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Thonon-les-Bains walks
A short walk on the outskirts of Thonon-les-Bains
Got an hour to spare to relax? Then this short walk is just the thing for you! On the outskirts of Thonon-les-Bains, this walk of about an hour combines uphill, flat and downhill sections. Being short, it’s ideal for training for longer hikes or for gauging your fitness (you can do the circular route several times). As the route runs entirely through the forest, you’ll be in the shade in summer and can gather chestnuts in autumn.
From Thonon-les-Bains to the Châteaux des Allinges
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.
Exploring the Thonon-les-Bains Forest
This route will allow you to explore the Thonon-les-Bains forest without walking along the same path twice. The walk is mapped out and described in its long version (9.5 km). A shorter version (6.5 km) is also possible, but with fewer parking spaces available.
This walk is ideal for getting back into the swing of things after a break.
On the shores of Lake Geneva and in old Thonon
This walk begins with a pleasant route along the lakeside. You then head uphill to explore the rich architectural heritage of old Thonon. The return journey follows the lakeside once more.
The Vineyards of Marin
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.
Balcony above the Dranse river at the start of the hike in Armoy
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 old mills of Maravant
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.
On the shores of Lake Geneva, Ripaille Castle
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!
The Dranse Delta Nature Reserve
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.
Les Vouas du Lyaud
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.
The two castles of Allinges
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.
A balcony-like path above the Dranse, starting from Féternes Vieux
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 Grotte aux Loups cave and the Maladière viewpoint
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.
More walks in Thonon-les-Bains
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