Montcel: Hiking Trails, Alpine Pastures and Church History

Since 1995, Montcel has been part of the Massif des Bauges Regional Natural Park. In the eastern part of the village, on the slopes of Mont Revard, the landscape is shaped mainly by forests and alpine pastures. At Revard, 350 hectares belong to Montcel, including 100 hectares of alpine pastures. To help plan a stay, the hiking trails offer a range of distances, walking times and difficulty levels.

Hikes for Different Time Budgets

The route to Croix des Bergers is a very easy out-and-back hike: it is 3.6 kilometres long and takes about two and a half hours. The starting and finishing point is the Crolles car park in Montcel. The route passes through forest and alpine pastures, as well as part of the protected Tourbière des Creusates wetland, which is designated as a Natura 2000 site. Information panels along the wetland provide details about the area.

The Les crêtes du Revard circular hike also passes through Montcel, but is longer at 9.3 kilometres and about four hours; its difficulty level is moderate. Compared with the very easy Croix des Bergers route, it is the more time-consuming and challenging of the two hikes described. The trail passes through alpine pastures, forests and rocky ridges. Along the way, there are views of Lac du Bourget, Aix-les-Bains, Dauphiné, the Jura and Mont Blanc.

A mountain biking route also passes through Montcel: the VTT Bois Brulé is designated as a route through the village. It complements the two hikes as another way to explore the surrounding area by bike.

Winter, Farm Visits and Local Products

Since 1991, Porte de Crolles has been one of three access points to the ski area. The other two are in La Féclaz and Saint-François-de-Sales. Winter also shapes visitor information for GAEC de La Cluse: in winter, the valley farm in Montcel welcomes visitors. As seasonal arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the visiting arrangements in advance. Tours of the farm and its animals are offered through FACIM; registration is required at the Féclaz Tourist Office.

GAEC de La Cluse makes farm cheese and sells Tome des Bauges and Revard cheese, including le Crémeuh. The products on offer may vary. Another place to visit in the village is L'Epicafé, which combines a grocery store and café. Its offerings include regional products, bread for sale, aperitifs, coffee and tea, along with impressive views. Opening hours may change, so you should check the latest visiting hours in advance.

Churches and History in Montcel

The Saint-Georges parish church originated as a rural chapel founded by the religious community of the Priory of Saint-Robert. It was probably made into a parish church towards the end of the 13th century. It was rebuilt between 1844 and 1848.

The Chapelle Saint Robert has its own history: in 1867, the residents of Montcel decided to build the chapel near what was probably the former site of the Priory of Saint Robert. Cardinal Billiet, Archbishop of Chambéry, consecrated it on 20 February 1871. During renovation work in 1989, the main façade, made almost entirely of molasse, and the bell tower’s corner stones were brought back into prominence. The stained-glass windows are by glass artist Marie Pierre Delbecque.

Discover more destinations: Jarrier, Valmeinier, La Ravoire, Valloire, Montagny, Entremont-Le-Vieux, La Trinité, Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

For the broader travel guide: Savoie.