La Balme-de-Thuy walks

A bit of history and prehistory for the whole family amid the waterfalls. An easy, educational walk through the Ice Age and the French Revolution with a detour to see some waterfalls.

This cycle route climbs towards the Col de Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, then descends through the entire Vallée du Borne. Towards La Roche-sur-Foron, it then follows small roads before reaching the Col de Fleury. It descends to the village of Thorens-Glières, continues towards Aviernoz, and reaches the village of Naves-Parmelan. The route then turns towards Dingy Saint-Clair, La Balme de Thuy, and reaches the centre of Thônes via a cycle path.

This circuit passes through the Col du Marais, the Col de l'Épine and, after a beautiful descent, crosses Marlens. At the roundabout, a cycle path joins and runs alongside Lake Annecy, then climbs up the Côte de Talloires to reach Menthon-Saint-Bernard. All that remains is to climb the Col de Bluffy to reach the Thônes side.

I suggest a lovely walk in the south-western part of Mont Lachat, taking in a variety of landscapes and some interesting viewpoints in uncrowded areas. Please note that this is a challenging walk with difficult sections off the beaten track and exposed terrain where a misstep could be dangerous (see the practical information section).

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.

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

Tête Noire, Tête Ronde and Tête de l'Arpettaz: three peaks overlooking the southern end of the Glières Plateau. The hike takes you through a fairly wild and unfrequented part of the peaks surrounding the famous historic plateau. Magnificent 360° view.

A beautiful, easy hike on the Glières Plateau, offering clear views of the mountain pastures and the Notre-Dame des Neiges Chapel. There are many chalets and mountain farms with herds of livestock in summer.

A little-used ridge route, mainly in forest, with a beautiful alpine climb. A few views of Lake Annecy, Mont Veyrier and the Dents de Lanfon. ⚠️ 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.

Between showers, with temperatures rather cool for what was supposed to be spring, we enjoyed a short walk in familiar surroundings, but the route was as enchanting as ever.

Discover the whole of Lake Annecy from this rock in Charvines between Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires, which is home to a magnificent golf course.

Snowshoe circuit on the vast Glières Plateau. Besides the historical aspect, the Glières Plateau is interesting to visit because the mountains that surround it are strong points of reference.

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

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

A magnificent hike in the mid-range mountains with views of Lake Annecy and a 360° panorama of the Northern Alps and Mont Blanc from the summit. (__Caution__) read this article before embarking on this loop.

Hike offering superb views of the Massif des Bornes, Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc.

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.

A lovely, varied walk with undergrowth, meadows and small villages, with the added bonus of the Angon waterfall and superb views of the lake, La Tournette and the Dents de Lanfon.

This is an unusual route to the summit of Sulens, which takes you up the steep grassy face of the east slope. This trail is not "yet" marked on IGN maps... but is clearly visible on IGN Satellite. A good reason to use it before it becomes too well-travelled... At the summit: panoramic view of the Aravis mountain range, the Mont Blanc massif...

Un itinéraire assez facile, mais qui offre une jolie vue arrivé au sommet, avec une table d'orientation.

A short and easy walk around the informative trail about the formation of marshland and the different fauna and flora found there, followed by a visit to the monument erected to the resistance fighters who were based at the Plateau des Glieres in the latter part of WWII. The way back follows part of the historic trail and passes the place where equipment drops were housed and the site of the infirmary.

This loop crosses La Roche Parnal and the Sous Dîne mountain. The hike passes through alpine pastures, cools off in the forest and crosses a few rocky passages, but without difficulty. You will encounter ibex, but above all, you will have a 360° panorama almost the entire time, stretching from the Jura to the Aravis and Mont Blanc ranges. However, this is a demanding route due to its length and elevation gain, although there are no technical difficulties. You can also choose to walk in the opposite direction to the one suggested here. (!) Please read the paragraphs (5): poorly visible trail and (6) cliffs, cables, ridges, ladder, rocky outcrops.

An atypical route through bushes and over Annecy's lake.

A circular hike to enjoy the Belvédère de Pierre Taillée viewpoint overlooking the Filière valley. The route is varied, through forest and then along the river. The village of Usillon is the starting point for the Glières plateau, another popular hiking destination.

This grassy peak does not present any technical difficulties. From the summit, there is a beautiful view of the Aravis and the Bouchet valley. This is an ideal hike for a family outing and is easily accessible in winter with snowshoes.

Beautiful hike with views of the Tournette and Lake Annecy.

Torrential streams, forest, minerals and panoramic views! Add to that a little elevation gain, and you have everything this hike has to offer, most of which is sheltered from the sun.

This loop trail runs through the suspended valley of Montmin and takes you to the monument of the Seven Fountains (1642), a Christian building with a very unusual design.

The famous Taillefer ridge hike is a great hike to do directly from camping la ravoiure and les fontaines. Mostly woodland hiking (therefore nicely shaded in many parts, with superb views of the lake and mountains. Steep ascent to the L'oratoire but no particular technical difficulties. Some passages can be slippery in wet weather. Walking poles are good to bring! This hike is approx 3-5 hours long.