Haute-Savoie walks

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.

From the footbridge at Cusy, take the right bank up the Chéran gorges and the left bank down after crossing the spectacular "Pont de l'Abîme". This well-maintained itinerary allows you to discover the wildest part of one of Europe's last natural rivers.

This hike is not particularly difficult, despite one slightly steep section, and will take you to the foot of the terminal tongue of the Bionnassay Glacier, then to the Col de Voza. All along the way, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Bionnassay Glacier, then the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc Massif.

A superb hike starting from the Chalets de Bise, to discover Lake Darbon, a little gem nestled among the rocks. ⚠️ This route crosses the protected natural area of the Cornettes de Bise. To avoid disturbing the wildlife and preserve its habitat, please respect the regulations in force (see practical information). ANYONE WHO FAILS TO DO SO WILL BE FINED.

The ridge trail from Mont Veyrier to Mont Baron overlooks Lake Annecy from a height of over 800 metres and offers panoramic views of the Bauges peaks. ⚠️ A decree issued by the municipalities of Annecy and Veyrier-du-Lac prohibits motorised vehicles from accessing the Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet.

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 lovely walk in the Giffre valley, starting from the immense glacial amphitheatre known as the Fer à Cheval, to reach the Fond de la Combe, with magnificent waterfalls, particularly in spring; the flora and fauna are also impressive. Moderator's note, following a comment from a user on 17 June 2023. The footbridge at Fond de la Combe is temporarily closed by municipal order and if you want to go to Bout du Monde, you should cross to the right bank of the Giffre at the Prazon chalet. The loop indicated here is therefore not currently possible.

An atypical route through bushes and over the lake.

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

On the border between the Mont Blanc, Beaufortain and Tarentaise massifs, this hike will take you through alpine pastures to discover the Lacs Jovets at an altitude of over 2,100 metres.

This place really exists and it's not far away! To get there, simply: - go to the superb Sixt Fer à Cheval cirque, - take the wide tracks and paths from the car park, - continue to the front walls.

This hike takes you to the Dent d'Oche. From this distinctive peak overlooking Lake Geneva, you can enjoy a magnificent 360° panorama of the Lake Geneva basin, the Jura and the Alps, including the Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc massif. It's a difficult and exposed route, but the reward is well worth the effort when you reach the top!

Hiking facing the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix peaks.

A hike for those who want to enjoy the high mountains without too much elevation gain. It's ideal for children aged 8-10, to help them appreciate the mountains. You'll enjoy a panoramic view of the Mont Blanc range from the Chamonix side.

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.

A superb walk facing the long barrier of the Rochers des Fiz (or Chaîne des Fiz – Massif de Platé, Haut Giffre), in an exceptional setting with a section of the route running alongside the Souay torrent. When the sun is shining, the reflections of Lake Pormenaz are truly beautiful.

A beautiful, easy hike on the Semnoz plateau. Numerous panoramic views throughout the hike.

Beautiful hike with views of the Tournette and Lake Annecy.

At the crossroads between Ain, Savoie and Haute-Savoie, overlooking the Val de Fier, the Albanais plain and the Rhône valley from its height of 934 metres, the Mont des Princes, a historic site of resistance against the Italian-German occupation, is a must-see in the region. Among the many existing routes, this loop starting from Droisy offers easy access and shade, with well-paved paths that are accessible in all weather conditions. On a clear day, the sweeping view of the Alps is well worth the climb.

An easy family walk through the valleys around the commune of Vaulx. On a clear day, Mont Blanc is omnipresent and the walk offers a wide view of most of the Savoyard massifs (Bornes, Aravis, Bauges) as well as the southern Jura (Colombier massif) and further south towards the Chartreuse and the Belledonne range.

A long loop taking in the various lakes in the eastern part of the Aiguilles Rouges Massif, with magnificent views of the Mont Blanc Massif just opposite, reflected in the waters of the lakes. ⚠️ The itinerary includes two tricky sections equipped with ladders and metal ramps.

Lovely loop at the end of the Grand Balcon Nord, Chamonix valley.

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.

Nice looped hiking trail mostly in the undergrowth where you can see pretty views like Val du Fier's canyon, the river Rhône downstream Seyssel or the lovely ruined Saint André's chapel overlooking Albanais' plains.

The Montagne de la Côte is a steep ridge separating the final tongues of the Bossons and Taconnaz Glaciers tumbling down from Mont Blanc and Le Goûter. Historically, the route taken by Balmat and Paccard on their first ascent of Mont Blanc, this climb starts out pleasantly winding through the forest, then onto grassy slopes, and finally into a more mineral setting, ending in a very high-mountain glacial atmosphere.

Located above the Tour glacier, on its right bank, it is the only refuge managed by the Chamonix CAF that can be reached without crossing a glacier in summer. Its location is ideal, with views over a wide range of peaks: Aiguille du Tour, Chardonnet, Aiguille d'Argentière, la Verte and les Drus, les Aiguilles Rouges. It was named after Albert 1st, King of the Belgians. Considered the only high-mountain refuge accessible to families.

A beautiful hike downhill from the restaurant near the Plan de l'Aiguille cable car to the Montenvers station and back to Chamonix station by train.

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

Return from the Mer de Glace glacier through the Montenvers forest along the eponymous railroad.

This is one of the most accessible "mountains" around Lake Annecy. ⚠️ A decree issued by the municipalities of Annecy and Veyrier-du-Lac prohibits motorised vehicles from accessing the Col des Contrebandiers and Pré Vernet.

After the sources of the Arve, the second loop of the Arve starts from Argentière and takes you on a balcony to the village of Le Tour. The return journey is via Tré-le-Champs, with beautiful panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif.

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.

A must-do hike through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve in the Chamonix Valley. Lac Blanc culminates at 2352 m, offering an unforgettable panorama of the Mont Blanc range. The route described here is much more bucolic and wild than the variant via La Flégère, which has become far too touristy.

Beautiful walk facing the Mont Blanc massif, with a permanent view of the massif and glaciers.

Hiking on the Aiguilles Rouges massif through a wild landscape, discovering magnificent mountain lakes. You'll pass the Col du Lac Cornu, overlooking the eponymous lake, before arriving at the Lacs Noirs, where the mountain fauna is particularly present. Despite some technical sections, I strongly recommend descending to the second lake, where few people venture. You'll be able to spot a few mountain animals - chamois, ibex, marmots - and, weather permitting, take a dip in a mountain lake with an exceptional panorama of Mont Blanc.

Many of you are familiar with the Mer de Glace and its trusty red cogwheel train. This time, however, you won't be using the train - you'll be climbing Mer de Glace on foot. Don't worry, you'll be able to admire the little red train as you make your way up. The hike continues as far as the ladders leading down to the Mer de Glace. From here on, the ride becomes mountaineering, and it's time to turn back.

A summit offering superb views of both Lake Geneva and the Chablais massif. This route via the south face offers a walk in a beautiful natural setting. It also avoids the hassle of the ski lifts at the Thollon ski resort (north face, more crowded).

Magnificent hike, facing the Mont Blanc Massif all the way! While the whole route is quite busy, Lac de la Remuaz is off the trail and therefore isolated: a little forgotten gem.

3rd° loop of the Arve descent, from Les Tines, up through Le Lavancher and Petit Balcon Nord, superb scenery and a very pleasant forest crossing, and a descent as close as possible to the river.

Loop close to the Franco-Swiss border with a variety of exposures in a Nature Reserve (forest to the East, long ridge, alpine pasture, forest to the west), with a beautiful 360° panoramic view and a belvedere ideal for picnics.

A hike offering splendid views of Lake Annecy and the villages of the Bauges Natural Park.

An exceptional hike, with no great technical difficulty, but with a substantial vertical drop that will take you to one of the most beautiful accessible glaciers in the French Alps, along with the Tour glacier. The scenery is breathtaking, with the Aiguille Verte (4100 m), the Aiguille d'Argentière (3900 m) and the Aiguille du Chardonnet, among the most famous. The glacier is accessible, but be careful not to venture onto this glacier without suitable equipment, as numerous crevasses are visible.

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.

Second stage of the Tour des Aiguilles Rouges. This second stage follows the itinerary of the Mont Blanc GRP®. Hike through the Passy Reserve to the Col de Salenton. It's optional to climb the Mont Blanc des Dames: le Buet. Descent through the Vallon de Bérard nature reserve to the mountain hut.

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.

9th stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc, from the Refuge du Lac Blanc to Chamonix.

With a group of senior hikers from the Arve Valley, we set off down the Arve River from its source at La Jonction, Geneva, to its confluence with the Rhône. A short one-day circuit, ascending via the balconies and descending as close as possible to the river, the SM3A path.

This modest hike takes us to the Péclerey mountain overlooking the village of Le Tour, at the northern end of the Chamonix valley. This small, unassuming mountain offers superb views of the surrounding peaks (Aiguilles Rouges, Mont-Blanc), the Chamonix valley and the Tour glacier.

Third stage of the Tour des Aiguilles Rouges. This stage is on the GRP® Tour du Pays du Mont Blanc itinerary. Descend through the Vallon de Bérard nature reserve with its waterfall to the Col des Montets, then climb back up to the Refuge de la Flègère to take in the panoramic view of the Mont Blanc mountain range and its glaciers.

A pretty route, with views of the Tour and Argentière glaciers, which passes through the Refuge de Loriaz to reach the Barrage d'Emosson via a balcony path and finishes at the Refuge du Vieux Emosson.