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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.