiking and snowshoeing, the area is popular with paragliders.
The Croix du Nivolet is not the only attraction in the Nivolet Natural Area.
- The cave of Doctor Carret, with his house clinging to the cliff, is visible during the hike to the Doria waterfall, as well as at the start of the via ferrata of the Carret cave.
- Arboretum and Heritage Orchard of Château de Chaffardon
Access to the Croix du Nivolet hike
The Nivolet area offers numerous hikes and trails. In this article, I suggest the Croix du Nivolet hike starting from the Sire parking lot as well as from La Féclaz.
The Croix du Nivolet from the Sire parking lot
This is a family-friendly route, well known to the residents of Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains. The Sire parking lot is located at an altitude of 1410 meters. There are 2 routes:
- “Sire Snowshoe Trail”: Allow about 1 hour and 25 minutes of walking in winter.
- “Nivolet Trail”: Allow about 1 hour of walking in summer.
The Croix du Nivolet from La Féclaz
An easy hike of about 3 hours and 30 minutes, covering 10 km.
Address
La Croix du Nivolet
73230 Les Deserts
Mountain bikes and dogs
Mountain bikes are not allowed at the Croix du Nivolet. You can go with a dog, provided it’s kept on a leash.
Technical Information
Departure: Sire Parking lot
Duration: 1h25
Difficulty: Easy
Starting altitude: 1,410 m
Arrival altitude: 1,547 m
Elevation gain: 137 m
