Hiking Alpes

Raidlight and Benoit Laval, inventors of the Stations de Trail concept back in 2011, are offering the Chartreuse-Trail-Experience, which features routes on the Chartreuse's best itineraries, as well as free equipment testing. Departing from the store, where the team will be happy to advise you, set off on the Chartreuse trails with routes adapted to all levels, from the Kilomètre vertical to beginners' courses, including ski touring and walking.

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.

To conquer the tip of Grande Journée at an altitude of 2,460 meters, the adventure begins in La Bâthie, where a breathtaking journey through majestic peaks begins. It's advisable to undertake this dizzying excursion in fine weather, to take full advantage of the spectacular views over the Beaufortain massif. The program includes steep ridges, rock climbing and a vertical drop approaching 1,000 meters. Allow around 4.5 hours to complete the entire tour.

It is both useful and pleasant; in 12 kilometres, this Green Lane connects to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in a veritable green setting. Forget the national: This time you have a quiet and quiet path, the smooth coating of which allows the practice of roller and skateboard. Security is also at the meeting: no intersection in perspective! In other words, either as a means of transport or as a route route, the Green Avenue in Tarentaise will satisfy you without any doubt!

Tariff: free.

Distance: 12 km.

Difficulty: pretty easy (regular but light slope).

In its long journey between Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean, Via Rhôna stops by Champagneux and La Balme, and offers a pleasant green lane along the Rhône river, which connects the two communes within 16 kilometres. Whether you are in a family walk mode or daily workout, take the time to appreciate the panoramas on the mountains and on the river: some are absolutely sublime. On foot, bike, roll or skateboard, browse all or part of the itinerary and you can be proud to have made a few kilometers on this famous Ride.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 16 km.

Difficulty: .

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.

Close to the majestic Grand Mont, the Lacs de la Tempête offer an unforgettable experience where the splendour of the lakes rewards every step. The excursion lasts approximately 4 hours. Departure is from the Saint-Guérin dam, perched at an altitude of almost 1,600 metres. At the start, the waymarked path rises towards the Col de la Louze, culminating at over 2,100 meters, then your route continues to the right. You'll need to cross a scree slope, guided by cairns. At the pass, the first lake is revealed, offering a breathtaking panorama.

La Bessannaise is the ideal place for a fun-filled vacation, summer or winter, in the beautiful Bessans valley. You can enjoy a wide range of activities supervised by instructors: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and biathlon in winter, and hiking and trekking in summer. The resort offers full-board accommodation, including meals, access to activities and balneo/fitness areas, as well as supervised courses. With daily entertainment, your stay at La Bessannaise will meet all your expectations, whether for a weekend or a longer stay.

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.

Guillestre-based travel agency Destinations Queyras offers a variety of hiking and snowshoeing holidays in the region. Destinations include Mercantour, Vallée des Merveilles en étoile, Balcons du Queyras, Calanques de Marseille and Côte Bleue, Tour du Queyras, Tour des Ecrins, and guided hikes around Lac de Serre-Ponçon.

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.

The Granier mountain, or simply "Le Granier" for the friends. What a wonder! Iconic mountain of the Chartreuse massif, its 900 m high cliff, which follows the collapse in 1248 of its rock face, makes it recognizable among all. From the top you will have an incomparable view on the Chartreuse valley, the lake of Bourget and the Mont-Blanc. This difficult hike, a passage requires to cross small ladders, will cut you off from the world during nearly 3 hours of ascent. Be careful, the itinerary is not recommended when the snow is present.

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.

Take on one of the region's most emblematic hikes and enjoy an experience as challenging as it is spectacular. Be careful after the Col de la Vacherie, where the path narrows abruptly along a ravine. Fortunately, a secure handrail accompanies you through this passage. The final section is particularly demanding, taking you over a small area of just 10 square metres. Those prone to vertigo should refrain!

Set off on a charming 7 km jaunt to the picturesque Chard du Beurre, through lush green meadows and dense forests. The word "Chard", meaning little hill, suggests a pleasant climb. The starting point is Les Saisies, where cows graze peacefully throughout the summer, providing the milk that gives the famous Beaufort cheese its character. At the summit, a majestic panorama awaits you. This walk can be enjoyed in summer, with its lush greens, or in winter, when the landscape is transformed into a white paradise.

Be careful, this hike is reserved for experienced hikers. Indeed, the 14 km itinerary will require you to walk for nearly 6 hours. So why embark on this Herculean quest? Simply to have the privilege of accessing the only viewpoint offering a simultaneous view of Lake Aiguebelette and Lake Bourget! That's all there is to it! From the cemetery of Attignat-Oncin, go towards the hamlet of La Fauchère, then follow the path. There is no water on the way, so it is necessary to take precautions.

The Haute Ubaye offers particularly favourable sites to satisfy experienced climbers as well as hikers or anglers. Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, well situated, is a convenient starting point for these sports and nature activities. Hikers can take the GR56, which joins the GR5 in Fouillouse, another typical commune of Haute Ubaye. This site can also be reached by car, from the extraordinary Châtelet bridge, with its single arch between the sides of the mountain.

Fouillouse is a very popular starting point for mountaineers, as it serves the Maurin valley towards the sources of the Ubaye, the Brec de Chambeyron - 3,389 m -, the Pointe d'Aval - 3,320 m - or the tête de la Courbe - 3,088 m -, via the Col de Mirandol. From the Châtelet bridge, the climb continues to the hamlet of Maljasset (which can be reached by the GR6) and which marks, for all mountaineers, the starting point of many other mountain routes.

The simple hikers are also spoiled: many lakes (lake of Marinet), beautiful points of view, all the wild magic of Ubaye are here sumptuously offered.

Many establishments are present in the area to advise you if the need arises. Bivouac lovers will not be left out either, because in Ubaye, it is possible to pitch your tent wherever you want (for the night), as long as you respect this beautiful natural heritage.

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!

The attraction of this "adventure school", open to the very young, located in the heart of the old village of Le Châtelard, offers us the opportunity, whatever our level, to explore the wonders of a massif that reveals itself beneath our feet. Accompanied by guides, participants simply let themselves be enveloped by the grandeur of nature. For those in search of more daring adventures, Terres d'Altitude offers excursions into the region's tumultuous waters and rock faces! All necessary equipment can be rented on site, including via ferrata equipment.

So welcome to our offices, where Chantal and her team, all graduates, welcome you! A friendly introduction to unforgettable moments in both summer and winter, with respect for the environment. You'll enjoy innovative, high-quality services, guided by the passion and good humor of your guides. Ubaye and Mercantour, local produce and extraordinary characters await you. An address you won't soon forget!

Start your journey from Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe by venturing towards Plan Désert. Follow the marked trail past the chairlift stations until you reach Bellastat. Climb to the summit of Mont de Vorès, then descend towards Col de Basse Combe. From here, fork left and follow the course of the small stream. Walk along its waters until you reach the parking lot. This loop offers breathtaking views of the Aravis mountains.

Weather permitting, why not come and explore this easily accessible tourist trail? It's an ideal half-day hike for children, lasting around two hours for the short version (otherwise, allow around four hours for the slightly longer version). The trail, which is both fun and partly forested, reveals some astonishing geological formations. But that's not all, as you can also enjoy magnificent panoramic views from the Leysse plateau, as well as alpine landscapes. The mountain reveals many facets, and on a clear day you can even see Mont Blanc. In any case, this hike offers a real journey back in time, to the era of tannes (chasms), dolines (circular hollows) and glacières, natural chasms where ice accumulated. This was particularly convenient for the inhabitants of Les Aillons, who used to cut up the ice and take it down by mule to sell it in town via the Col de la Verne. If you look carefully, you may still be able to see ice at the bottom of some of these chasms. In winter, the itinerary can also be covered on snowshoes or cross-country skis, but it's essential to follow the trail, as the holes and chasms are not as visible - and there are plenty of them in this region.

This universally accessible walk offers the whole family a great opportunity to explore the peaceful surroundings of the village of Beaufort. Following this loop, you'll cross the leisure park and skirt the lake, discovering lively moments, sublime panoramas and moments of tranquillity. Once you've completed the hike, fishing, mountain biking, games for all ages and picnics offer a multitude of options at your fingertips.

The comfort walk is for everyone, offering an easy and accessible family outing. Nestled in the Beaufortain massif, this itinerary takes place near Lac de Saint-Guérin. Right from the start, you'll be captivated by the panoramic view of the Saint-Guérin dam. The long walk along the lake will then lead you to an impressive 80-meter-long footbridge, overhanging the lake by more than 20 meters. This trail is available outside the snowy season.

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.

On the enchanting Ritort plateau, where the famous Beaufort cheese comes to life, immerse yourself in a unique spectacle. You might come across the peaceful tarines, accompanied by the cheerful tinkling of cowbells, while curious marmots observe the world around them. Explore the peaks and let yourself be intoxicated by the tranquil surroundings. Once a haunt of salt merchants, this area is renowned for its exceptional Beaufort cheese, made with precious alpine milk. At a higher altitude, a sparkling lake awaits you.

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).

From the Les Teppes parking lot, follow the path north along the forest track. Through the 28 switchbacks of the Forêt de Chevron, it takes you to the Croix de Périllet ridge, at 1,710 m altitude. From here, you can admire the view over the Combe de Savoie and the aerial path leading to the Belle Étoile, which is not recommended for those prone to vertigo. This summit, recognizable by its cross, offers a 360-degree panorama from its orientation table, culminating at 1,843 meters. A magnificent hike offering breathtaking views.

Leaving the parking lot at 900 m altitude, we take a path marked with red wooden posts to avoid the twists and turns of the road. At the first junction, turn left, leaving the Combe Noire path for the well-marked but steep Les Géants path. After following the pastoral track to the Chalet du Drison at 1,640 m, climb to the Col du Drison at 1,756 m. From here, we follow the ridge towards the Pointe de Chaurionde, a climb that becomes steeper towards the end. At the summit, at 2,173 metres, the view is magnificent.

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 take in the view and the emerald colors of the lake, follow the path around the lake. 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.

The Aiguille de la Grande Sassière, at 3,747 meters, is the highest ascent on foot in France, especially during the summer months, preferably August. However, this hike requires adequate preparation, as it includes a positive vertical drop of 1,600 meters over a total distance of 11 km. It's crucial to check the conditions before embarking on the adventure, and to be in good physical condition to face this challenge.

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.