Cuvat walks

A family walk in a circular route around the small village of Cuvat, through the countryside and undergrowth, along the Viéran and Genon streams. Moderator's warning on 25/08/2020: Please note! A GPS device may be useful for this walk (see reviews).

On the north-western edge of the Annecy conurbation and a stone's throw from the Épagny shopping area, this well-marked forest trail offers a refreshing change of scenery. From the summit, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake, the mountains and the Fier valley as it winds its way through the countryside.

An easy hike with many remarkable views.

Here is a double circular route that stays at low altitude, making it suitable for all seasons. It first takes you on a Land Art route at the Ferme de Chosal, then follows the right bank of the Usses upstream to the Ponts de la Caille, passing by the former thermal spa site of the Bains de la Caille, before returning along the wooded left bank.

Walk starting from the Chosal farm, including the Land Art trail and its twenty or so installations in the heart of nature.

An easy, shaded walk with two waterfalls along the way. Ideal for families and on hot days, with a beautiful view of the Parmelan.

A long traverse along the ridges of Mont Veyrier and Mont Baret, a visit to the Grotte des Sarrazins, and a return via the Biclop. Magnificent views of Lake Annecy and the Aravis mountain range. ⚠️ A by-law issued by the municipalities of Annecy and Veyrier-du-Lac prohibits motorised vehicles from accessing the Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet. Some sections require caution as the path runs along the edge of a cliff, just a few metres away in places. The route to the Grotte des Sarrazins includes a section with a cable and a drop-off.

This is a route on one of the most accessible 'mountains' around Lake Annecy. ⚠️ A decree issued by the municipalities of Annecy and Veyrier-du-Lac prohibits motor vehicles from accessing the Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet.

It is undoubtedly its proximity to Annecy that makes this mountain a place where hikers can find comfort after a more or less strenuous hike.

An urban circuit dedicated to water, exploring the narrow streets and passageways of the "Venice of the Alps". A rich heritage and beautiful views of the lake and surrounding peaks await you.

An extremely easy walk in the heart of Annecy (because even city dwellers are allowed to take a stroll), along the famous lake spillway: the Thiou. A flat walk through the trees, dotted with numerous wash houses, mills and ducks... Ideal for a short stroll after lunch or a family outing.

The ridge trail from Mont Veyrier to Mont Baron overlooks Lake Annecy from a height of over 800 metres and offers panoramic views of the Bauges peaks. ⚠️ A decree issued by the municipalities of Annecy and Veyrier-du-Lac prohibits motorised vehicles from accessing the Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet.

Route above Combe de Sillingy offering a 360° view of the Vuache, Bornes and Bauges mountain ranges. The Bornachon orientation table is an exceptional location for viewing all these mountain ranges.

Easy hike on the rural plateau of Les Bornes, with open views of the Salève, Aravis and Chablais mountains. Directional signs and a few markers.

A circular hike starting from the village of Nonglard, passing through the hamlets of Vaux to reach the Col d'Angely. The descent towards Sillingy offers a beautiful view of the Annecy basin and, beyond, the Aravis and Mont Blanc massifs. Le Champ du Loup is the halfway point of this hike, which then returns to Nonglard via the hamlet of Quincy.

The tour of Montagne de Lachat, above Dingy-Saint-Clair (near Annecy), is a very pretty hike that is ideal for families, for example: a wooded trail and, from the summit, views of Annecy and Les Bauges. Possible in all seasons, safe in winter.

This is a lovely little outing from the hamlet of La Blonnière. It is a pleasant walk, even in summer, because although the slope faces south, the route is quite shady. In winter, it can be more complicated, as we are still at an altitude of 1,000 metres and there is often snow.

A very family-friendly, rural hike through fields and woods. No particular difficulty. Lots of variations in the woods. Can also be done by mountain bike, but be careful as there may be fallen trees. Beautiful views of the Montagne d'Âge, the Mandallaz and the Montagne du Gros Foug, which separates us from the Rhône valley.

Le Parmelan, via a slightly less traditional route. At the summit, sharp limestone pavement, Grotte de l'Enfer (and other caves), Mont Blanc range.

Le Parmelan, via the Col de Perthuis and return via the Petit MontoirVaried landscapes passing through green pastures, dense forests, rocks and impressive sharp limestone pavements on the summit.

A lovely hike above La Blonnière, with the Parmelan cliffs as a backdrop; superb view from the Pertuis ridge overlooking the slopes above Grand Bois to the west.

Discover the old town of Annecy from one of the car parks in the Semnoz Massif after walking along the lake shore. This first part of the hike is not very relaxing but allows you to observe the birds, which are not very shy, and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. After a walk along the city's canals, return through the quieter forest on the ridge, passing by two viewpoints that unfortunately face west.

A short, easy hike to complement your visit to the Gorges du Fier and/or Montrottier Castle.

A short, easy hike that complements a visit to the Fier Gorges and/or Montrottier Castle.

This route is an adaptation of the “Les Chemins d’Angely” trail, adding 1 km to the distance and 10 m of additional elevation gain. It offers panoramic views of all the surrounding mountain ranges: Bornes, Aravis, Bauges, Jura, Chartreuse and Belledonne, like a 360° panorama. And on a clear day, Mont Blanc watches over your entire route.

An easy family walk through the valleys around the commune of Vaulx. On a clear day, Mont Blanc is omnipresent and the walk offers a wide view of most of the Savoyard massifs (Bornes, Aravis, Bauges) as well as the southern Jura (Colombier massif) and further south towards the Chartreuse and the Belledonne range.

Short, easy walk with some interesting views.

Balade qui permet de découvrir le Château de Montrottier avec son architecture remarquable et son imposant donjon situé sur une colline puis les berges du Fier, de la « Pierre aux Fées » à une perte qui s'engouffre sous la roche sur quelques mètres.

A nature trail with a few information boards and explanations about the wildlife and forest. Two picnic areas with tables. The viewpoint from the belvedere is lovely, with views of the Dent du Cruet and the lake.

Starting from the hamlet of Vovray, this is an easy walk, mostly shaded, with superb views of the town of Seynod and the Annecy basin.

Mont Veyrier proudly overlooks Lake Annecy and offers magnificent views. The Sentier des Crêtes trail allows you to walk from north to south, from Col des Sauts to Vallon des Contrebandiers. The proposed circular route reduces the distance by starting from Hameau de la Combe, in the centre of the western slope, with two somewhat steep passages at the ends of the ridge trail.

Mont Veyrier is one of the mountains most familiar to residents of the Annecy region: I suggest you explore it from north to south.Please note that the route includes a few tricky sections: see below for details. ⚠️ A decree issued by the municipalities of Annecy and Veyrier-du-Lac prohibits motorised vehicles from accessing the Col des Contrebandiers and the Pré Vernet.

A walk through the woods between Veyrier-du-Lac and the Col de Bluffy, via the Col des Contrebandiers.Best done in winter when the trees have shed their leaves to enjoy the views over Lake Annecy. ⚠️ A decree issued by the municipalities of Annecy and Veyrier-du-Lac prohibits motor vehicles from accessing the Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet.

A short but challenging hike starting from Veyrier-du-Lac, leading to one of the most beautiful views of Lake Annecy. Short in distance and with little elevation gain, but featuring a vertiginous final section with a safety cable. Since the cave was opened, the view over Lake Annecy and the Bauges massif has been exceptional.Strongly not recommended for those prone to vertigo, or in wet weather. Suitable only for walkers comfortable with exposed terrain.

A walk through the heart of the meadows, between parks and paths, with views of the Parmelan. Very little walking on roads. Keep your dog on a lead as there are cows and horses along the route. Enjoy a lovely family walk, but watch out for muddy paths in wet weather.

A beautiful, steep hike that follows a stream through the forest before arriving at a small alpine valley, then on a ridge where you can enjoy the view of the lake.

A very scenic hike in the Annecy region, taking you to the northern tip of the Dents de Lanfon, set in unspoilt countryside and exceptional scenery. From the summit, there are superb views, particularly of Lake Annecy, the Tête à Turpin and the Grandes Lanches (Dent du Cruet).Please note: a helmet is recommended due to the risk of rockfalls.

I suggest a circular route from the foot of the Dents de Laffon to the Pointe de Talamarche, all set against a backdrop of beautiful and varied scenery.There are challenging sections in two areas:- below the Dents de Lanfon in the scree slope: moderate navigation in an area exposed to rockfalls.- access to the Trou de la Chapelle: sections equipped with chains and rungs,A torch is strongly recommended for the crossing of the Grotte de la Chapelle. This route is best undertaken outside periods when snow is present and ideally on dry ground.Please read the Practical Information carefully.Three alternative routes are available: please also read the practical information.