Through the Grands Bois, starting from Valleiry

Park in the La Joux car park alongside the D23.

(S/E) Take the Route de Grateloup heading south-east. After a few hundred metres, leave the road at the bend and turn left onto the farm track leading to the edge of the woodland, at a place called Bois de Vaise.

(1) Head towards Les Hutins on the right. Wind your way through the oak trees of the Valleiry communal forest, then reach the boundary of the commune of Viry. Follow the boundary for a few hundred metres, pass under a high-voltage power line and, as you approach the equestrian centre, turn left to reach Les Hutins.

(2) Then take the wide country lane on the left, towards La Tuilière. Pass under the high-voltage power line a second time and emerge into the meadow.
Cross the meadow – please take care here: out of respect for the farmer’s work, please do stay on the path.
Then carry on straight ahead along the Route de Vers les Bois to reach the La Tuilière equestrian centre.

(3) Stay on the road and walk down alongside the private property towards La Repentance.
Please take care here: as you approach the protected biotope, information boards will remind you of the regulations in force on the site.

(4) You must then follow the marked route that applies to you (walker or horse rider). You will then reach the edge of the private villa at La Repentance.

(5) Take the track on the left heading south. You’ll reach a crossroads – not shown on the IGN map – just before the edge of the woodland at a place called Le Sitolet.

(6) Turn left onto the signposted route which enters the private forest of the Swiss municipality of Avusy. Walk round the edge of the Grand Champ and return to the original crossroads in the Bois de Vaise.

(1) Continue in the opposite direction to your outward journey and return to the Joux car park (S/E).

(2) You can turn right to reach Le Biollay.

Please ensure you wear suitable walking shoes and carry water. Please stay on the marked path.
Please note: crossing the protected Teppes de la Repentance biotope is subject to compliance with the regulations in force. In particular, it is forbidden to allow dogs to enter without a lead, to camp, to litter, to pick plants, to disturb wildlife, to light fires, etc.

An exceptional natural environment in Haute-Savoie, the Teppes de la Repentance are protected by a Prefectural Decree for the Protection of Biotopes. Indeed, the clayey nature of the soil has given rise to unique vegetation with a Mediterranean feel: a sparse Scots pine forest, interspersed with common junipers and carpeted with blue molinia.

A true refuge for a host of plants and animals that struggle to find a home elsewhere, the site is home to remarkable plant species (including numerous orchids) as well as a rich and highly diverse fauna (notably butterflies). The Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels 74 and the SIV are involved in managing the site.