Cognin walks

From the town to the mountains without a car. A long but gently sloping walk. After leaving the last houses of Cognin, the first part takes you through fields, streams, cows, horses and apple trees; it is only after Saint-Sulpice that you will enter the forest via the ancient Sardinian Way, which, in the 16th century, replaced the Roman road from Vienne to Milan (50 BC) – a route you will follow in part on your return from the Col Saint-Michel.

On the outskirts of Chambéry, the Nant du Ruisseau du Pontet retains a wild course, hemmed in by urban development, with its waterfalls and gorges offering an interesting hike that continues up the Grobelle hillside for views over the Chambéry Basin. The return route naturally involves some sections along roads that are fairly unavoidable given the layout of the area.

A pleasant green walk in the hills, very close to the very centre of the Chambéry conurbation, allowing you to visit the home of the illustrious Jean-Jacques Rousseau and explore the Nant du Pontet streams. This walk takes you through the areas of Jacob-Bellecombette, Chambéry and Barberaz, and past the boundary of the municipality of Montagnole. Despite its proximity to the city, most of the route is through woods or across meadows.

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.

A short walk to escape the city. Some clear views as soon as you climb.

Peri-urban circuit to quickly escape the city. Views of Chartreuse and Bauges.

This varied route, set in a picturesque countryside, offers magnificent views of the Montagne de l’Épine, Lac du Bourget (and the Dent du Chat), as well as the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, not to mention, to the south, the view towards the Pointe de la Gorgeat, the gateway to the Chartreuse.

This is a simple circular walk for a half-day excursion. It takes place in the foothills of the Chartreuse Mountains. Beautiful views of Les Bauges, Chartreuse, L'Épine and Lac du Bourget.

Coche or Cochette means a passage. The ancestral passage between the villages of Montagnole and Saint-Baldoph is marked by a solid, massive stone cross. Information panels along the way. Panoramic views at the summit and on the descent along the ridge.

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

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.

The Rocher du Corbeau is easily accessible from Aiguebelette-le-Lac. I suggest you get there without taking the car to cross the massif. I have deliberately extended the hike slightly by adding a bit of elevation gain and giving us the chance to walk through this massif and discover two passes and the François I Cave. It’s a hike I particularly enjoy in winter (when it’s warm, I prefer to head for the higher peaks), but above all, as it’s mainly through woodland, the lack of vegetation means you can enjoy more views.

This is a beautiful hike with stunning views of the Chartreuse, the Chambéry valley as far as Lac du Bourget, Les Bauges, Belledonne and even Mont Blanc on a clear day.

This walk to the Pragondran paragliding launch area takes place along the edge of the cliff, offering occasional views of the valley and Lake Bourget.

This circular route on the outskirts of Chambéry takes you to three vantage points offering panoramic views of the Belledonne mountain range, Les Bauges and La Chartreuse. On the outskirts of Mont Charvais, surrounded by pine trees, you can almost feel the Mediterranean atmosphere – all that's missing are the cicadas.

This walk passes through some of the many hamlets of La Motte Sevolex. Although they are gradually being swallowed up by urbanisation, they nevertheless retain their rural character. Along the way, there are beautiful views of Les Bauge and Lac du Bourget.