Chens-sur-Léman walks

From the old fortified house of Chilly, the route starts in the middle of the vineyards and then climbs through woods to reach a plateau offering extensive views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding peaks. After passing Notre-Dame des Vignes, you can see a geological curiosity, the Pierre à Martin. After a stretch through the forest, you descend, enjoying beautiful views. The hike ends through the vineyard.

A public footpath along the lake shore, the Léman footpath winds its way between beaches, reed beds, boat launches and small ports on one side and summer villas on the other, offering beautiful lake views and the chance to discover these dream homes. It can also be done in the opposite direction (from the Port of Tougues). Please note some guidelines for proper use in the practical information section. Moderator's note added on 18/10/2021 A section of the trail is closed (temporarily?). See the notices at the bottom of this page.

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Yvoire and Nernier are two medieval villages that can be visited on foot. This hike offers the opportunity to discover these two superb sites by walking between them. The route described here is a short round trip, but in summer it can be done as a one-way trip with a return by boat.

Much of the walk takes place in the coolness of the forest and the Versoix river, ideal for hot summer days. When you leave the woods, in good weather, there are magnificent views of the Jura mountain range (the Aiguille de la Faucille and the Boule Blanc de la Dole are easily recognisable) and the Alps (Mont Blanc).

Walk in the woods of Versoix. Very pleasant in the undergrowth and on the galloping tracks.

Horse riding excursion departing from Versoix and arriving at Bonmont Golf Club.

Starting from the isolated bell tower in Brenthonne, this short hike leads to a beautiful waterfall in the forest. The route offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Geneva. Along the way, you can admire the Château d'Avully, which is open to visitors.

Panoramic view of Lake Geneva, the Alps, the high Jura mountains and the Pays de Gex

At the foot of the Signal des Voirons and the Col de Cou, a rural loop leads to two beautiful castles, including Avully Castle, which is open to visitors.

Horse riding excursion starting at Bonmont Golf Club and ending at Sauverny.

A challenging and immersive hike to the summit of La Dôle (1,677 m). From Fleutron, the route alternates between deep forests, open ridges and high-altitude pastures. After crossing the French-Swiss border, you will reach one of the iconic peaks of the Swiss Jura, offering a 360° panorama of Lake Geneva, the Alps and Mont Blanc. This challenging but spectacular route passes through unspoilt natural areas in the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve. Dogs are not allowed, even on a leash. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment (see the practical information section).

A walk along the ridge and through the woods (in the cool), without tarmac, with beautiful views of Geneva and Lake Geneva to the west, and the Alps and the Mont Blanc range to the east. This loop has the advantage of being shortened (or extended) as you wish, as it intersects with many other trails.

This is a short hike, but it is only suitable for hikers with a good sense of direction who are comfortable on steep terrain. Starting from the Châteaux d'Allinges, which are well worth a visit, and after a pleasant walk through the forest, a well-maintained path leads to the Grotte aux Loups in a wild setting. Above the cave, the Maladière viewpoint offers a beautiful panorama of Lake Geneva.

Two castles on the same hilltop were rivals for many years before being dismantled. This short hike, which includes a few steep sections, allows you to visit the ruins of these castles, including a Romanesque chapel, and enjoy a sweeping view of Lake Geneva. An even shorter alternative avoids most of the climb.

A short bike ride in the Geneva countryside. Ideal for families. It starts gently on a section of the greenway, which you then leave before returning to it briefly before the finish. The ride passes through Chêne-Bourg, then heads into Champel, Bout du Monde and Veyrier, before completing a beautiful circular loop through the countryside. The ride then continues to Thonex, Puplinge, Choulex and Vandoeuvres. Be patient at the end, as the roads are narrow and you may encounter motorists travelling in the opposite direction on one-way streets.

Hike accessible from 17 April to 30 November. Set off on a hike to Colomby de Gex (1,682 metres above sea level), with superb views of Mont Blanc and the Geneva basin. This circuit, emblematic of the Grande Marche Populaire de Gex, follows the ridges of the Haute Chaîne before descending into the forest along the Journans. The route passes through varied landscapes: mountain pastures, deciduous and coniferous forests. It runs through the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park and, in part, the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve, a protected area that must be treated with respect. Dogs are not allowed, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.

Hike accessible from 16 May to 30 November. Set off from Gex on a loop to the Col de Branveau, passing through the Platières mountain pastures. Formerly part of the Petite Marche Populaire de Gex, this varied circuit offers beautiful views of the Haute Chaîne du Jura and the Alps. It passes through forests of deciduous and coniferous trees before a refreshing descent along the Journans. An accessible and enjoyable hike between ridges, mountain pastures and undergrowth.Part of the route is located in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve: dogs are not permitted, even on a lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment.

A lovely little walk, ideal for beginners and those preparing for medium-altitude hiking.

A magnificent snowshoe hike in the heart of the Vallée Verte. The cold (-14°C at the start!), the snow and the sumptuous landscapes were all there.

A circular route to Mont Forchat, which is less difficult than the direct ascent. A gradual climb along a forest track with views of Lake Geneva. Pass through the hamlets of Chatillonnet and Trécout before arriving at Très le Mont. Access to the summit via the Balcon du Léman. Return via a steep path to the Col de l'Encrenaz, then the Très le Mont trail, an easy path through the woods before joining the Col des Moises trail.

Two hikes in one! A pleasant walk that takes place mostly under trees (oaks, beeches and chestnuts), leading to the Châteaux des Allinges, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Geneva on one side and the Pre-Alps on the other. If the climb to the castle puts you off, you can cut the hike short without enjoying the view from the castle ruins.

A challenging approach to a summit offering a 360° view of Lake Geneva, the Alps and the Jura. The Pas de L'Échine, a tricky and steep but very popular passage, provides direct access to the ridge in a beautiful setting. The best time to visit is in May, when it is still partially snow-covered and you have to squeeze between the snow and the rock face. However, it is strongly advised not to venture onto the nearby slopes, which are very exposed.

Très bel itinéraire sur le domaine de la Vattay, sur un parcours damé et jalonné en Violet, accessible avec des enfants et qui traverse la Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Haute Chaîne du Jura (vous devez respecter la réglementation en vigueur). L'accès au site de la Vattay est payant.

This hike on the Jura plateau, in a vast area dedicated to Nordic activities, takes us to the summit of La Gélinotte, where the view of the Alps and Mont Blanc is absolutely superb. The signage (purple stakes and signposts) is very well done. A very beautiful route in the Vattay area, crossing the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve (you must comply with the regulations in force). There is an admission charge to access the Vattay site.

One of many routes to reach this distinctive summit with its radar station visible from anywhere in the Lake Geneva basin. Magnificent panorama from the Eiger to the Écrins, via Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva (orientation table). Chamois galore for early risers, rarer during the day due to high visitor numbers. Marked route, also accessible in winter with snowshoes or cross-country skis, with a few variations.

A walk through unspoilt nature, across meadows, woods and scree slopes, following beautiful valleys with views of the Alps. The highlight of this walk is, of course, the Creux du Croue, a deep and magnificent depression.

In the vicinity of La Greffière, I suggest you climb to the summit of La Dôle and walk around it. Along the way, there are magnificent landscapes to discover, and with a bit of luck, you may even spot some chamois.

Short, easy hike in the shade (nice in summer). The ground is wet even if it has not rained for several days, so good footwear is recommended.

This beautiful hike will take you to the summit of La Dôle at an altitude of 1,677 metres, where you can enjoy breathtaking views. A steep path through the mountain pastures will lead you to this unmistakable peak with its dome housing the Geneva airport radar. On the descent, you will no doubt see herds of chamois frolicking in the scree below the summit ridge. The rest of the route takes you along dirt tracks, roads and grassy paths over much less rugged terrain, but often offering magnificent views.

Without doubt, the shortest path up to the summit of La Dôle (1677m altitude) from the French side of the border. In good weather, the views are breathtaking and go on for over 250km: from the Swiss Alps to Mont Blanc and on to the Vanoise and the Ecrins, all of this with plunging views down over Geneva and its lake.

The Château de Ripaille, former residence of the Dukes of Savoy, is well worth a visit. This short hike offers an original way to get there, following the shores of Lake Geneva as closely as possible. It's a great way to combine the pleasure of walking with that of culture and heritage!

The Hirmentaz mountain consists of a long ridge running south to north. This hike is a circular route that covers the entire ridge. The climb is steep, but the path along the ridge is very pleasant.

A modest but isolated peak, the Pointe de Miribel offers extensive views of Lake Geneva and the Haute-Savoie mountains as far as Mont Blanc. The route on the southern slope of the summit is marked by a Way of the Cross dating from 1804. This loop offers a more original and varied approach than the usual climb from Ajon, through pleasant mountain pastures and a few wooded sections.

Formed by the confluence of the Dranse d'Abondance, the Dranse de Morzine and the Brevon, the Dranse flows into Lake Geneva at the border between the municipalities of Thonon-les-Bains and Publier. A nature reserve has been created around the small delta it forms, which is home to many birds and a diverse range of flora. This short walk takes you through the reserve to the mouth of the Dranse.

A pleasant snowshoe hike in the Plaines Joux area of the Chablais massif.

A pleasant, easy walk on Mont de Vouan. You will come across a marsh and an old millstone quarry, a curiosity that is well worth a detour, all in the middle of a pleasant mid-mountain forest.

An easy circular walk. 

A short walk along the river that offers a gentle invitation to slow down and reconnect with the landscape. From the moment the path meets the water’s edge, the steady flow of the river sets a calm rhythm, guiding each step forward. Sunlight glints on the surface, shifting with the breeze, while reeds and grasses sway quietly along the banks. Even in familiar surroundings, a riverside walk can feel like a small journey, revealing subtle changes in light, sound, and colour as the route unfolds.

Fifteenth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. In the heart of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, this stage will quickly take you to the highest point, the Belvédère des Dappes. This is followed by a crossing of the Forêt du Massacre, rich in exceptional flora and fauna, with varied landscapes alternating between thick forests and open valleys. You will also discover some curiosities and pretty summer chalets. Enjoy this beautiful forest, taking care not to stray from the marked paths and trails to preserve the tranquillity of the area! From the Combe à la Chèvre and its tall gentians, you will reach the village of Lajoux, home to the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park.

Mont Sala offers a remarkable view of Lake Geneva and the Alps, particularly its highest peak.

The Salève in Haute Savoie is a bit like the mountain of the people of Geneva. The Grotte d'Orjobet still bears the stamp of the CAS (Swiss Alpine Club). From Le Coin, a steady climb takes you to the cave, which you can then cross. After a final climb, you come out onto the plateau, which is also an alpine pasture. The view is simply magnificent.

A circular trail that showcases the many facets of Salève: climb up via the Orjobet Cave, pass through the Trou de la Tine, Vire de la Corraterie, viewpoint towards Mont Blanc and Rochers de Faverges, viewpoints from the Observatory over Geneva and Lake Geneva, descent via the Grande Gorge and return to the start by passing under the large rock climbing routes.

First stage: From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. After passing through La Cure, you will enter Switzerland and reach Saint-Cergue. A road will take you through the Jura pastures to the ruins of the Oujon convent. From Les Frasses, a steep forest path leads to a panoramic viewpoint. The climb continues through enchanting scenery, between flower-filled meadows and chalets, towards Crêt de la Neuve, the highest point of the stage. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Geneva, the Vaud Alps and Mont Blanc. The hike ends in the Vaud Jura Park, along a pretty forest path leading to the Col de Marchairuz (1,446 m).

This exceptional hike links Les Rousses, in the heart of the French Haut-Jura, to the city of Constance (Konstanz), on the shores of the lake of the same name, following the ridges of the Swiss Jura. A demanding but magnificent 405 km route that crosses the most iconic landscapes of the Jura mountains: high-altitude pastures, deep forests, alpine viewpoints, villages steeped in history and forgotten military ruins.

A family trail starting from Les Rousses, offering views over the peat bog on the edge of Lac des Rousses.

A family hike around Les Rousses will take you to the Fort des Rousses, the old redoubt, the waterfall and the leat de la Chaille valley.

Explore the surroundings of Prémanon. From the Belvédère des Maquisards, above the Morez cluse, to the coolness of the leat de la Chaille gorges, this is a fairly easy and varied route with a mix of forest, geology and history.

Follow this route to discover an old path leading from Prémanon to Les Rousses via the Perroud bridge (a picturesque stone bridge) over the leat de la Chaille. You can then walk around the Fort des Rousses, where you can visit the Comté cheese maturing cellars or enjoy an adventure course, depending on what you feel like doing.

This short route allows you to discover Lac des Rousses, the only lake in Franche-Comté located in the basin that flows towards Switzerland and the Rhine. It is surrounded by peat bogs and you can discover remarkable flora and fauna . In summer, you can swim in its clear, shallow waters, enjoy the water sports centre or contemplate the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, and in winter, watch the skaters and iceboats when the lake is frozen .