Thonon-les-Bains walks

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

The Perron oratory was built on a hillock that is the highest point of the Plateau de Gavot (910 m). From this small summit, as well as from much of the route, you can enjoy extensive views of the northernmost peaks of the Chablais (Mémises, drystone shelter, Oche, Ouzon, Billiat). A family hike that follows paths or small roads with very little traffic.

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.

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.

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

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 summit is rarely visited, despite offering a splendid 360° panorama of Lake Geneva, the Chablais peaks, the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc massif. The route includes forest trails at the bottom and alpine pastures at the top.

An isolated peak rising to an altitude of nearly 1,900 metres, Mont Billiat offers a splendid 360° panorama and is a lovely hiking destination. Throughout the ascent, there is an extensive view of Lake Geneva. The (optional) ascent of the Grande Pointe des Journées is a challenging addition reserved for experienced hikers.

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.