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La Balme-de-Thuy walks
Mont Téret plateau via the Col de la Bourse and Col du Pertuis
From La Balme-de-Thuy, I suggest you take a lovely walk around the southern part of Mont Téret via the Col de la Bourse, Les Grands Prés and the Col du Pertuis. This is a fairly challenging route in terms of distance and elevation, with a few difficulties, mainly on the Passage de la Bourse.
Waterfall circuit
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.
The North Peak of the Dents de Lanfon
A very beautiful hike in the Annecy region, which will take you to the northern peak of the Dents de Lanfon, in a wild environment with exceptional scenery. From the summit, there is a superb view, particularly of Lake Annecy, Tête à Turpin and Grandes Lanches (Dent du Cruet).
Please note: a helmet is recommended due to the risk of falling rocks.
Thônes - circuit around Les Glières via the Col de Fleury
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.
Route via Ugine, Hery, Flumet and the Col des Aravis from Thônes
This route passes through the Col du Marais, joins the cycle path that takes you to Ugine, where the climb to Hery and Flumet begins. Then, the Route des Gorges de l'Arrondine leads to La Giettaz, the start of the tough climb up the Col des Aravis. All that remains then is the descent, which passes successively through La Clusaz and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt before reaching Thônes.
From Thônes - 3-pass circuit - Marais - l'Épine - Bluffy
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.
Col des Frêtes and Arête de Talamarche
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.
Pointe de Talamache circular
This beautiful circular hike begins in a beech forest that may seem quite steep but is well marked. The alpine pastures, which are full of flowers until mid-summer, quickly come into view. You may encounter ibex on the Crête des Trévelles. The summit is easily reached and offers a beautiful 360° panorama. The descent to Pas de l'Aulp can be daunting but is very well protected.
Mont Lachat and Croix de l'Enclume loop from Mont Jean
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).
The Parmelan loop
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.
Short circular of La Blonnière
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.
Montagne de Lachat circular in Dingy-Saint-Clair
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.
Parmelan loop from Dingy via the Col du Perthuis
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
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.
The Glières Plateau and the Notre-Dame des Neiges Chapel
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.
The Mont Baret loop from the Col de Bluffy
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.
The Parmelan plateau via the Chalet des Espagnols and the Plan de l'Aigle
From the Vallée de la Fillière, I suggest you visit a little-frequented area of the Plateau du Parmelan, located to its north-east. This route, which is rather "wild" in places, winds its way through pretty landscapes with some beautiful views towards the Montagne de Sous-Dine and the Plateau des Glières. Along the way, there are three caves that are worth checking out.
Please note that this route presents some difficulties: rough terrain, steep slopes and orientation issues.For more details, see below and, in particular, the Practical Information section.
Tête Ronde and Mont Téret circular from Les Molliets
Starting from the Fillière Valley, I suggest a lovely circular trail to the south-west of the Glières Plateau, through sometimes wild surroundings, with some beautiful views along the way: the trail leads successively to three peaks (Tête Noire, Tête Ronde and Tête d'Arpettaz), then after a short passage through the Gorge d'Ablon, it joins the Mont Téret sector via the Croix du Bénitier.Please note that a little caution is required on the few sections of sharp limestone pavement you will cross.
Col de l'Ovine
A very beautiful snowshoe hike starting from the Plateau des Glières.
The Keys to the Tournette Tour
I suggest a good hike, partly circular, starting from Les Clefs and heading to La Tournette through areas that are not too busy.There are no major technical difficulties along the route: at most, there are a few slippery sections in places and access to the summit of La Tournette via a few ladders and cables
The Parmelan refreshment stands
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.
Le Lanfonnet and Roche Murraz
Less travelled than its prestigious neighbour (La Tournette), the summit of Lanfonnet offers a pleasant and less demanding alternative, with a smaller elevation gain. The view of Lake Annecy is spectacular.
Chalet du Plan via the Pas du Roc
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.
Tour du Roc de Chère
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.
The Sous-Dîne mountain in a circular fashion via the Pas du Roc
Hike with 360° panoramic views from the Jura to Mont Blanc, ridge route, beautiful route in magnificent surroundings.
Caution: at (S/E) and (5), see important recommendations in the practical information section.
Snowshoes on the Glières Plateau
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.
Les Chalets des Auges
A magnificent snowshoe hike that is relatively well known on the Glières plateau, a hotspot of the Resistance. This hike offers magnificent panoramic views.
The Glières Plateau
A peaceful hike through the plateau's mountain pastures, a place steeped in the history of the Glières maquis. The route also offers panoramic views of the region's mountain ranges.
Roc de Chère by Menthon-Saint-Bernard: a forest full of life
This forest walk takes you through very contrasting natural environments. Crossing the Roc de Chère, you pass from alpine to Mediterranean environments. Flora and fauna of opposing affinities find refuge on this rocky outcrop overlooking Lake Annecy.
Villaz waterfall circuit
An easy, shaded walk with two waterfalls along the way. Ideal for families and on hot days, with a beautiful view of the Parmelan.
Le Veyrier
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.
The Tour de la Montagne des Frettes
This circuit starts from the Col des Glières, on the plateau of the same name, in this important resistance site near Annecy.
Note: this hike can be done on snowshoes; see the Practical Information section for more details.
The Tournette loop
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.
La Tournette
Hike offering superb views of the Massif des Bornes, Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc.
Mont Veyrier
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.
Le Mont Lachat via Le Suet
A beautiful hike offering 360° views of the Aravis, Lake Annecy and the Glières Plateau.
A circular at Le Suet
This is a pleasant, easy circular, except for a few steep slopes. It follows forest paths and alpine pastures, with some stony sections. The reward is at the top, where you can enjoy a 360° view: a perfect view of the Aravis and all the snow-capped mountains beyond.
The Angon waterfall circuit
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.
Tour of Sulens Mountain
An easy hike on a wide track offering beautiful views of the Manigod valley and then the Bouchet valley. It allows you to walk around the Montagne de Sulens without much difficulty and offers breathtaking landscapes in autumn when the trees are ablaze with colour.
Sulens Mountain via the Sentier du Facteur
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...
La Montagne du Sulens
Un itinéraire assez facile, mais qui offre une jolie vue arrivé au sommet, avec une table d'orientation.
Plateau des Glières
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.
La Roche Parnal and Sous Dîne loop from Les Glières
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.
Taillefer Ridge
An atypical route through bushes and over Annecy's lake.
Pierre Taillée loop
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.
Pointe d'Orcière
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.
The Saint-Jorioz reed bed trail
A short round trip hike along Lake Annecy to discover the reed beds that line the lake in this area. Superb views of the lake and the peaks above it await you.
Chalet de l'Aulp - Rocher du Roux
Beautiful hike with views of the Tournette and Lake Annecy.
Montmin loop to the Chalet de l'Aulp via the Rocher Roux
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.
La Tournette loop from the village of Montmin
This is a beautiful hike offering stunning views of Lake Annecy, the Aravis massif and Mont Blanc. I recommend doing this hike in late October or early November, as the route is very busy in July, August and September.
Please take into account the comments regarding the difficulties in the Practical Information section.
The Seven Fountains Loop in Montmin
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 summit of Sulens from Serraval
This route will take you from Serraval to the summit of Sulens on the ridge of Montagne de Sulens. This mountain, located between the Aravis and Bornes ranges, offers extraordinary views of both, as well as much of the Bauges Massif. Two orientation tables at the summit provide hikers with information on the names of the many peaks visible in the surrounding area. Half of this hike takes place in the forest.
Taillefer ridge (Crete du Taillefer) from Camping La ravoire and Camping Les fontaines
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.
More walks in La Balme-de-Thuy
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