Col du Chat walks

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 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 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.

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.

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.