Refine your search for walks in Ayn
From Col du Banchet to Château de Montbel
A pleasant, sunny half-day walk, very popular in spring when the daffodils are in bloom.
Chemin du Follaton, Chemin des Bidons

This is an 8-shaped hike; you can do the southern circular loop or the northern circular loop. You can also do both, starting from the centre of the village of Dullin.
Loop around La Bridoire and Saint-Béron

A very pleasant walk, often in the shade. Ideal for very hot days. Very little tarmac and, as a bonus, waterfalls. Points of interest: the Robin Stele (a tragic episode in the Resistance), the gorges visible from the footbridge, the waterfall, etc.
Château Richard Croix du Signal circuit.

The Épine massif near Chambéry is criss-crossed by numerous marked and unmarked trails. It is a mountain that has always been frequented by humans.
It is a living mountain with economic and tourist attractions.
Here is a short circuit that allows you to discover some of its attractions.
Mont Tournier from Saint-Maurice

A modest peak in the Savoyard foothills, Mont Tournier offers the opportunity for a pleasant hike to discover the vestiges of the past and the history of the Italian engineer Galetti.
Mont Grelle

This hike takes you to the summit of Mont Grelle and runs along part of Lake Aiguebelette, which can be admired from a viewpoint.
Aiguebelette, Rocher du Corbeau, Col du Crucifix and Col Saint-Michel

Starting from Aiguebelette, this is an easy hike on the western slope of the Épine mountain, taking the Voie Romaine and the Voie Sarde. This route offers numerous views of Lake Aiguebelette.
See the safety recommendations at (9).
Loop starting from Grésin

This loop starting from the village of Grésin allows you to discover the site where the Italian engineer Galetti installed his harp antenna.
Today, the site on the edge of a cliff offers a beautiful view of the Rhône canalised between the departments of Savoie and Ain.
It then follows a section of the Way of St James.
The route is dotted with shells, of course, but also with stone and metal crosses.
Mont Grelle from Saint Sulpice

This hike takes place on the eastern flank of the Montagne de l'Épine towards a destination that is clearly visible from the entire Chambéry basin.
At the summit, there is a beautiful view of the Savoyard foothills and Lake Aiguebelette, and Lake Bourget is also visible.
The route does not present any orientation difficulties.
Saint-Sulpice - The three passes

An easy hike on the eastern slope of the Épine mountain, taking the Roman road and the Sardinian road.
The Mont Grêle lookout

The Mont Grêle lookout point and Archelle’s summit.
Mont Grêle is a peak that is visible from the valley of Chambéry and the Aiguebelette region.
It is easily spotted thanks to or because of the pylons that are installed at the top. Up close, these towers have still look great, but they do not alone justify the purpose of the tour, which is interesting because it offers views over Lake Aiguebelette and Chartreuse.
Bois de Glaize: Saint-Martin Chapel, Recorba and Mont Tournier

This circular route takes place mainly in the forest and can be completed in any season in half a day, allowing you to visit the characteristic sites and viewpoints of this area crossed by pilgrims on the Way of St James.
The Saint-Alban tour

An easy walk at the foot of the Montagne de l'Epine, enhanced by a waterfall and panoramic views of Lac du Bourget and Les Bauges. Markings are inconsistent.
Le Chemin de Coirat

Peri-urban circuit to quickly escape the city. Views of Chartreuse and Bauges.
The Dent du Chat and the Molard Noir

Variation of the "Dent du Chat" with a route that passes through Molard Noir and starts above Caton, instead of the traditional "Col du Chat".
Mont de Cordon from La Bruyère

A lovely walk starting from the banks of the Rhône, leading to the Mont de Cordon viewpoint (altitude 400 m) and offering a beautiful panorama of the Rhône and the Izieu mountain. During the climb, you pass a beautiful private castle and on the way back, you can see three caves that were inhabited during prehistoric times: the Bonne Femme cave, an unnamed cave and the Liévrin cave.
Water Trail in Brégnier-Cordon

A marked trail allows you to explore several water-related areas (hillside, stream, marsh) around Glandieu and its waterfall.
Some paths are not maintained, see notices.
Loop through historic Chambéry

Visit the historic centre of Chambéry, passing by the Château des Ducs de Savoie, the Town Hall, Saint-François de Salles Cathedral, the Museum of Fine Arts... and charming little pedestrian passages. A very pleasant route.
Historical and prehistoric loop of Saint-Christophe la Grotte
Short hike to discover prehistory at the Fru site and the historic passage of the Via Sarde between Lyon and Turin.
Notre-Dame de la Montagne and the Chevru Cross on the heights of Yenne.

A hike in partial shade and partial sun on the heights of Yenne, offering beautiful panoramic views of Mont du Chat and the Rhône plain. Beautiful views of the Gorges de la Balme, the Château de Pierre Châtel and Fort les Bancs.
Discovery trail around the Chevelu Lakes

This walk in the Savoyard foothills runs alongside the vineyards of this region.
Vineyards are synonymous with well-exposed plots.
The Chevelu Lakes

In the Savoyard foothills, in the Chambéry Pre-Alps, a walk of less than two hours around the magnificent Chevelu Lakes.
Grand Carroz Snowshoe Circuit

A snowshoe circuit in the Entremonts valley.
It is a loop alternating between ascents and descents, passages through forests and mountain pastures, shady slopes and sunny slopes, crossing the hamlet of Grand Carroz with its few houses.
Trek around Mont Outheran starting from Désert d'Entremont
A beautiful hike to be done with or without snowshoes.
Circuit of viewpoints and balconies in Yenne

This is a half-day outing and the route is dotted with points of interest with information panels.
Until the Pré Cevin intersection, shortly after the Croix de Chevru, the route follows theGR® trail, which is part of the Way of St. James. Then follow the yellow markings until you reach your destination.
Circuit de la Chapelle du Mont-du-Chat

This hike takes place in a setting dear to Lamartine. The first part, which runs alongside Lac du Bourget, offers beautiful views, and a good climb leads to the Chapelle Notre-Dame de l'Étoile. Be sure to linger around the building and take advantage of the facilities to admire the panorama.
On the way back through the forest, there are other viewpoints over the Savoyard countryside. Finally, the descent to Bourdeau also offers some sought-after views.
19/09/2023 Message from the moderator: the section between (2) and (3) is very steep and slippery on the way up and requires a good level of fitness for around 500 m. Some sections between (8) and (9) are also slippery on the way down. This route should be attempted in dry weather. Not recommended for young children.
The Belvédère de l'Ecolu

A pleasant walk in the woods overlooking the village of Les Échelles in Savoie.
Grand loop of the lakes of Saint-Jean-de-Chevelu
A pleasant hike in the Savoyard foothills. Vineyards are still very much present. Yellow markings and a few directional signs help you follow the description.
La Cochette

A short mountain hike leading to an exceptional viewpoint.
Mont Outheran

Mont Outheran is a long plateau stretching nearly 4 km, running roughly north-south between Col du Planet (1,184 m) and Col du Grapillon (1,509 m).
It is a rather wild area, and for good reason: access via the Pas du Cuert is not the easiest, and the descent to the Col du Mollard requires the utmost caution.
Warning: For those prone to vertigo, please read the wpt description carefully (2)
From Col du Chat to Petit Villard

A lovely little walk with lots of views of the lake. Much of the route is in the forest, making this hike ideal on a hot day.
The Dent du Chat and the Roc de Cornillon

This is a lovely half-day hike with beautiful views of Lac Du Bourget, Aix-Les-Bains and the Chambérien basin, the Belledonne massif and Mont Blanc on one side, and the Savoyard foothills (Yenne, Belley, Grand Colombier) on the other.
Please note: Those who are afraid of heights may be affected by some technical sections equipped with cables or ladders.
La Cochette loop in Chartreuse

La Cochette in Chartreuse (1,618 m) is an easily accessible peak.
Les Trois Chênes

Family walk along the edge of the woods and through the fields above Lake Paladru.
A loop at Mont Joigny
A very beautiful hike, not very long but with a steep section.
Magnificent view of Mont Blanc just before the summit and of the entire Chartreuse range from the summit.
The route is very well signposted throughout.
Ascent time indicated on the signs: 1 hour 35 minutes (it took us a little longer as we had a 2½-year-old girl who walked part of the way)
Time for the descent: 1 hour 10 minutes.
Crossing Mont Joigny, from Gorgeat to Bornée

This circular loop can be completed in almost any season, even in half a day, allowing you to enjoy beautiful views, discover fossils and, when in season, a renowned site for lady's slipper orchids.
The Pointe du Gorgeat

A somewhat challenging hike for the start of the season, but well worth the effort...
The Col des Mille Martyrs

The Col des Mille Martyrs is a road pass well known to cyclists, but hikers are also familiar with it, as there are many paths criss-crossing the area.
The proposed walk takes place in a landscape of pastures and forests to the west of the Chartreuse Massif, offering panoramic views of the mountains.
From Veyrin to Conzieu through woods and lakes

A peaceful hike that starts from the picturesque little hamlet of Veyrin in Saint-Bois in the Ain region and takes us to Conzieu. Peace and quiet guaranteed, with paths that are generally good and easy to walk on. You can drive through the village and start the hike at the point (1) by parking your car in a recess in the road.
Désert-des-Entremonts route starting from Épernay

A magnificent route around Entremont-le-Vieux with splendid panoramic views of the Chartreuse massif, this moderately difficult hike will be a delight for landscape lovers and photographers.
This hike is also available at tourist offices, offered by Chartreuse Tourisme
Let's talk about Cozon

Take a stroll along the Cozon torrent and enjoy a refreshing break in this lively corner of the Chartreuse. Cultural visits and relaxation will round off the day.
Loop starting from Billième via St Romain

This loop starting from the village of Billière in the Savoyard foothills allows you to discover the region's vineyards and admire some beautiful panoramic views.
In autumn, along the path, there are chestnut trees here and walnut trees there. Your pockets won't be big enough for all the fruit you'll gather. In the vineyards, the grape pickers will surely have left a few seeds behind. If a hiker tries to sneak off the path, follow them, they know where to find mushrooms.
The Government Castle

Around the two communes of Saint-Pierre d'Entremont, this walk covers the two departments of Savoie and Isère, exploring the architectural heritage and Carthusian landscapes. The most beautiful panorama can be seen from the esplanade of the Château du Gouvernement in Saint-Pierre d'Entremont (Isère).
On the heights of Saint-Benoît

This is a very beautiful hike, especially after a few days of rain, which feeds the many streams.
The first part up to (1) is not very steep but quite long, so it is best to be in good shape.
Le Pinet then La Croix de l'Alpe

From the small hamlet of La Plagne, summit of Le Pinet (1,867m), beautiful view to the west, then summit of La Croix de l'Alpe (1,821m) via the Chalets de l'Alpe.
Le Pinet or Truc from La Plagne

Le Pinet is a viewpoint overlooking Les Entremonts. Less frequented than its neighbour, Le Granier, it is just as much a part of the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve and its access via the normal route is well suited to families, with a few variations possible.