Rival Tower

Starting from Chef-lieu, enjoy this forest itinerary with a breathtaking view of the Aiguilles d'Arves as you emerge from the forest. At your feet, you can also see the deep, dark gorges of the Arvan, carved by post-glacial erosion.
This itinerary takes you all around Albiez-Montrond, passing through forest, mountain pastures and the hamlet of La Villette.
As you leave the forest, you'll have a view of the Aiguilles d'Arves before reaching the hamlet of La Villette.
The path you'll take from La Villette to Col du Mollard was once used by schoolchildren on their way to La Villette elementary school.

Please note that the Forêt du Rival is not accessible in winter due to the risk of falling trees.

Tips

Also discover :

The Albiez heritage :
. Ecomuseum "Le Temps d'Antan" (hamlet of Le Mollard, Albiez-Montrond).
. Guided tours of Baroque chapels offered by FACIM and mountain guides.

The village of Albiez-Montrond :
. Night-time lantern-lit strolls, punctuated by tales, legends and tastings (summer and winter).
. Les énigmes du chat" treasure hunt. Fun for all the family! Booklets available from the Tourist Office.

Fantastic" walks on the Albiez plateau :
. The trail of legends in Albiez-le-Jeune.
. The fairy chimneys (le Moine de Champlan in Albiez-le-Jeune, les Demoiselles coiffées de la Saussaz...): come and see the geological curiosities of the Albiez!

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

0/ Start at Place Opinel in the village center.
1/ At the bread oven, take rue du Milieu.
2/ At the first intersection, turn left towards Le Rival, La Villette and the Champfleuri residence.
3/ Drive alongside the Champleuri residence, then leave the road by taking the path that crosses a field (ski slope in winter) and enters the Rival forest.
4/ Continue along this path to the hamlet of La Villette.
5/ At the hamlet of La Villette, take the path that climbs to the left and cuts through the twists and turns of the road towards Le Mollard.
6/ At the Chapelle du Mollard, climb up towards the Col du Mollard and the Plan d'Eau.
7/ At the Col du Mollard, take the footpath La Montée du Col down to your starting point in the Chef-lieu.

Itinerary

Daily duration : 2h 30m
Distance : 5.4 km
Change in altitude : 160 m
Change in altitude (uphill) : 160 m
Change in altitude (downhill) : 130 m
Maximum altitude : 1638 m
Type of itinerary : Boucle
Marked itinerary : Balisé
Topographical guide references : Topoguide Arvan-Villards disponible à 5€ dans nos Offices de tourisme sur nos horaires d'ouverture.
Map references : - Carte Vallées de l'Arvan et des Villards (1/25000 avec données IGN) disponible à 7€ dans nos Offices de tourisme sur nos horaires d'ouverture. - Application 3D "Pays des Aiguilles d'Arves" téléchargeable sur votre smartphone gratuitement.
Types of terrain : Not suitable for strollers

Further information

Publics : Walkers/hikers, Level bue - Medium
Adapted tourism : Not accessible in a wheelchair