Margencel walks

A short walk offering the chance to discover two old watermills, one in very good condition and the other in ruins, whilst walking through pleasant countryside and enjoying beautiful views.

Two castles on the same hilltop were rivals for many years before being dismantled. This short hike, which includes a few steep sections, allows you to visit the ruins of these castles, including a Romanesque chapel, and enjoy a sweeping view of Lake Geneva. An even shorter alternative avoids most of the climb.

This is a short hike, but it is only suitable for hikers with a good sense of direction who are comfortable on steep terrain. Starting from the Châteaux d'Allinges, which are well worth a visit, and after a pleasant walk through the forest, a well-maintained path leads to the Grotte aux Loups in a wild setting. Above the cave, the Maladière viewpoint offers a beautiful panorama of Lake Geneva.

Two hikes in one! A pleasant walk that takes place mostly under trees (oaks, beeches and chestnuts), leading to the Châteaux des Allinges, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Geneva on one side and the Pre-Alps on the other. If the climb to the castle puts you off, you can cut the hike short without enjoying the view from the castle ruins.

At the foot of the Signal des Voirons and the Col de Cou, a rural loop leads to two beautiful castles, including Avully Castle, which is open to visitors.

The vouas are ponds that formed in depressions created by the retreat of the Rhône glacier at the end of the last ice age (around 10,000 years ago). This short hike takes you to two of these ponds and through some undergrowth. The route includes several circular loops, offering a number of possible variations.

This hike presents no navigation difficulties, but is rated as difficult due to its steepness (600m elevation gain with no flat sections) and the care required during the first half of the descent (rocks rolling underfoot). Very pretty views from the Notre-Dame d'Hermone chapel and spectacular paragliders. Three-quarters of the hike is in the shade and can be completed in about four hours at a brisk pace.

A short hike that ends at a dead end... This is an opportunity to venture into a little-visited forest and walk along the slopes overlooking the Dranse River above its gorges. Expect to find damp vegetation where moss grows freely.

The Marin vineyard is one of three vineyards on the French shore of Lake Geneva. This hike takes you through the vineyards, along the Dranse river and up to higher ground to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Lake Geneva.

A lovely little walk, ideal for beginners and those preparing for medium-altitude hiking.

This short hike, which is a common route to climb to the Hermone Chapel, highlights the small religious heritage sites that are very present along the route and offers superb views of Lake Geneva from the summit.

Mont Forchat offers a superb 360° panorama, including a sweeping view of Lake Geneva. This hike takes you up the mountain, starting in the forest and then continuing to the beautiful Trécoud mountain pasture. Several variations are possible.

Starting from the isolated bell tower in Brenthonne, this short hike leads to a beautiful waterfall in the forest. The route offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Geneva. Along the way, you can admire the Château d'Avully, which is open to visitors.

A magnificent snowshoe hike in the heart of the Vallée Verte. The cold (-14°C at the start!), the snow and the sumptuous landscapes were all there.

A circular route to Mont Forchat, which is less difficult than the direct ascent. A gradual climb along a forest track with views of Lake Geneva. Pass through the hamlets of Chatillonnet and Trécout before arriving at Très le Mont. Access to the summit via the Balcon du Léman. Return via a steep path to the Col de l'Encrenaz, then the Très le Mont trail, an easy path through the woods before joining the Col des Moises trail.

This hike offers superb panoramic views of Lake Geneva and follows the entire ridge line of a modestly high peak. This circular route offers a more original and varied approach than the usual climb from the Col du Feu. Some sections require caution.

A varied hike that combines peaceful paths through meadows with trails with a slight incline. You will pass through a heavily wooded area where old water mills once stood, the remains of which are now difficult to make out. Extensive panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains punctuate this route.

A short hike, mainly through woodland, offering a beautiful view of the Dranse valley and the Jura Mountains. Several other points of interest enhance the route: a chapel, an imposing lime tree, the remains of a tuff quarry, a cup-marked stone and a wayside shrine.

The Château de Ripaille, former residence of the Dukes of Savoy, is well worth a visit. This short hike offers an original way to get there, following the shores of Lake Geneva as closely as possible. It's a great way to combine the pleasure of walking with that of culture and heritage!

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Yvoire and Nernier are two medieval villages that can be visited on foot. This hike offers the opportunity to discover these two superb sites by walking between them. The route described here is a short round trip, but in summer it can be done as a one-way trip with a return by boat.

Formed by the confluence of the Dranse d'Abondance, the Dranse de Morzine and the Brevon, the Dranse flows into Lake Geneva at the border between the municipalities of Thonon-les-Bains and Publier. A nature reserve has been created around the small delta it forms, which is home to many birds and a diverse range of flora. This short walk takes you through the reserve to the mouth of the Dranse.

From the old fortified house of Chilly, the route starts in the middle of the vineyards and then climbs through woods to reach a plateau offering extensive views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding peaks. After passing Notre-Dame des Vignes, you can see a geological curiosity, the Pierre à Martin. After a stretch through the forest, you descend, enjoying beautiful views. The hike ends through the vineyard.

Short, easy hike in the shade (nice in summer). The ground is wet even if it has not rained for several days, so good footwear is recommended.