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Les Déserts walks
Tour of Mont Peney and Cascade de la Doriaz
Visorando Member
7.01 mi
+2,726 ft
-2,726 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
It is almost a suburban walk, not too busy during the week.
And yet you are already in the Bauges with its characteristic buildings.
From the start to the waterfall, you are on theGR®96.
Then, from the pass to the ridge trail via Mont Peney, you are on the GRP®.
From Les Déserts to the Col de Plaimpalais
5.29 mi
+1,129 ft
-1,135 ft
4 hrs
Easy
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
An unexpected snowshoe hike just 15km from Chambéry.No need to travel miles to enjoy exceptional snow conditions.
The Carret Cave from the Doriaz car park
2.57 mi
+1,138 ft
-1,138 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
A refreshing little outing just a stone’s throw from Chambéry.
The Doriaz is an underground river that gushes out of the cliff.
Along the way, you can watch the via ferrata climbers making their way up the cliff.
The Croix du Nivolet from Les Favres
4.62 mi
+2,060 ft
-2,047 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
A beautiful hike to the Croix du Nivolet. A very varied and enjoyable route throughout.
La Croix du Nivolet, via the ladders
4.43 mi
+2,110 ft
-2,100 ft
3h 50
Difficult
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
A local classic with magnificent views of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, the Belledonne massif and the town of Chambéry.Ideal for hot days, the route is 90% shaded. However, it is not suitable for wet weather.
Boucle des Merveilles du Margeriaz via the Trou de l'Agneau
Tourism professional
9.85 mi
+3,894 ft
-3,898 ft
7h 55
Very difficult
Departure from Thoiry (Savoie) (Savoie)
A long and beautiful hike full of possibilities on the plateau, with alternative routes to suit all tastes, but always staying on the trails, as the Margeriaz is very rugged. Access, via the same ascent route, can be gained via the Goulet de l'Agneau, which is equipped.
The Golet de l'Agneau via Plainpalais
2.89 mi
+2,165 ft
-2,165 ft
3h 15
Difficult
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
A short but very interesting hike featuring a continuous steep slope and no easy sections. Undertaken in late October: ice and light snow in the chimney and freezing fog at the summit. Exit the forest to the foot of the cliff and walk up an unstable scree slope. Passage across the cliff is well-cabled and sheathed in plastic (slippery grip with gloves but very comfortable bare-handed in summer). Hike not recommended for young children.
Le Margeriaz via the Col de la Verne and the Golet de l'Agneau
9.43 mi
+3,353 ft
-3,353 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
Panoramic hike with views of Chambéry and Mont Margeriaz.
Moderator's note : some steep sections, see reviews
La Croix du Nivolet starting from Glaize
5.51 mi
+873 ft
-889 ft
3 hrs
Easy
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
A classic loop for a quick walk.
This route is well marked in both summer and winter.
The Nivolet Cross circuit from Feclaz
6.18 mi
+1,109 ft
-1,106 ft
3h 50
Easy
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
A circuit from Féclaz to the Nivolet Cross overlooking Chambéry.
La Féclaz les fermes circular
5.13 mi
+719 ft
-705 ft
3h 00
Difficult
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
This route is for experienced hikers, as it includes a few topographical challenges and requires a map and compass in addition to a GPS. However, it is also good practice for orientation without any risk, as the road from La Féclaz to Le Revard is never far away.
The Carret Cave and the Trou de la Doriaz in Lovettaz
3.86 mi
+1,801 ft
-1,781 ft
3h 20
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Jean-d'Arvey (Savoie)
At the foot of the Croix du Nivolet, enjoy a lovely walk in the woods to cool off and discover the Grotte à Carret and the Trou de la Doriaz (the source of the torrent in the middle of the cliff) as well as some beautiful waterfalls.
Doria Waterfalls
4.94 mi
+2,251 ft
-2,251 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Jean-d'Arvey (Savoie)
Enjoy the Doria waterfalls on this lovely family walk. The lower waterfall is magnificent with its 60-metre drop. At the Grotte à Carret, you can see the start of the Via Ferrata on the mountainside. At the upper waterfall, you’ll appreciate the cool air during hot spells.
La Féclaz le Revard round trip
6.86 mi
+1,217 ft
-1,188 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
This is a family hike that can be enjoyed in any season between two resorts in the Massif des Bauges.
With snow, a winter atmosphere is guaranteed, especially if you encounter dog sled teams.
In summer, it is a refreshing, shaded route.
Moderator's note added on 09/06/2021: as some sections of the route are now private, it is useful to have a map to find alternatives
Snowshoeing - Orionde circuit.
7.39 mi
+1,250 ft
-1,280 ft
5 hrs
Easy
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
L'Orionde is not the best known or most popular spot on this circuit, but it offers panoramic views to the east and west.
The most famous site is, of course, the Croix du Nivolet, which, for once, happens to be on the route.
All in all, a beautiful loop with a succession of panoramic views.
Around Mont Nivolet
8.08 mi
+2,881 ft
-2,871 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
This hike takes you along a path through mountain pastures and woods that is quiet at the start, offering magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges. You can visit the cave and waterfalls before reaching the summit of the Nivolet and its cross. If you keep an eye out for the plants along the way, you may be able to spot the rare and protected Martagon lily.
Rock paintings of Mont Peney
3.43 mi
+1,952 ft
-1,952 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Jean-d'Arvey (Savoie)
A short walk above the town to meet distant artists. Panorama of the valley and the Chartreuse massif opposite.
Mont Peney
6.68 mi
+2,828 ft
-2,815 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Jean-d'Arvey (Savoie)
This hike is quite physically demanding in the first part. The section along the Doria is really very pleasant. At the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of Belledonne and Chartreuse. The fairly long descent is not particularly difficult.
The Croix du Nivolet From Le Sire
Association / Club / Walk leader
3.78 mi
+997 ft
-988 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
A magnificent snowshoe hike offering 360° panoramic views of the Alps, the Épine massif, Chartreuse and Bugey throughout the route, particularly at the Croix du Nivolet...
The Croix du Nivolet, the final destination, proudly overlooks Chambéry.
The return journey follows the same route, but is always different given the magical landscape in good weather.
Footbridge circuit from Saint-Jean-d'Arvey
7.21 mi
+1,594 ft
-1,594 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Jean-d'Arvey (Savoie)
This is a pleasant route to walk at any time of year, particularly in late autumn as it enjoys plenty of sunshine.
The route of the Himalayan footbridge at Trou de l'Enfer allows you to discover the curious meanders of the Leysse.
La Croix de Nivolet via the Pas de l'Echelle
7.43 mi
+3,812 ft
-3,835 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Jean-d'Arvey (Savoie)
A varied hike that takes you to the Croix de Nivolet from an unusual angle.
From Col des Près to Pointe des Torchets
3.86 mi
+1,289 ft
-1,293 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Aillon-le-Jeune (Savoie)
An easy walk in a neglected area.
The first part of the route is not marked.
The second part is marked by fading yellow and green paint marks on the trees.
Croix du Nivolet
6.68 mi
+2,841 ft
-2,838 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Verel-Pragondran (Savoie)
A must-do hike for locals, this short trip to the Dent du Nivolet offers a beautiful 360° panorama of Lac du Bourget, Chartreuse, Belledonne, Beaufortain and Mont Blanc.
Guard's trail from Pragondran
5.87 mi
+2,415 ft
-2,392 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Verel-Pragondran (Savoie)
A pleasant hike on the western flank of Mont Nivolet. The route winds its way through the Passage du Croc to cross the cliff and reach Le Sire. Beautiful panorama of the region. The Sentier du Garde was part of the network of trails that criss-crossed the mountainside, allowing forest rangers to travel through the mountainous terrain.
Margeriaz - Tannes and ice houses - Golet de l'agneau
4.75 mi
+1,670 ft
-1,667 ft
3h 40
Easy
Departure from Aillon-le-Jeune (Savoie)
This hike follows the Tannes et Glacières trail and is rounded off with a visit to the faults of Mont Margeriaz.
To make the most of the Tannes et Glacières trail, pick up the little guidebook on sale at the tourist office in Aillon le Jeune.
The Margériaz circular loop on snowshoes
4.44 mi
+1,499 ft
-1,499 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Aillon-le-Vieux (Savoie)
The Margériaz mountain is equipped for downhill skiing. However, its ridges are accessible on snowshoes, offering a pleasant route that partly bypasses the snow stadium and provides magnificent views. The open terrain allows for a unique approach by moonlight.
Snowshoeing on the Margeriaz
5.36 mi
+1,302 ft
-1,270 ft
3 hrs
Easy
Departure from Aillon-le-Jeune (Savoie)
Beautiful snowshoe hike in powder snow to the peaks of Mont Margeriaz.
Chemin des Vignes from Bout du Monde to Passerelle du Trou de l'Enfer
5.42 mi
+1,476 ft
-1,450 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Alban-Leysse (Savoie)
A beautiful walk along the Leysse gorges and through the old vineyards of Saint-Jean-d'Arvey.
The trail, while not particularly difficult, can be a little steep and slippery.
It offers superb views of the Leysse and the cliffs of Mont Peney.
The Ternèze Canyon and the Bognette viewpoint
5.15 mi
+860 ft
-840 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Curienne (Savoie)
This hike allows you to discover the magnificent site of the Ternèze Canyon and then, in the village of Curienne, to enjoy information about the Motte Castrale. Next, reach the Sommet de la Bognette for a 360° viewpoint, and on the way back, pass by the Stèle des Résistants.
Leysse and Ternèze, gorges and canyons
11.02 mi
+2,733 ft
-2,740 ft
7h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Alban-Leysse (Savoie)
A long route following the Leysse and then the Ruisseau de Ternèze along the right bank, before descending via the left bank, allowing you to explore places that are by turns wild and marked by past human activity. The presence of water makes these sections pleasant in summer. The route is long as it covers the entire length; it is possible to shorten it at any point where you can cross from one bank to the other.
Montbasin Razerel Monterminod
7.19 mi
+2,306 ft
-2,297 ft
5h 20
Easy
Departure from Saint-Alban-Leysse (Savoie)
A walk to revisit the classics near Chambéry.
The Pointe de la Galoppaz loop starting from the Col des Prés
5.43 mi
+2,205 ft
-2,234 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Thoiry (Savoie) (Savoie)
This circular hike runs along the slopes and ridge of La Galoppaz (pronounced Galoppe) to reach the summit with its magnificent 360° panorama.
Le Grand Roc
4.47 mi
+1,952 ft
-1,978 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Thoiry (Savoie) (Savoie)
For a change from the Gallopaz, a slightly wilder route in the same area.
Viewpoints and ridges of Le Revard
5.47 mi
+1,325 ft
-1,329 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Les Déserts (Savoie)
A pleasant route on the heights of Le Revard, combining a variety of points of interest.
Panoramic view of Aix-les-Bains and the lake, reminiscent of the old cable car and rack railway connections.
Poets' trail in summer. Panoramic views, mountain pastures and cheese...
More walks in Les Déserts
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