Sarrazins Cave, starting from Veyrier-du-Lac

(S/E) From the car park at the Veyrier-du-Lac school, cross the village by taking the Route de Morat, then turning left onto the Chemin des Mottes, before joining the Route de la Corniche (no. 48).

(1) Cross this road and head up into the woods opposite via the Chemin de la Merle (listed as Chemin des Mottes by IGN), a path that runs alongside a stream and climbs for about 15 minutes before quickly disappearing into the woods.

(2) At the junction, there is a small scree slope of white pebbles on your right, but turn left. Be careful: the path may be covered in leaves depending on the season. Several side paths lead to the climbing cliffs: stay on the main path, which becomes narrow and exposed; there are a few sections where you’ll need to scramble.

As you approach the cave, a cable is fixed to the cliff face to hold on to. This section is short but exposed: turn back if you do not feel comfortable. In wet weather, the rock is slippery, so caution is advised.

(3) Grotte des Sarrazins (776 m). The return to the car park (S/E) follows the same route as the outward journey.

• Cable section: the final stretch before the cave is narrow, with a drop below, and requires you to hold onto the cable for a few metres. Strongly not recommended for those prone to vertigo or in wet weather (slippery rocks). Although the walk is short, good physical fitness and sure-footedness are essential to tackle this section safely. If in doubt, turn back before reaching it — the view from the bottom of the section is still very beautiful.
• Children: only possible with experienced children (aged 8–10 or over) equipped with a via ferrata lanyard for the cable section; two adults are required.
• Dogs: the final section is not recommended for large dogs.
• Recommended equipment: walking boots (stony ground, roots, slippery sections). A head torch is recommended for exploring inside the cave.
• Parking: large car park at the school in Veyrier-du-Lac (free).
• Water point: available at the start of the trail.

• The Grotte des Sarrazins: a natural cavity in the limestone cliff of the Grandes Suites, known since the 17th century. Its name evokes medieval legends of Saracen hideouts during the invasions of the 8th century. Nestled in the Grandes Suites cliff, the cave consists of a main chamber and two secondary cavities.
• La Table des Fées: a large flat rock in the heart of the cave, a must-see photo spot.
• Panoramic view of Lake Annecy from the cave’s entrance: a 180° view of the lake and the Bauges massif.
• A nearbyclimbing site on the Grandes Suites cliffs.
• Karst flora: ferns, mosses and lichens characteristic of damp cliff environments.