Monastery and Signal des Voirons Tour

Duration: 3 hours 30
Difference in altitude: +600m
Altitude at start point: 800m
Altitude at end point: 1480m
Map reference: IGN TOP 25 - 3429ET map
Signage: PDIPR panels
Difficulty: Family-friendly

The first chapel was built on the peaks of Les Voirons in 1451. Over time, over chapels were built and a hermitage also appeared. A statue of the Black Madonna attracted many pilgrims from the end of the 15th century. It is now kept in the Eglise de Boëge. The monastery buildings now house a hundred nuns who have a terracotta and earthenware workshop open to visitors.

From Pennaz car park, go up the road across the prairies before you head into the forest. After 5 minutes, be sure to visit the little waterfall running into the stream on your left. At the end of the visit, retrace your steps along the path. For approx. 20 minutes, climb into the forest before you reach the houses dotted all over the meadows. You are now in "Lilette". The path now goes up to "Chez Ruffieux". When you leave the forest you arrive at Les Voirons Monastery. Visit the chapel then continue to the Signal des Voirons. If you have time, follow the ridge on your left for 10 minutes until you reach the overhang of a cliff called "Le saut de la pucelle". Return via the same path.