Les Villards-sur-Thônes walks

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).

A beautiful hike offering 360° views of the Aravis, Lake Annecy and the Glières Plateau.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful circular route around La Clusaz that allows you to discover the nearby mountain pastures. The first part takes place in the forest: ideal in summer because it is shaded, and in autumn because it is exposed to the sun's rays. At the edge of the forest, the view of the valley is breathtaking, with beautiful panoramas of Les Aravis and the village of La Clusaz.

This hike is interesting in both summer and winter. On snowshoes after a good snowfall, on a beautiful sunny day, the forest passages offer opportunities for beautiful photos.

Atteindre le Plateau de Beauregard par un itinéraire plus sauvage et moins fréquenté offrant des vues sur la Chaîne des Aravis et le Mont Lachat. De la Pointe de Beauregard à la Croix de Colomban, profitez de points de vue panoramiques.

This hike offers several different views of the mountains. The climb is gradual and takes you through alpine pastures. The descent is mainly through forest. There are some beautiful views, particularly of the Aravis mountain range, Mont Blanc and La Tournette.

The Tête du Danay circular via the pretty Bois du Rosay, the Auberge du Daney-d'en-Haut, then back via Frête and Bois de la Pézerette. Views of Les Confins, Les Aravis and the Grand Bornand valley.

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.

Short, easy route to discover the beautiful village of La Clusaz from different perspectives. Follow the signs for the “Tour du Village".

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.

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.

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.

A magnificent snowshoe hike that is relatively well known on the Glières plateau, a hotspot of the Resistance. This hike offers magnificent panoramic views.

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.

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.

A great pointy summit with a cross on top and good views followed by a descent of Borderan Combe. This could easily be done in reverse and/or without the use of the cable cars.

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.

L'Étale (altitude 2,483 m) is a complex mountain in the Bornes-Aravis massif, renowned for its aerial ridge route. The normal route (with a few variations) allows you to climb up a relatively austere combe on the western slope, but the final stretch is well worth the effort for the purity of the ridge and the expansive view.

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.

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.

From the hamlet of La Gutary in Manigod, I suggest a beautiful loop trail on one of the foothills of the Aravis massif. The route starts with a climb up the Fier valley with a few steep sections, then joins the Passage du Freu, which requires a little care. It then continues through alpine pastures, passing the Pointe d'Orsière.

This circular walk will take you through the steep-sided wooded valley beneath the Aiguille de Manigod. It then brings you up into pastures before making the steep ascent to Sur le Freu and the more gentle ascent to the top of Orsiere via la Riondaz. The descent takes you back through pastures before heading back down through the forest to the start. Great views towards Manigod and the mountains behind Annecy, Mont Charvin.

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.

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

At the foot of the slender peaks of the Aravis, a family hike partly through mountain pastures and partly through forest. Two lakes, one natural and one artificial, await you.

There is an alternative route to the "classic" route to Lac de Lessy, which is much less frequented. No particular difficulties (no ladders).

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.

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.

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.

Half-day route on a scenic path with beautiful views of the Aravis mountain range.

This is a fairly easy short loop for families, stopping at the Croix de Fer for a superb view of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains.

An easy hike offering magnificent panoramic views of the entire Mont Blanc range. The mountain range gradually reveals itself as you hike along a road that is passable by vehicle throughout. If you go as far as Stallets, you will have an extraordinary 180° view of the Northern Alps. It is also possible to stop at the Chalet du Curé, which already offers a commanding view, or at Boegneuve. This hike is completely exposed, so we recommend doing it in autumn or late summer, or during the cooler hours of the day in summer.

This balcony route offers beautiful views of the Aravis mountain range, La Giettaz and the Arrondine valley, all facing Mont Blanc.

This lovely walk will take you to the Tête du Danay for a 360° view of the La Clusaz and Grand Bornand valleys. Along the way, you will discover different facets of the Aravis mountains.

The Tête du Danay offers a magnificent 360° view of the Aravis massif and the Bornes overlooking Le Grand-Bornand.

A great walk for the family. You can choose between going to the lake and back or going right up to the top. The latter is easier than it looks and is actually less steep than the ascent to the lake.You will be rewarded with magnificent views.

This is a short, easy loop with beautiful views of Le Grand Bornand, Mont Lachat, the Combes des Aravis and the Balme and Fernuy slopes, as well as Lac des Confins on the way back. There is a possible variation to the Tête du Danay.

This hike will introduce you to the flora and fauna of the Alps. Depending on the time of year, you can meet the inhabitants of these mountains and taste their delicious cheeses.

This hike alternates between two distinct parts: the first is marked by human traces, as it explores the Grand Bornand ski area on very "rolling" paths, while the second is very exotic, exploring the south-facing slope of Mont Lachat, facing Lac des Confins and the Aravis massif. The landscapes and profile of this hike thus offer two completely different worlds and breathtaking views of the Grand Bo Valley massifs (Pic du Jallouvre, Aiguille Verte, Pointe Blanche), then the Aravis mountain range (Pointe Percée, Confins, Danay) and, in the distance, Montagne des Auges. The ascent is very steady, which is particularly pleasant! Beautiful panoramas alternate between civilisation and the calm of the mountains!

The Lac de Lessy, located in a valley at the foot of the Jallouvre, Buclon and Aiguille Verte mountains, is well worth a visit. The route takes you up and down hills, offering magnificent panoramic views.

A circular walk starting and finishing at the ski resort of Chinaillon; between Le Grand-Bornand and the Col de la Colombiere. A varied and interesting walk with great scenery, wildlife and options to take in Roc des Tours.

A hike that will take you to Lac de Lessy, then to the Aiguille Verte du Chinaillon. The terrain is varied: mountain pastures, forests, scree, sharp limestone pavements, etc. The landscape is equally varied, culminating in the summit, which offers a 360° panorama of the Bornes, Aravis and Mont Blanc massifs. The area is also ideal for encountering the many ibexes that inhabit the massif.

A hike in the heart of the Aravis is always a peaceful and relaxing experience thanks to the harmony of the landscapes. However, the trails can sometimes be steep.

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.

A bucolic hike in the middle of a huge mountain pasture. The Maroli valley climbs gently to the sound of cowbells. At the top, the Crêt des Annes offers an exceptional view of the Aravis and the surrounding mountains, and the artificial lakes of Maroly and La Cour are also very charming.

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.

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.

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

This tour will undoubtedly allow you to spot ibex, which are often in the area, but also to observe a wide range of alpine flora, including Saint Bruno's lilies, Liotard's stars, soldanellas, and more. With a little luck, you may even spot a ptarmigan or chamois.

La Croix Cartier is a very pleasant hike for families, offering magnificent 360° views.

A wide loop around the hamlet of Chaucisse, allowing you to visit three summits by combining routes that can each be done as a shorter hike. The views along the way are magnificent, with the Aravis, Beaufortain and Mont Blanc in front of us.

A lovely walk through great scenery which changes at different points of the walks. Good views and very quiet. Note this is not marked with the usual yellow signposts so you will need to refer to your IGN map. There are some hand-painted signs and arrows to help guide you. This walk also passes through the upland pasture with grazing sheep and the livestock is protected by dogs. Make sure you have read the information and know-how to pass flocks in a safe manner. A photo re info is attached,

A lovely circular hike starting from the Col de la Colombière, mainly on grassy terrain (the name of this peak refers to the time it takes to climb it). This hike offers superb views of the Bornes and Aravis mountain ranges. There may be flocks of sheep and patous (Swiss mountain dogs) present.

Starting from the Col de la Colombière, the Pointe de Balafrasse is a hike that passes by Lac de Peyre. Panoramic view of the Aravis mountain range and the Mont Blanc massif if the clouds are not too thick. No technical difficulties except perhaps for those who are afraid of heights after the Col de Balafrasse between (3) and .

A short uphill walk from the Col de la Colombiere to the lake and back. Nice scenery but can be popular.

Beautiful hike with views of the Tournette and Lake Annecy.