Bourdeau walks

Here is a good route connecting Bourdeau to Hautecombe Abbey. The outward journey takes you above the wild shores of Lake Bourget with numerous viewpoints, all on a somewhat rugged route. After climbing a little higher, the return route takes you in the shadow of Mont de la Charvaz before coming back via the Col 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.

Exploring the Cat Tunnel via the safety gallery. This gallery, running parallel to the road tunnel, serves as an emergency exit in the event of an incident. Normally, this passage is used by many cyclists as well as pedestrians to get from the Lac du Bourget side to the Yenne Valley and the Chevelu Lakes. The tunnel has been converted into the “Musée du Chat” and features an impressive collection of murals created by contemporary artists, inspired by Savoyard tradition. In my opinion, it is unique in France. A note on the route: you will see an elevation gain of 732 m, which is incorrect, as the software includes the mountain height above the tunnel; you must therefore subtract 321 m, bringing the route’s total elevation gain down to 455 m.

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.

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.

A circular route allowing you to walk along the wild ridge that runs from the Col du Chat to the summit of Mont de la Charvaz, returning to the foot of the mountain. Much of the ridge route is off-trail but presents no real difficulty other than orientation.

A fairly challenging walk on the first section with an average gradient of around 20%. Some quite vertiginous sections, but well secured with cables and ladders.On the descent, part of the path is poorly marked or unmarked; it is best to have some basic orienteering skills. At the top, superb views of Mont Blanc, Belledone, the Chartreuse, the Bauges, etc.

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.

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

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

The Corsuet Forest is criss-crossed, indeed criss-crossed by numerous paths and trails. It is an open space that allows you to escape the urban environment whilst remaining close to the town. The numerous signposts will provide useful guidance for walkers. The route described here is just a modest example of the possibilities offered by the Corsuet Forest. Here, the paths have taken their names from the animal kingdom.

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".

From Saint-Jean-de-Chevelu, a circular route to the Maison Forte viewpoint above Vernatel offers a superb view towards the Chevelu Lakes. It is possible to climb to the Dent du Chat via the Col de la Vacherie.

Ascent to the Dent du Chat from the Relais des Aigles. Splendid views, with 90 per cent of the walk taking place in the shade amongst the trees. Along the way, you’ll come across giant anthills shaped like large piles of fir needles, magnificent vegetation and plenty of butterflies and bumblebees. On arrival, there’s a superb view of Lake Bourget, with – in season – numerous paragliders flying overhead.

The Crête de la Montagne du Chat route follows paths and tracks with little change in elevation, offering exceptional views at both ends.

Enjoy the undergrowth and streams as you walk along the stony paths and through the forest. Pass through the hamlets of Grimaillon and Les Cachouds to La Roche Saint-Alban. Return via Château de la Serraz, Les Grangeons and La Matassine.

A walk offering a variety of landscapes, points of interest and pleasant views of Lake Bourget.In autumn, you can find chestnuts and mushrooms. 13/05/2026: Start of the modified walk.

This circular walk starting from the village of Billième in the Savoyard foothills allows you to explore the region’s vineyards and take in some panoramic views.In autumn, along the path there’s a chestnut tree here, a walnut tree 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 grapes behind. If a hiker tries to slip off the path discreetly, follow them – it means they know a spot for mushrooms.

A medium-altitude hike in the Avant Pays Savoyard. Ideal for spring or autumn when there is still or already snow elsewhere. The yellow markers and directional signs at the main intersections leave very little room for doubt.

This walk allows you to take in the panoramic view of Lake Bourget from the village of Tresserve, then walk around Tresserve Hill and enjoy the lakeside beaches along the cycle path.

A family walk taking around two hours there and back, including a visit to the cave. An easier alternative to the existing hike, the Combe aux Moines and the Grotte des Fées, which is a bit long for young children. Starts from the last accessible car park on the Chemin de la Grotte des Fées Following comments, the difficulty has been changed to "Medium", which wasn’t my initial impression as the walk was done with young children. Take particular care on the Chemin du Singe. ⚠️ To reach the car park at the start of the Grotte des Fées, from Aix-Les-Bains, follow the “Chemin du Ponsonnet” to the left of the D48, then turn right onto the “Chemin de la grotte des fées”.

Among the many access routes to Mont de la Charvaz, this loop takes the most direct route to the summit, via its steep western face, and descends via gentler forest paths. The view from the summit over the Avant Pays Savoyard and the surrounding mountains is extensive.