Hiking Haute-Savoie

To reach the summit of the Grandes Platières and hike up to the Désert de Platé, simply take the DMC gondola, which lifts you up to 2,480 meters in twelve minutes. As you exit the gondola, a memorable panorama awaits you: the Fiz chain in the foreground, followed by the highest peaks of the Mont-Blanc massif. On a clear day, you can also admire the Aravis massif, the Dents Blanches, Belledonne, Vercors and Jura, but it's important to note that the cable car may close in the event of unfavorable weather conditions, so check before you come if in doubt.

In summer, the possible presence of snow requires adequate preparation. Experienced hikers will find numerous marked trails in the heart of the magnificent Désert de Platé, a limestone plateau dotted with lapiaz, fissures and potholes sculpted by glacial meltwater. This lunar landscape offers breathtaking views, but it's essential to be well equipped, as some of the rocks can be sharp.

To take the family back down to Flaine from the cable car, simply follow the signs for Tête Pelouse and skirt the slopes of Balacha. If you're lucky, a few chamois and marmots may turn up. In winter, the Cascades trail offers a tempting option: a 14-kilometer blue run to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval!

A superb hike with the Rochers des Fiz in the background. Forests and rivers, as well as a few roped passages, accompany you along the way to Lac de Pormenaz. The oldest traces of pastoralism on this mountain date back to the 12th century, when shepherds and their flocks were already occupying the area for summer pasture. This tradition has been perpetuated ever since, with some 600 sheep making their way up to Pormenaz every spring to graze on the tender grass. This complete hike is suitable for experienced walkers.

The Col des Annes is a must-see for any visitor to the Aravis. Here you'll discover a new kind of landscape, like a piece of Scotland in the Alps, and architecture very different from the rest of the massif. The journey begins long before the walk we propose. As you climb the small road that winds from the Bouchet valley to the pass, only accessible by car in summer, you marvel at the beautiful farmhouses and the almost awe-inspiring mountains. A few ski lifts allow you to imagine what life is like in winter, when everything is covered in snow and skiers happily hurtle down the slopes. We recommend a very simple, almost flat hike starting from the pass, perfect for families. It gives you a 360° view of the Aravis chain and the village of Le Grand-Bornand, just on the other side of the mountain. Park your car and, just left of the road, follow signs for "K'ro de la Mi Our", then "Clef des Annes" and "Col du Vacheret". When you reach the Col du Vacheret, you'll discover another view. Turn left and follow the path along the ridge until you reach Terre Rouge, at the top of the chairlifts, where there are several picnic tables for lunch or a rest. The walk is an out-and-back; once you've reached the Col des Annes again, take advantage of one of the restaurants on site to feast on excellent potato fritters or buy farmhouse cheeses. And you're recharged with happiness!

A lovely walk accessible to all, a must-see in the valley! Lac Bénit and its turquoise waters nestling at the foot of the imposing Bargy cliffs. Access is well signposted: once you've parked at Le Bété, in the Malacquis parking lot, follow the signs to Lac Bénit. The ascent takes about 1h15, the descent 45 minutes. On the way up, take a good look at the cliffs: can you see the mountain's eyes? Once at the top, enjoy the surroundings and the refreshment bar, open in season. Please note that you cannot swim in the lake.

Our guides lead nature outings all year round, for a few hours or a few days. In winter, it's off for ski touring on the Aravis mountain range or ski raids all over Europe. Trained in off-piste risk management, they also offer snowshoe treks, icefall climbing and even heliskiing. Summer activities are just as attractive: hiking, via ferrata, canyoning... Some of our original outings introduce visitors to mountain culinary and medicinal plants, astronomy and more.

It is not common to combine contemporary art with ski resort! Flaine has been successful since its inception. This cultural centre welcomes throughout the year exhibitions of modern artists and each week offers a free visit of the station to discover a unique architecture and works of art signed by the largest: Picasso, Dubuffet, Vasarely…

You can't leave Annecy without climbing Mont Veyrier! It's one of the most popular mountains with locals and tourists alike, for its superb views of the lake, surrounding mountains and town. Once you've parked at the Col du Pré Vernet, follow the signs for Mont Veyrier/Mont Baron. You'll start with a steep 40-minute ascent before reaching the top of the cliffs and taking in the view! The descent is via the same route. To prolong the pleasure, continue on to Mont Baron. You can start the hike from Petit Port.

L'Auberge Nordique, an adventure that has been going on for over 40 years! Take a step up in the Aravis! Your chosen season, a stay is adapted to it. There is something for all tastes and all ages, whether you are a beginner or an initiate, the word is relaxation, and it can be invigorating if you opt for the Qi-Gong stay. These hikes are punctuated by sessions during which you refocus on yourself while enjoying the practice, thanks to exercises combining movements, postures, concentration of the mind and breathing.

Let's escape for a moment to enjoy the pure mountain air, the surrounding nature and exceptional views? The Lac de Roy is an unmissable walk in the region! Indeed, easy to access and for all levels, this walk allows a moment of escape in the middle of nature. From the Ramaz pass, you have to follow a wide and stony path to reach the lake in about 30 minutes of walking. Lend an ear, you will surely hear the marmots! For the most courageous, persevere until the mount Fleury where you will have a 360° view.

A beautiful panoramic walk! The program includes a 360° view from Lac du Bourget to Mont-Blanc, in the midst of alpine meadows, on undulating terrain with little difference in altitude. Meet at Courant d'Ère, then climb up to the plateau following the "3 lacs" signs. Allow 1h30 to 2h for the walk. Enjoy a picnic or lunch at the excellent Refuge du Semnoz (opening hours vary). And the good news is that the trail is groomed in winter, making it accessible without snowshoes.

At an altitude of more than 1,500 m, Mont Forchat offers a panoramic view from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc. Starting from Très-le-Mont, the ascent of this mountain is a great classic of the walks in the Lake Geneva Alps. For 4 km and a difference in altitude of 160 m, it will take you about 2 hours of walking to reach the statue of Saint François de Sales, erected in 1898, and to come back on your steps. This is a family walk, without any particular difficulties, which will please young and old alike. In winter, get out your snowshoes and enjoy the snowy panorama.

Sportsmen or not, the Lac Vert de Passy is a must in the region. It is a classified natural site that offers a breathtaking view of the Mont-Blanc chains and water that is both transparent and emerald green. In summer, you can simply walk around the lake in about 15 minutes, from the restaurant's parking lot. For the hikers, you can choose a 10 km trail with a 300 m difference in altitude (departure from the Place Tobé), passing by the Himalayan bridge of the Nant Bordon, which gives a taste of adventure to this beautiful trail.

Stretch your legs and enjoy the view without too much effort. La Bourgeoise, the summit above Samoëns, is a family-friendly walk offering an exceptional 360° panorama. From the Col de Joux Plane, where the surrounding peaks are reflected in its lake and the view is already magical, follow a signposted path to the Chalets de Mapellet to reach the summit. Up there, the entire Giffre valley and its mountains come into view. Le Criou, Pointe Rousse, Tête de Bostant... A trail that can also be explored on snowshoes in winter.

It's a walk that does you a world of good! Accessible to all and very well signposted (follow the Angely paths on the pretty wooden panels), the undulating trail winds through forests and pastures, hamlets and villages. The view of the mountains in the distance is superb: Mont-Blanc is omnipresent on a clear day, surrounded by its green mountain setting. From the Bauges to the Aravis, from the south of the Jura to the north of Isère (Chartreuse, Belledonne), we marvel at each new hill. What's more, it's still a very little-visited trail. Make the most of it!

How about a breath of fresh air on the banks of the Giffre? From the beautiful blue lake of Morillon, you can follow a well-maintained and marked path that leads you to the lake of Samoëns: the Lac aux Dames. This itinerary without difficulties will lead you to the water's edge and in the forest, with magnificent views on the surrounding summits, such as the famous Criou and Pic Marcelly. A footbridge at the end of the route will announce your arrival in Samoëns. It will take you about 1h30 to do the round trip.

Depart from the Solaison plateau and climb to the Pointe d'Andey at 1,877 m. Once up there, you'll discover a balcony offering superb panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc massif, the Bargy range, the Leschaux rocks and Lake Geneva. Although the climb, which is perfectly signposted on a clearly visible path (with no shade, remember to take something to drink), is quite demanding, it remains accessible to all. For those sensitive to vertigo and young children, the summit plunges 1,400 m into the Arve valley... Allow 1h30 for the round trip. Enjoy the walk!

This is certainly the most beautiful nature hike in the whole of Haute-Savoie and therefore in the Faucigny Glières area. What is magical is that the Lessy lake, the final destination of this itinerary, is a real jewel of an alpine lake nestled at the bottom of a valley surmounted by a few peaks. What is even more magical is that the entire route offers fantastic scenery, so many good reasons to marvel at the beauty of the mountains. And don't forget that at the lake, a refuge and a refreshment stand are waiting for you to eat and refresh yourself.

By Cenise: medium difficulty, positive difference in altitude: 597 m. Apart from a scree slope that is a little difficult to cross to reach the Sosay pass, the path does not present any major difficulties. The quickest and probably the easiest approach

By Mayse: significant difficulty, positive difference in altitude: 944 m. A longer and especially steeper route than via Cenise. Indeed, this route, which first climbs through the forest and the mountain pastures, climbs towards the Forclaz pass at 1,844 m. Nice descent to the lake of Lessy.

Par Paradis: medium difficulty, positive difference in altitude: 494 m. This route is not very steep but has one or two small difficulties: a scree valley where the rocks can be slippery and the access to the ridge overlooking the Mayse valley (two rungs ladder).

A Chablais Geopark site. It's a beautiful lake in the heart of the mountains, at the foot of the Roc d'Enfer. It was formed by a landslide in 1943, and the ruins of sunken hamlets can still be seen. To enjoy the setting and the emerald colors of the lake, you can follow the path around it. You can also reach the medieval chapel or the Diomaz waterfall (a two-hour walk). A magnificent, peaceful place to enjoy nature with your family. Also popular with fishermen.

Since 1994, Takamaka has been the ideal place to enjoy the wonders of Annecy. Based in the charming old town, this team of enthusiasts dedicated to events and sports tourism offers a range of activities all year round. Whether you're looking for an adrenalin-pumping bike rental or a friendly corporate seminar, Elisabeth, Yoann, Marion and their dedicated team will meet your every expectation. Thanks to their local expertise, they will guide you to the must-see sites of Annecy and its magnificent lake for an unforgettable experience.