Location and surroundings
The mountain range hierarchy places Pointe d'Arcalod within the Central European Highlands, the Alps, the Western Alps, the Northwestern Alps, the Savoy Prealps, and finally the Bauges range. Located in France, within the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and the district of Savoy (municipality of Chambéry), it stands as the highest of 124 named peaks in the Bauges. The surrounding landscape features rugged limestone ridges, deep valleys, and pastoral slopes characteristic of the Prealps.
Neighbouring peaks
Pointe d'Arcalod is surrounded by several close summits and passes:
- Mont de la Coche (peak), 2,070 m, 1.7 km S
- Pointe Chaurionde (peak), 2,173 m, 2.4 km E
- Montagne de la Sambuy (peak), 2,127 m, 3.1 km E
- Mont d'Orchair (peak), 1,537 m, 3.4 km SE
- Pointe de Velan (peak), 1,784 m, 4.0 km N
- Dent des Portes (peak), 1,932 m, 4.4 km NW
- Le Grand Roc (peak), 1,804 m, 4.4 km SE
- Le Pécloz (peak), 2,197 m, 5.6 km S
Standing at 2,217 metres with a massive prominence of 1,707 metres, Pointe d'Arcalod towers above all these immediate neighbours as the high point of the range.
The view from the summit
From the high point of Pointe d'Arcalod, visibility extends across the region on clear days. The highest peaks within a 25 km radius include Le Grand Mont at 2,686 m (24.6 km E), Pic du Rognolet at 2,659 m (24.5 km SE), Pointe de Camborsier at 2,534 m (23.7 km E), Pointe de Combe Bronsin at 2,499 m (22.3 km SE), Mont Bellachat at 2,484 m (20.8 km E), and Le Grand Arc at 2,484 m (16.6 km SE). These distant giants of the broader alpine region frame the horizon around the Bauges.
The range
The mountain range of the Bauges contains 124 named peaks, of which Pointe d'Arcalod is the highest. The range forms a distinct limestone massif within the Savoy Prealps section of the Western Alps. The wider region spans part of the Central European Highlands system in France. While Pointe d'Arcalod serves as the highest point of the Bauges itself, it is part of the broader French alpine geography characterised by deeply cut valleys and prominent ridge systems.
Climbing routes
Several well-known routes lead to the summit of Pointe d'Arcalod. The normal route from the east begins at the Nant-Fourchu parking area in the commune of École, heading north up the Nant-Orgeval valley before climbing directly up the east slope; this route requires caution regarding falling stones during busy periods. An alternative for experienced hikers is the northern ridge traverse starting from the Pont de Leyat in Jarsy, passing through the Col de Chérel and the Col du Curtillet, which features exposed rocky sections along the ridge. An unstaffed refuge, the Chalet de l'Aulp de Seytroux, supports approaches via the normal route from Bellecombe involving steep grassy slopes and lapiaz terrain.
Access and starting points
Access to the climbing routes for Pointe d'Arcalod is typically gained from regional mountain settlements. The usual starting town is École. Specific trailheads and parking areas include Nant-Fourchu within the commune of École for the east slope route, and the Pont de Leyat in Jarsy for the northern ridge traverse. The unstaffed hut at Chalet de l'Aulp de Seytroux serves as another key waypoint for approaches originating near Bellecombe.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates derived from NASA POWER monthly means for the period 2001–2020 indicate that the warmest month at the summit is July, with a mean temperature of about 10 °C, while the coldest month is January, at about -6 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit from April through October. Precipitation in the surrounding area averages about 1,000 mm per year, with May being the wettest month at about 105 mm and February the driest at about 70 mm. Mountain weather can change rapidly, and typical hazards include sudden storms, mist, strong ridge winds, and rockfall on crowded routes.
Best time to visit
The suitable window for climbing Pointe d'Arcalod generally aligns with the months when mean temperatures at the summit are above freezing: April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. During these months, snow cover is usually minimal on the lower trails, though upper ridges may retain snow longer into the spring. Winter ascents are strictly reserved for experienced ski mountaineers engaging in extreme freeride descents on the steep eastern slopes.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Pointe d'Arcalod consists of typical alpine and pre-alpine ecosystems, featuring limestone lapiaz formations, steep grassy meadows, and rocky ridges. Vegetation transitions from lower mountain forests and pastures to sparse alpine flora near the summit. Wildlife in the Bauges range includes chamois, alpine ibex, red deer, and various birds of prey such as golden eagles soaring above the limestone cliffs.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional assistance, hiring a certified mountain guide is advisable for tackling exposed ridges and unfamiliar alpine terrain. In France, the national mountain guide association is the French National Mountain Guides Union (Syndicat National des Guides de Montagne (SNGM)), which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member organisation. The national alpine club is the Fédération Française des Clubs Alpins et de Montagne (FFCAM). Established guiding companies such as the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix operate within the French mountains. A guided ascent typically includes safety instruction, route navigation, and technical equipment provision, with pricing depending on the number of days, group size, hut accommodations, and specific route difficulty.
Safety and preparation
Ascending Pointe d'Arcalod demands proper physical preparation, sturdy footwear, windproof and waterproof layers, and awareness of technical terrain such as exposed ridges and lapiaz. Rockfall is a recognised hazard on popular routes like the east slope. In the event of an emergency, the pan-European emergency number is 112. In the mountains, calling 112 connects directly to the competent rescue services, which in France are usually handled by the gendarmerie PGHM or CRS Montagne.
History and name
Pointe d'Arcalod is historically documented as the highest point of the Massif des Bauges in the Savoy Prealps. Its summit ridge is composed of Urgonian limestone strata belonging to the eastern flank of the Chérel anticline, crossed by a prominent geological fault known as the Arcalod fault that interrupts the western slope.
Interesting facts
Pointe d'Arcalod holds the title of the highest peak among the 124 named summits in the Bauges range. It boasts an impressive prominence of 1,707 metres, classifying it as an ultra-prominent peak and ranking it as the 4th most prominent peak in the French Alps. The mountain features classic Urgonian limestone geology with symmetrical 45-degree slopes on its east and west flanks.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Pointe d'Arcalod? The mountain reaches an elevation of 2,217 metres above sea level.
Where is Pointe d'Arcalod located? It is located in France, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, district of Savoy, and municipality of Chambéry, forming the highest point of the Bauges range in the Savoy Prealps.
What are the nearest peaks to Pointe d'Arcalod? The closest summits include Mont de la Coche at 1.7 km south, Pointe Chaurionde at 2.4 km east, and Montagne de la Sambuy at 3.1 km east.
How does Pointe d'Arcalod compare to other peaks in its range? It is the highest of the 124 named peaks in the Bauges range, surpassing all neighbouring summits in both elevation and prominence.
What are the main routes for climbing Pointe d'Arcalod? Established routes include the normal east slope route starting from Nant-Fourchu in École, the northern ridge traverse starting from the Pont de Leyat in Jarsy via the Col de Chérel and Col du Curtillet, and the route from Bellecombe via the unstaffed Chalet de l'Aulp de Seytroux.
Is there water on the way to Pointe d'Arcalod? Natural water sources along the trails are unreliable and may be affected by livestock or seasonal drying. Walkers should carry an adequate supply of drinking water—typically 1.5 to 3 litres per person for a day trip—and use purification methods if collecting from streams.
How long does it take to climb Pointe d'Arcalod? The normal route from Bellecombe via the Chalet de l'Aulp de Seytroux takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on the mountain? Mobile phone coverage in the Bauges can be patchy, failing in deep valleys and behind steep limestone ridges, though a signal is sometimes accessible on open summits. Emergency calls to 112 will connect over any available network, and digital maps should be downloaded prior to departure.