Chardonne walks

A beautiful walk through the vineyards of Lavaux, discovering the different appellations. Lovely views of the lake and the Alps. Local wines can be tasted throughout the hike. N.B. Contrary to what is automatically indicated on the hike information sheet, the Lavaux terraces are located in the canton of Vaud and not in Valais.

A circular walk that starts on the Vaud plateau and ends overlooking Lake Geneva on the heights of Lavaux, a region listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a short stretch of tarmac road at the start before crossing the forests of Mont Cheseau and then those of Mont Pèlerin, leading to a magnificent panorama: almost the entire length of Lake Geneva and the French Alps opposite. This walk offers moderate shade and is therefore best avoided during heatwaves; the month of May usually offers lovely fields of daffodils for enthusiasts.

A classic destination in the region offering magnificent views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. The route is particularly recommended in spring and autumn. In summer, this largely shaded route limits excessive exposure to the sun. The hike is ideal for family activities, including a visit to the AstroPléiades educational site.

A magnificent hike starting from the Auberge de la Cergniaulaz restaurant with free parking. Accessible in summer with the chance to see fields full of daffodils in early May, and in winter on snowshoes or touring skis. It's quite a climb at the start, but the surrounding mountain scenery and the beauty of the forests and wildlife make you forget the effort. The view of the lake on the descent from the summit of Folly is breathtaking, and if you're there around August, you can refuel with thousands of wild blueberries on the way down from Molard. The Cergniaulaz restaurant offers semi-gourmet dishes but is very hiker-friendly, and you can also enjoy some typical dishes such as planchette, fondue or rösti. Their tart of the day was to die for. 

Starting from La Cergniaulaz towards Le Molard, this is a beautiful route that runs along the peaks of Cape au Moine. It can be extended via La Pierra Perchia (to be avoided in bad weather) and descends via the Col de Jaman and La Planiaz.

This last stage will take you to the shores of Lake Geneva in Vevey. From Les Paccots, a forest trail will lead you to the Fégire footbridge, where the Veveyse de Fégire marks the border between the cantons of Fribourg and Vaud. When you arrive at Laly and from the Pléiades trail, you can admire Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alpine peaks. You will pass through a few vineyards before arriving in Vevey.

Itinéraire de la traversée des Alpes. Etape des rives du lac Léman au Val d'Abondance. Franchir les montagnes du Chablais par une longue grimpette de 1850m en traversant les alpages pour passer le Col de Bise puis redescendre à la station de ski de la Chapelle d'Abondance. Cet itinéraire offre de très beaux panoramas sur le plus grand lac d'Europe et sur le sommet des Cornettes de Bise.

The Grande Traversée des Alpes (GTA) mainly follows the GR®5, with a few possible variations such as the crossing of the Haute Vanoise via the GR®55 and the Via Alpina, which this route takes instead of the GR®5 route via the Col de l’Iseran. It crosses the French Alps from north to south, from Saint-Gingolph to Nice. The guide includes web links to the many accommodation options along the route or nearby: mountain huts, lodges, campsites, cabins and shelters, excluding hotels. Although this guidebook details the GTA as a three-week trek, it can be adapted to suit your own pace, with stages of varying lengths, either completed in one go or in sections over several years. This journey, fuelled by the joy of freedom in unspoilt natural surroundings, will remain a superb and unforgettable experience, offering, moreover, the opportunity to meet many people with whom you can share this same passion for the mountains.

This first stage of the Grande Traversée des Alpes (GTA), from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, takes place in the Chablais massif. The path climbs up the Novel valley on the left bank of the Morge, below the hamlet of La Meurtaz, then follows the D30 road, which it overlooks after the hamlet of Jordy. On leaving Novel, the path winds its way above the hairpin bends of the D30 to La Planche. There, it leaves the main valley route to climb due south towards the chalets of Neuteu and on to the Col de Bise, before descending to the Chalets de Bise.

On the southern shore of Lake Geneva, two neighbouring municipalities are both called Saint-Gingolph; one is in Switzerland, the other in France. This short walk takes you from one to the other, first along the lake and then through the streets higher up. You’ll be treated to some stunning views and a rich heritage.

Les Rochers de Naye (2,042 m): A unique panoramic view of the Swiss and French Alps, from the Eiger to Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. In particular, you can see the neighbouring peaks of the Dent de Jaman and Cape aux Moines, the French-speaking Jura, much of the Fribourg Pre-Alps and the Vaud Alps, including the Diablerets massif; the Bernese Oberland with the Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau trio; as well as Mont Dolent and the Aiguille Verte in the Mont Blanc massif.

Exploited since the 18th century, the Meillerie quarries provided the stone used to construct many buildings in Geneva and Lausanne. Today, only one quarry is still in operation, but it is not open to the public. This hike, which requires sure-footedness, first takes you to two old quarries, La Balme and La Balle, and offers superb panoramic views of Lake Geneva. The return journey is along a lakeside path.

This short hike follows a path that runs continuously along Lake Geneva, which is an exception for this lake, whose shores are mostly located on private property. On one side, you can enjoy beautiful views of the opposite shore of the lake and the Vaud Alps, and on the other side, a view of the cliffs overlooking the lake.

A short hike, mostly along the mountainside, ending with a ridge that requires caution. From the summit, superb panorama, especially of Lake Geneva, which is only five kilometres away and which you overlook from a height of nearly 1,600 metres.

The Dent de Lys is a summit that lives up to the elegance of its name and offers superb panoramic views! Its ascent includes steep and exposed sections that make it suitable only for experienced hikers.

A pleasant walk along the "Riviera of Lake Geneva", with superb panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks, the grand residences of Montreux and the famous Château de Chillon. This walk is proposed as a one-way trip with the option of returning either by boat or on foot.

A hike at medium altitude, on a route that is often shaded. A flower-covered summit offering superb views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding peaks. Beautiful views of the lake along the way.

Departure from Rochers de Naye by rack railway with overnight stay in a bivouac just above Pertuis d'Aveneyre. The route largely follows the Via Alpina trail. Some paths are narrow, so caution is advised for those prone to vertigo.

A circular that allows you to climb the Mémises via their northern slope. Splendid panoramic views of Lake Geneva and beautiful views of the northern faces of the Dent d'Oche and Pic de Borée await you.

Moléson is a popular peak in the Fribourg Pre-Alps because it offers superb views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. This hike takes you up the mountain, first passing the steep summit of Teysachaux and then following a pleasant ridge trail.

A beautiful circular to do in the Teysachaux area, with varied landscapes. If you're lucky, you might spot some marmots. You can park at the starting point of the route, where there are 5 or 6 spaces.

The Mémises mountain and its two peaks offer ridge trails with beautiful views of Lake Geneva. This hike starts at the Thollon cable car station, which avoids the steep slopes of the usual ascent routes (described elsewhere). This hike is therefore designed to introduce young children or inexperienced walkers to the mountains.

A summit offering superb panoramic views of both Lake Geneva and the Chablais massif. This route via the north face is shorter than the one via the south face and runs through the Thollon-les-Mémises ski resort.

An easy circular walk through snow-covered mountain pastures dominated by the north face of the Dent d’Oche and the slopes of Les Mémises. The (optional) ascent to the summit offers a magnificent view over Lake Geneva.

At the foot of Montagne des Mémises, a short walk takes you up to a unique viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Lake Geneva.

At the foot of the Montagne des Mémises, a short walk to discover a beautiful cluster of old barns in a vast clearing in the forest.

La Dent d'Oche is accessible via various routes. This one starts from a place called "La Planche" above Novel. It passes through "les chalets de Neuteu", the Pavis pass, the portes d'Oche, the lac de la case, the planchamp pass, the dent d'Oche and returns via the Rebollion pass, the Neuve pass, the Neuva dessous, the enclos, and finally "la Planche". This route allowed us to see many ibex in different places and the local flora.

A little-visited peak, more accessible than the neighbouring Pic de Borée and offering a beautiful panorama. The walk takes place in superb surroundings.

A summit offering superb views of both Lake Geneva and the Chablais massif. This route via the south face offers a walk in a beautiful natural setting. It also avoids the hassle of the ski lifts at the Thollon ski resort (north face, more crowded).

An original route to climb a little-visited summit from which you can enjoy sweeping views. A relatively demanding route, with exposed sections along the summit ridge, set in a very beautiful landscape.

Situated between the Pic de Borée (to the north) and the prestigious Dent d’Oche (to the south), the Roc de Rianda is a wild and little-visited peak. This is evident: part of the route follows poorly marked paths or goes off-trail. A good sense of direction and navigation is therefore required. The route takes in some truly beautiful scenery and passes at the foot of the impressive north faces of the Château d’Oche and the Dent d’Oche.

This hike takes you around two iconic twin peaks in the Chablais region, the famous Dent d'Oche and its lesser-known neighbour, the Château d'Oche. The first part of the loop offers superb views of the impressive north faces of these two peaks. The second part, via the chalets of Oche and the Portes du même nom, opens onto the Bise nature reserve and the lakes of Darbon and Neuteu. The final descent takes place in the forest near the French-Swiss border.

Niché dans un cadre sauvage, le Lac de Lovenex constitue le but de cette randonnée franco-suisse. On passe d'abord au Pas de Lovenex, afin de bénéficier d'une vue unique sur ce petit lac qui apparaît comme suspendu au-dessus du Lac Léman visible à l'arrière-plan.

When it’s hot, the route is perfect – and you’re away from the insects! Plenty of forest paths, lovely mountain huts, drinking fountains – though not many opportunities for galloping. There’s one slightly tricky section on this route: a descent along a narrow path towards the river followed by a steep climb, but you can easily go round it.

A mid-season hike, while waiting for the snow to melt from the peaks. Beautiful panoramic views of Lake Geneva. Beautiful views of the Mémises cliff.

The commune of Lugrin stretches from the shores of Lake Geneva (375 m) to the Plateau de Gavot (900 m) and the northern summit of Mont Bénand (1,240 m). This hike begins with a climb to the hilltop village of Les Combes (570 m) with its beautiful old houses, passing by the venerable chestnut tree of Troubois. Next, a balcony trail and a descent lead to the old church of Lugrin, before returning to the main village. A bucolic hike where heritage is very much in evidence.

This hike involves a climb up steep paths to a unique viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of Lake Geneva.

Far less frequented than the neighbouring Rochers de Naye, the Pointe d'Aveneyre offers a magnificent panorama of Lake Geneva, the Vaud Alps and the Fribourg Alps, as well as the peaks of the Chablais.

Les Rochers de Naye overlook Lake Geneva from a height of nearly 1,700m and offer a magnificent panorama of the lake and the neighbouring Alpine peaks. This hike offers a shorter and less exposed ascent than the more common route starting from the Col de Jaman.

A boat trip along the shores of Lake Geneva, where the landscape is at its wildest and the mountains drop most steeply. Beautiful panoramic views and several lovely lakeside houses await.

From the "sea" to the mountains: a long hike with some steep sections, rewarded by superb panoramic views of Lake Geneva. The route takes you through a variety of environments: villages, cultivated countryside, forest, grassy plateaus, high-altitude pastures and ridges. You climb to the summit of Pic des Mémises, where you can enjoy extensive panoramic views of the lake.

A linear hike, which requires careful planning, connecting two landing stages on Lake Geneva at a higher altitude. An often shaded route that nevertheless offers beautiful views of the lake. Oratories, chapels and churches are also along the way.

This eleventh stage will take you from Taney to Saint Gingolph. The route begins in the Loz valley at the foot of Mont Gardy and Les Jumelles, before climbing the final two passes, Lovenex and La Croix. The route continues along the River Morge, following the border with France. At Novel, the path turns towards Mont Cornin, passing through La Frîtaz and winding down towards Lake Geneva at Saint Gingolph.

A pleasant, fairly short hike in relatively wild countryside with exceptional views (Jura, Lake Geneva basin, Chablais massif).

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 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.

A tour of the main peaks of the Mémises massif. A long and beautiful route, where you have time to enjoy the mountains. Splendid panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Chablais and the Vaud Pre-Alps.

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.

The Pic de Borée offers superb panoramic views of both Lake Geneva and the Chablais massif. The route suggested here is probably not the most popular, but it offers an interesting variety of landscapes.

Starting from Bernex, this circular is a great classic. Long with a significant elevation gain, the effort required is pleasantly rewarded by the dazzling panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif, the Dents du Midi and the Bernese Oberland. Herds of ibex are frequently encountered near the Col de Pavis.

A hike offering beautiful panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Chablais massif. The hike starts at the bottom of the Bernex station, which is convenient when the Pré Richard road is closed.

This loop takes a variation of the route to Dent d'Oche and offers magnificent views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding peaks.

I suggest you follow a lovely route through the Chablais Massif, taking in the Dent d’Oche in particular. Almost all along the way, there are lovely views to enjoy (Lake Geneva, the Chablais, the Mont Blanc Massif, and more).Please note: there are challenging sections around the Dent d’Oche, involving a series of paths equipped with chains, including some exposed sections (see the description below).

Much less frequented than its famous neighbour, the Dent d'Oche, and 24 metres lower, the Roc du Château d'Oche offers no less of a majestic panorama, both of Lake Geneva and the Northern Alps. Up to the Chalets d'Oche, the route is the same as that for the Dent d'Oche, and from these chalets, the climb takes place in a wilder setting.

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!

Flowing down from the foot of the Dent d'Oche, the Ugine river waters Bernex before joining the Dranse d'Abondance. This short hike largely follows the course of this river, passing through pretty hamlets and taking in two 19th-century chapels and a sacred cave, with the peaks of the Mémises-Oche massif as a backdrop.

After a climb through the forest to wake up our muscles, we leave the mountain pastures of the Bas-Chablais Pre-Alps behind us. The route runs alongside several lakes and offers panoramic views stretching from the Jura mountains to the Mont Blanc massif before plunging down below the Cornettes de Bise.

A short walk along forgotten paths where a good sense of direction is required. The first half of the route takes place in a dense and particularly dark forest. The second half, which is much more open, follows quiet country lanes and offers superb views of Lake Geneva. The Laprau Chapel and several wayside shrines add a lovely touch of heritage.

Although not a high-altitude hike, it offers beautiful views of Lake Geneva and the Chablais massif.

A fast-paced, invigorating hike rewarded with a beautiful view of the Dent d'Oche and Lake Geneva.

Some lovely gallops, beautiful woodland (Bois du Jorat), more tarmac roads at the start but a magnificent route with a lovely shelter by the river halfway along for a picnic. Be careful to adjust your route and avoid riding along the edges of forests or fields if they haven’t been mowed!

A short, relatively easy walk through the countryside, offering superb views of the surrounding peaks. The two chapels at Les Faverges and La Beunaz add a lovely touch of heritage.