cactus blues

A family hike near Rumilly that allows you to discover the right bank of the Chéran and the Albanais valleys around Boussy. The name of the circuit comes from the Croison de Boussy, a local variety of small apples that is said to have been introduced to the region by Napoleon's grognards.

A classic destination in the Bauges Regional Nature Park, the Pointe de la Galoppaz offers a sweeping panorama of the Bauges and all the mountain ranges of the Northern Alps. This spot is very popular with gliders, paragliders and birds of prey.

An easy family walk through the valleys around the commune of Vaulx. On a clear day, Mont Blanc is omnipresent and the walk offers a wide view of most of the Savoyard massifs (Bornes, Aravis, Bauges) as well as the southern Jura (Colombier massif) and further south towards the Chartreuse and the Belledonne range.

A circular loop that follows communal paths and some sections of quiet roads between Marcellaz-Albanais and Montagny-les-Lanches. Numerous panoramic views of the Jura, Bornes les Aravis and Bauges mountains.

At the crossroads between Ain, Savoie and Haute-Savoie, overlooking the Val de Fier, the Albanais plain and the Rhône valley from its height of 934 metres, the Mont des Princes, a historic site of resistance against the Italian-German occupation, is a must-see in the region. Among the many existing routes, this loop starting from Droisy offers easy access and shade, with well-paved paths that are accessible in all weather conditions. On a clear day, the sweeping view of the Alps is well worth the climb.

On the north-western edge of the Annecy conurbation and a stone's throw from the Épagny shopping area, this well-marked forest trail offers a refreshing change of scenery. From the summit, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake, the mountains and the Fier valley as it winds its way through the countryside.

From the new car park at the Aussois dams, there is a fairly easy route around Lake Plan-d'Amont, which allows you to discover the four refuges in the southern part of the Vanoise National Park. You enter the heart of the park. In summer, there are many marmots and they are not shy. The landscapes are magnificent and varied, from the rhododendron bushes on the lake shore to the Labby glacier and the mineral deserts of La Fournache.

A classic hike in the Bargy massif, between the Arve valley and the Aravis massif. This fairly challenging route takes you to Lac de Lessy, nestled at 1,700 m at the foot of the Aiguille Verte du Chinaillon, and offers magnificent views from the Col de Sosay. Ibex, once abundant, have unfortunately become rare following their mass culling (2014–2015). The bearded vulture remains, as this is its territory, and can be spotted fairly frequently in the area.