Chens-sur-Léman walks

A very easy, short walk taking about an hour there and back. Views all along the route of Lake Léman and some beautiful private estates. See the recommendations regarding access to the shores of Lake Léman in the practical information section. Moderator’s note added on 18/10/2021: Section of the path (temporarily?) closed. See the comments at the bottom of this page

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.

From Chevrens to the village of Hermance via the unspoilt and wild Hermance valley. Return via the fields overlooking Lake Geneva, opposite the foothills of the Jura.

A lovely route to explore the peaceful town of Nyon on the shores of Lake Geneva. You’ll wander the streets of the old walled town surrounding its castle. You’ll stay in touch with nature as you pass through the many parks that border the town. And of course, you’ll also enjoy the beautifully landscaped shores of Lake Geneva.

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.

The main feature of this walk is the River Versoix. 22 km long, it rises in the hills above Divonne-les-Bains, where it is known as the Divonne, before becoming the Versoix once it enters Swiss territory. For many kilometres, its course forms the border between the two countries. Further on, in the commune of Versoix, it flows into Lake Geneva. As well as the Versoix, this walk offers numerous views of the Jura and Alpine ranges.

A pleasant walk along boardwalks through a marshy area with themed information panels about the local flora and fauna. Starting from the hamlet known as ‘Les Îles’, an educational trail runs alongside the Crans Canal. This canal, also known as the Coppet Canal, has been used since 1265 to divert part of the waters of the Versoix towards Bogis and Commugny in Switzerland. The rich variety of flora and fauna (reeds, alders, oaks, lungwort, etc.) found here is highlighted by themed information boards. As you cross the Bidonnes marsh on wooden footbridges, you may spot beavers. Finally, an observation deck offers a superb view of this fragile ecosystem, where a herd of hardy cows helps to prevent natural reforestation.

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).

A short walk along the French-Swiss border, mainly through forest, perfect for getting back into shape after a period of inactivity.

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

An easy walk offering beautiful views of the Alps and the Jura. Border crossing, so please bring your ID card.

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 scenic, figure-of-eight walk. Along the way, the beautiful Château de Buffavens and the village of Brécorens with its chapel and lovely old houses.

A short walk offering the chance to discover two old watermills, one in very good condition and the other in ruins, whilst walking through pleasant countryside and enjoying beautiful views.

A short walk that climbs through the woods above the hamlet of Margencel, offering beautiful views near the village of Mésinges.

This accessible, family-friendly hike through forests and panoramic views offers a splendid 360° view of both the Alps and the Jura from Mont Mourex. The trail passes through a pleasant forest before reaching the open heights, offering an exceptional panorama of the Alps and the Jura. A landscape information table allows you to identify the surrounding peaks. An intriguing circle of stones, approximately 45 metres in diameter, is believed to have been used for sun worship. In its centre is a block of stone that is thought to have been deposited there by the Rhône glaciers during an ice age. It adds to the enigmatic nature of the place. The descent is gentle, through meadows.

A beautiful Franco-Swiss hike to the Dôle, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Jura to the north, Lake Geneva to the south, the northern Alps and, consequently, Mont Blanc.

Open from 16 April to 30 November, subject to snow conditions. A challenging and immersive hike to the summit of La Dôle (1,677 m). From Le 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 demanding but spectacular route crosses 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 lead. Please respect the regulations in force to preserve this remarkable environment (see the practical information section).

A short hike offering two contrasting landscapes. You first climb up to the heights of Cervens, through a rural, wooded setting. After the descent, the route, dominated by water, follows streams, ponds and marshes.

A lovely, easy walk taking you through the Jura forests and mountain pastures above Vesancy, a charming historic village in the Pays de Gex. Please note! Hiking is not permitted between 15 December and 30 June

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 walk offers a lovely loop around the Montagne des Voirons: you pass through beautiful forests, but the route also offers numerous views, particularly of Lake Geneva, the Chablais region and the Mont Blanc massif.

A lovely horse ride with magnificent scenery, views of the lake, Geneva’s Jet d’Eau and the mountains. It’s breathtaking! Perfect terrain, with opportunities for trotting, galloping and plenty of options in the forest and surrounding area.

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.

Circular route from the village of Saint-Cergue to La Dôle, 1,677m, the second highest peak in the Swiss Jura. Ascent via the summit of La Barillette then the Col de Porte. Descent via the Chalet de la Dôle and the Le Vuarne valley. There are numerous options to shorten the entire circular loop, as it consists of three separate circular loops. Can be done in summer or winter (snowshoes).

A tour of Geneva city centre that takes in the main tourist attractions of the old town, including the port and all its hustle and bustle.

A beautiful cycle route linking Les Eaux-Vives in Geneva to the Hilton Évian-les-Bains, mainly following the southern shore of Lake Geneva. The route passes through Cologny, Vésenaz, Anières and Hermance before crossing the French border. It then continues via Chens-sur-Léman, Messery, Nernier, Yvoire, Excenevex, Sciez and Thonon-les-Bains. Between Thonon and Évian, the route follows the ViaRhôna corridor via the port of Rives, Ripaille Castle, Saint-Disdille, the Dranse delta and Amphion-les-Bains. The route alternates between cycle paths, greenways, shared minor roads and a few urban sections. It is generally easy to cycle, but is not entirely separated from traffic.

A very varied route, passing through the historic village of Sierne, the Étang des Petites Îles, the village of Veyrier, its woods and the banks of the Arve.

A lovely circular walk starting from the Givrine train stop on the Nyon–Saint-Cergues–Morez line. A gentle stroll through the pastures of the Swiss Jura, a stone’s throw from the French border, which presents no particular difficulty. Many sections are tarmac-surfaced, but you can walk on the short grass at the side of the path at any time.

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.