On the shores of Lake Geneva between Recorts Beach and the port of Séchex

The walk starts from the car park at Recorts Beach, which is at the end of Rue des Pêcheurs, at the entrance to the village of Anthy when approaching from Thonon-les-Bains. If the car park is full, park at the car park at Anthy Beach (1), at the end of Rue du Lac; it is larger but charges a fee (€1/hour).

No signposting

(S/E) Head towards the lakeside and turn left (west). Walk between a fishing harbour and the fishermen’s small boats. Pass a boules court and a playground, then walk along Anthy-sur-Léman beach.

Blue signposting (a few arrows and numerous circles painted on the ground)

(1) Walk between a lawn on your left and a stony area on your right. At the end (sign saying ‘Servitude de marchepied’), take a shaded path that runs alongside the lake. When the path becomes blocked (Yellow Cross), climb a flight of steps on the left and walk alongside a meadow on your left. At the end of the meadow, cross a stream. Further on, go down a flight of steps and reach a small pebble beach (jetty).

Pass under a bench at the end of a tarmac road (below elevation 380) and continue along the pebbles. Pass a concrete ramp leading down to the lake. After passing a^second ramp, first turn right then left to take a path at the bottom of a lawn. At the end, step over a very low wall to reach the lakeside again. Walk past several private jetties and continue along the lakeside (sometimes very close to the water).

Walk alongside a wire fence on your left and, at the end, cross the roof slab of a boathouse. Then pass a chicane and follow a path with a fence on your left. Continue between a hedge and the lake. Cross another slipway and continue at the foot of a lawn and then past a chalet.

(2) Take a small jetty. At the end, climb a few steps then take a path at the foot of a lawn. Continue along the lakeshore, taking a few flights of steps. Pass a bend in the path and carry on through the woodland. Further on, pass two bends in succession and continue along the lake. Walk past lakeside chalets.

You’ll come to a small private harbour; climb the steps directly in front of you. Then go down a flight of steps and carry on straight ahead along a narrow jetty overlooking the lake (take care). Continue along the top of a low wall, which is just as narrow as the jetty. You’ll reach the access point to the Séchex-Margencel landing stage.

No signposting

(3) A short round trip to the landing stage offers a lovely view of Lake Léman and the Jura Mountains.

(3) Walk up a one-way street (opposite when returning from the landing stage, on the left when arriving directly from the coastal path). Immediately after the “Port de Séchex” sign on the right-hand side and just before a road running at right angles, turn left onto the Chemin de la Monjonnière. Walk alongside a fence on your left and, at the junction at the corner of the fence, carry on straight ahead. You’ll come out onto a tarmac lane; follow it to the right.

(4) At the end (bus stop opposite), turn left. Follow the Route du Lavoret straight on, keeping to the wide pavement on the left, and ignore all the dead ends and side roads. At the crossroads (wine press; elevation 405), turn left. Walk past the cemetery and cross the Rue du Lac on your left.

(5) At the Anthy-Village bus stop, turn right under a portico and go up the steps leading to the war memorial and the church. Go round the church on the right and head back down via Rue de l’Église. At the roundabout, take the narrow Allée du Pinet straight ahead. Cross a car park and turn right (fountain) to exit and come out onto Rue des Pêcheurs.

(6) Follow the road to the left. Pass an old wash house and continue downhill to the car park at Recorts Beach (S/E).

A good pair of trainers is all you need for this walk, which presents no difficulties.

Facilities along the way:
(1) Anthy Beach: public toilets, refreshment bar, restaurant.
(3) Séchex-Margencel landing stage: public toilets, refreshment bar, restaurant.

Warnings:
- Between (S/E) and (3), the route crosses private property. Access is permitted under a right of way. Do not stray from the path, keep dogs on a lead and respect the surroundings.
- Swimming (in season) is only permitted on public beaches (Recorts, Anthy and Séchex). Do not sit on private jetties.
- As some sections run very close to the water, do not undertake this walk on days when the lake is rough (strong ‘bise’ winds and, even more so, during a storm).

Alternative return route:
Once you reach the Séchex-Margencel landing stage (3), you can, of course, walk the entire way back along the lakeside, following the route in the opposite direction to the outward journey.

Additional information:
This walk can be combined with the walk“Along Lake Léman between Corzent Beach and Anthy Beach” published on Visorando. Start with this second walk. Once you reach its starting point (3) (Anthy Beach), follow this walk from its starting point (1). Once you reach the point (6) (Rue des Pêcheurs), follow the second walk from its starting point (5). The total distance is approximately 8.5 km.

Hike completed by the author on 12 July 2019.

- The small fishing port of Les Recorts (S/E).
- Beautiful views of Lake Geneva, its Swiss shore and the Jura Mountains, between (S/E) and (3).
- Fountains, an old wash house, beautiful houses and a church in the village of Anthy-sur-Léman.