Le Mole

Since moving to Geneva about a year ago, this perfect pyramid of a mountain, highly visible from the lakeshore has caught my attention time and again. Today, me and a friend finally managed to drive out there and hike up to its peak (1863m).

We drove from Geneva (45 minutes from downtown without traffic) to the trailhead at a place called "Chez Beroud". It used to be a reataurant but is now closed since the old owner, which we happened to bump into, had recently retired. It is located in the commune of St. Jean de Tholome, passing the village of Bovere. The trailhead, which has enough parking space is at 1150m. 

From there we set out on an access road through dense pine forest towards Plan Meulet / Cole du Mole (1563m). The road meanders up the mountain on serpentines; after maybe ten minutes make sure not to go up the steep road on the right but keep left. Once on Plan Meulet, which is a grassy pass a nice panorama opens up towards the South (of which we did not see much because of low hanging clouds and fog moving in and out).

Here you turn to your right and work up some sweat on a steep grassy ridge. Once the path flattens out you are almost there - you cannot miss the peak, as it is adorned by a wooden cross. We enjoyed the spectacular view from up there. Literally 360 degrees. 

Going down we did a nice loop, following the trail, which pretty soon turns into a steep path down towards a saddle. At an abandon house you turn right (follow signs to Petit Mole), nice path through light forest and shrubs with occasional views of Aravis etc. From Mont Rond you follow the signs to St. Jean de Tholome, and 30 min later you are back at the trailhead,

We really loved this relatively easy half day walk.