Mont Billiat, Mountain summit in Haute-Savoie, France

Mont Billiat is a mountain summit in Haute-Savoie that rises to approximately 1,900 meters and is reached via steep paths crossing alpine meadows. The route features a prominent rock ridge secured with metal cables and chains installed by local climbers.

Mont Billiat belongs to the plastic median Prealps nappe, where Upper Jurassic Moléson limestone beds stand almost vertically in the cliffs. A normal fault, the faille du mont Billiat, doubles the Upper Jurassic series and may have caused secondary folding. The summit cross was erected in 1998 by the Bellevaux-Vailly mountain rescue section, replacing a cross put up in 1988 for the section's tenth anniversary.

The name likely comes from the Latin bilia or Gaulish bilio, meaning tree, suggesting a notable tree once stood on the mountain. For the Gauls a tree symbolised the whole world, and many regional peak names refer to trees. A cross now stands on the summit, erected in 1998 by the Bellevaux-Vailly mountain rescue section, replacing one put up in 1988 for its tenth anniversary.

This hike requires sturdy footwear and sure-footedness, especially on the technical section with cables and chains. It is best to start early and be prepared for changing weather conditions that can develop quickly at this elevation.

The route includes a technical passage with metal cables and chains that offers an engaging climbing experience many hikers find surprisingly thrilling. This exposed section gives a sense of real alpine adventure even though the elevation itself is not extreme.