Haute-Savoie walks

A lovely, varied walk with undergrowth, meadows and small villages, with the added bonus of the Angon waterfall and superb views of the lake, La Tournette and the Dents de Lanfon.

This hike is not particularly difficult, despite one slightly steep section, and will take you to the foot of the terminal tongue of the Bionnassay Glacier, then to the Col de Voza. All along the way, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Bionnassay Glacier, then the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Massif.

A superb hike starting from the Chalets de Bise, to discover Lake Darbon, a little gem nestled among the rocks. ⚠️ This route crosses the protected natural area of the Cornettes de Bise. To avoid disturbing the wildlife and preserve its habitat, please respect the regulations in force (see practical information). ANYONE WHO FAILS TO DO SO WILL BE FINED.

The ridge trail from Mont Veyrier to Mont Baron overlooks Lake Annecy from a height of over 800 metres and offers panoramic views of the Bauges peaks. ⚠️ A decree issued by the municipalities of Annecy and Veyrier-du-Lac prohibits motorised vehicles from accessing the Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet.

Tête Noire, Tête Ronde and Tête de l'Arpettaz: three peaks overlooking the southern end of the Glières Plateau. The hike takes you through a fairly wild and unfrequented part of the peaks surrounding the famous historic plateau. Magnificent 360° view.

A lovely walk in the Giffre valley, starting from the immense glacial amphitheatre known as the Fer à Cheval, to reach the Fond de la Combe, with magnificent waterfalls, particularly in spring; the flora and fauna are also impressive. Moderator's note, following a comment from a user on 17 June 2023. The footbridge at Fond de la Combe is temporarily closed by municipal order and if you want to go to Bout du Monde, you should cross to the right bank of the Giffre at the Prazon chalet. The loop indicated here is therefore not currently possible.

An atypical route through bushes and over Annecy's lake.

This place really exists and it's not far away! To get there, simply: - go to the superb Sixt Fer à Cheval cirque, - take the wide tracks and paths from the car park, - continue to the front walls.

On the border between the Mont Blanc, Beaufortain and Tarentaise massifs, this hike will take you through alpine pastures to discover the Lacs Jovets at an altitude of over 2,100 metres.

Hike offering superb views of the Massif des Bornes, Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc.

This hike takes you to the Dent d'Oche. From this distinctive peak overlooking Lake Geneva, you can enjoy a magnificent 360° panorama of the Lake Geneva basin, the Jura and the Alps, including the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc massif. It's a difficult and exposed route, but the reward is well worth the effort when you reach the top!

Hiking facing the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix peaks.

This loop trail runs through the suspended valley of Montmin and takes you to the monument of the Seven Fountains (1642), a Christian building with a very unusual design.

A beautiful, easy hike on the Semnoz plateau. Numerous panoramic views throughout the hike.

This is a classic destination in the Combes des Aravis, allowing you to visit two pretty combes linked by a remarkable natural curiosity.

A hike for those who want to enjoy the high mountains without too much elevation gain. It's ideal for children aged 8-10, to help them appreciate the mountains. You'll enjoy a panoramic view of the Mont Blanc range from the Chamonix side.

A superb walk facing the long barrier of the Rochers des Fiz (or Chaîne des Fiz – Massif de Platé, Haut Giffre), in an exceptional setting with a section of the route running alongside the Souay torrent. When the sun is shining, the reflections of Lake Pormenaz are truly beautiful.

Beautiful hike with views of the Tournette and Lake Annecy.

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.

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.

The wide path that leads to this unexpected lake is very pleasant and easy to walk on. You will quickly enjoy a wide panorama of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks until you reach a small glacial lake up to 10 m deep. From the lake, I suggest taking the path to Pointe du Haut Fleury. A beautiful view awaits you there, along with two orientation tables.

Discover two glacial lakes: Lac Noir, nestled in lush greenery, and Lac de la Beunaz, which is also a popular summer leisure destination. This hike follows paths through forests and meadows, as well as small roads with very little traffic. It offers superb panoramic views of Lake Geneva to the north and the surrounding peaks to the south.

As Hugues Aufray sings: Get up, guys, wake up, we've got to get going, we're going to the end of the world... Walkers who are not afraid of heights, or are able to overcome their fear, will be rewarded with sublime views.

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.

A superb hike that begins in a valley in the Aravis mountain range and ends with a breathtaking finale and a 360° panorama of the Northern Alps.

A lovely, easy hike that climbs up to Lac Vert and goes around it. Along the way, there are beautiful views of the Mont Blanc massif.

There is an alternative route to the "classic" route to Lac de Lessy, which is much less frequented. No particular difficulties (no ladders).

A magnificent hike in the mid-range mountains with views of Lake Annecy and a 360° panorama of the Northern Alps and Mont Blanc from the summit. (__Caution__) read this article before embarking on this loop.

A lovely walk starting from the car park downstream from Lake Montriond. Follow the path along the lake shore and through the forest to reach the superb Ardent waterfall. The surroundings are magnificent. As the site is very popular, it is best to start the walk early in the day.

An excellent family hike. You can go as far as the pass or stop at the lake, which is already a very beautiful setting. Beautiful views of the Dents du Midi (climb to the lake) and the Cornettes de Bise (from the pass). You are in a protected area! See the regulations in the practical information section.

This hike will introduce you to the flora and fauna of the Alps. Depending on the time of year, you can meet the inhabitants of these mountains and taste their delicious cheeses.

This is a fairly short, easy walk. The mountain pasture and lake are magnificent, but the access path, which is sometimes quite muddy, is mainly in the forest and offers few views.

A bit of history and prehistory for the whole family amid the waterfalls. An easy, educational walk through the Ice Age and the French Revolution with a detour to see some waterfalls.

A lovely family walk above Bonneville, a gateway to the Chablais region and this unusual mountain with splendid views in good weather, of course!

One of the most beautiful hikes in the Chablais! A long and demanding route, where you walk in sumptuous surroundings. From the summit, the highest in the region along with the neighbouring Mont de Grange (2,432 m), there is a superb panorama of Lake Geneva, the Chablais peaks, the Swiss Alps and the Mont Blanc massif. N.B. Route within a protected natural area: see recommendations in the practical information section.

Between showers, with temperatures rather cool for what was supposed to be spring, we enjoyed a short walk in familiar surroundings, but the route was as enchanting as ever.

With its lunar landscape, peaceful atmosphere and magnificent views, Platé is a site unlike any other. Hike to discover a site with exceptional geological, floral and fauna riches. The size of the site makes it the largest sharp limestone pavement in Europe.

Discover the whole of Lake Annecy from this rock in Charvines between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires, which is home to a magnificent golf course.

A family walk through pastures with beautiful views of the Mémises, Mont César and Dent d'Oche, as well as Lake Geneva. This hike can be done in its entirety or in a shorter version.

A beautiful loop with views of the magnificent Lake Annecy

Le Parmelan, via the Col de Perthuis and return via the Petit MontoirVaried landscapes passing through green pastures, dense forests, rocks and impressive sharp limestone pavements on the summit.

A very pretty walk for everyone in an enchanting setting. The waterfall, made up of several cascades, flows into a multitude of naturally carved rock pools at a place called La Diomaz. At the foot of the waterfall is the Croix des Chartreux, engraved in the rock.

A superb hike in the Giffre Valley, much of which is in the Sixt Passy nature reserve, with exceptional scenery and breathtaking views.

The Balcon des Mémises is a magnificent hike alternating between forest trails and walks along the ridges, with spectacular views of Lake Geneva, the Chablais and the Jura mountains throughout the return journey. This hike does not take the Passage de l'Échelle.

A long loop taking in the various lakes in the eastern part of the Aiguilles Rouges Massif, with magnificent views of the Mont Blanc Massif just opposite, reflected in the waters of the lakes. ⚠️ The itinerary includes two tricky sections equipped with ladders and metal ramps.

A pretty, varied loop that starts off rural, then becomes airy, then vertiginous, then wooded. The views from the Prarion ridge are particularly beautiful over the entire Mont Blanc massif. The descent to the Col de la Forclaz is a little vertiginous (with cables in places) but not difficult.

An easy hike with many remarkable views.

This grassy peak does not present any technical difficulties. From the summit, there is a beautiful view of the Aravis and the Bouchet valley. This is an ideal hike for a family outing and is easily accessible in winter with snowshoes.

The Saint-Jacques Towers are a group of three monoliths that have broken away from the cliff and continue to slide 2 to 3 cm per year. The suggested route allows you to see them from different angles, from above and below. Along the way, note the paved road and the massive log barns.

A three-loop circuit: one around Mont César, and two on the ridges via the eastern summit of Les Mémises and then via Pic des Mémises (western summit). The length of the route can be adjusted depending on weather conditions, fitness level or the time at which you start the hike. Splendid panoramic views of Lake Geneva and beautiful views of the north faces of the Dent d'Oche and Pic de Borée.