Thônes walks

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Beautiful hike with views of the Tournette and Lake Annecy.

An out and return walk to Lac du Mont Charvin. Passing through woodland, then pasture before entering the higher and more rocky terrain. Great views Mont Blanc from the ridge above the lake.

Walk to the Col du Fer near Mont Charvin and its lake. There is little elevation gain, so it is suitable for everyone, and if there is no fog, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama.

A moderately difficult hike through the steep, rocky mountain pastures of Mont Charvin. From the Fontanettes car park in the commune of Le Bouchet, the climb takes you past the Chalet des Fontanettes and the Chalet de l'Aulp de Marlens, then through the valley to the Col des Porthets. From there, descend to join the path coming from Manigod and climb back up to the lake. The return journey follows the same route.

A somewhat aerial hike offering spectacular views. The passage by the lake provides an opportunity for a pleasant break. As the route includes a section of via ferrata, cables are in place during the summer season on the most difficult parts. However, it is not recommended to attempt this route in wet weather, as some sections can be slippery and falls are not permitted. The final section of this hike is reserved for experienced hikers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Starting from the Col de l'Alpettaz, this is a walk for the whole family. Magnificent views, breathtaking vistas and, as a bonus, if the weather is not too foggy, the Mont Blanc massif. You can even buy Savoyard cheeses.

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

A hike through the woods that takes you from the end of the lake to the Col de la Forclaz.

Created in 1974 to protect the last reed beds on Lake Annecy, it is home to remarkable flora and fauna. An educational trail takes you around the site in about an hour, through unspoilt natural areas with beautiful views of the nearby peaks of Les Bornes and Les Bauges. You will find magnificent views of the lake, observatories and educational panels.

Overlooking Lake Annecy, discover the hillsides of Lathuile in an enchanting setting between marshes, forests and fields.