Hiking in the mountains is a sports activity for all ages. The massifs around Annecy offer routes for all levels. We invite you to share with you this taste for effort to discover nature.
The 6 most beautiful hikes near Annecy
We offer you our selection of hikes to undertake in the surrounding mountains. There are many others, but these have the particularity of offering a magnificent view of the massifs and Lake Annecy. You may also have the opportunity to encounter the wildlife of Haute-Savoie.
The Tournette
Type: Loop
Departure: Parking at the Chalet de l’Aulp โ 74210 Montmin
Starting Altitude: 1424 m
Arrival Altitude: 1424 m
Maximum Altitude: 2351 m
The Tournette is a mountain massif that overlooks Lake Annecy with a peak reaching an altitude of 2351 meters.
The Tournette from the Chalet de l’Aulp
From the Col de la Forclaz, you can park at the first parking area located at 1250 meters altitude or at the parking of the Chalet de l’Aulp a bit higher at 1424 meters. With a duration of nearly 7 hours and a distance of nearly 12 kilometers, this hike is classified as difficult due to its steep elevation gain.
But the reward will be there with a 360ยฐ panorama over Lake Annecy, Mont Blanc, the Aravis, La Pointe Perรงรฉe, the Bauges… It is common to encounter ibex. To reach the summit of the mountain, there are two tricky passages where it is better to have a rope.
This walk is rather reserved for hikers looking for a bit of excitement and not too afraid of heights, as some passages may seem tricky. The path remains well secured with the presence of chains and ladders at the most delicate passages.
The Tournette with snowshoes
In winter, when the mountain is covered in snow, it is possible to undertake snowshoe hikes and ski touring in the Massif de La Tournette and reach its summit.
However, the mountain is a wild place, and we recommend being accompanied by a guide for this type of outing or, if not, to prepare your hike well in advance.
After heavy snowfall, the presence of holes or “Lapiaz”, sometimes several meters deep, can be dangerous as they may collapse under the feet of skiers and hikers.
Refuge de La Tournette
From the Col de la Forclaz, via the chalet of l’Aulp and the Tournette trail, at an altitude of 1774 meters, is the refuge of la Tournette or refuge of Blonay-Dufour, closed since 2009.
A spring above the refuge allows you to fill your water bottle.
The Semnoz Plateau
Hike of the Semnoz Plateau: This hike is of medium difficulty, with an elevation gain of 400 m, but a distance of over 8 km.
You will be rewarded with the view of Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc. The hike can be done in winter with snowshoes.
Mont Veyrier
Hike of Mont Veyrier: Starting from Annecy-le-Vieux, this circuit lasts 5 hours, covering 10 km, and presents a medium difficulty. You need to follow the ridge trail of Mont Veyrier to Mont Baron.
A magnificent view of the Bauges massif and Lake Annecy awaits you.
The Col de la Forclaz
This excursion of 11 kilometers with an elevation gain of 830 meters allows you to discover the sunniest side of Lake Annecy.
Upon arrival, you can admire the numerous paragliding take-offs and why not do a paragliding baptism.
The departure is from the municipality of Montmin, following the forest road that allows you to discover a nearly Mediterranean vegetation.
The Crรชt du Maure and Grande Jeanne via the Espagnoux
The departure is from Annecy, following the road to Semnoz (D 41) and parking at the Espagnoux parking lot. The route is 9 kilometers with an elevation gain of 370 meters.
At the various intersections, on the way there, you need to follow the dark blue marks and the red marks on the way back.
You will discover the magnificent panorama from the Belvรฉdรจre des รcureuils, which overlooks the Annecy agglomeration.
The Rocky Circus of Sixt-Fer-ร -Cheval
You need to head to the Giffre valley towards Cluses from Annecy to discover the marked route of Fond de la Combe to enjoy this unique rocky circus and the clear waterfalls.
In the Haut-Giffre massif, starting from Passy, you will discover the Green Lake and Lake Pormenaz surrounded by a magnificent forest. These two hikes are perfectly suited for families.
Two-day hikes and more
The richness of the Haute-Savoie massifs makes it possible to hike over several days. It is advisable to be accompanied by a guide if you are not familiar with the natural environment of each route. For hikers of a good level, the Tour of Mont Blanc is a must with 165 kilometers of marked trails and an elevation gain of 9,150 meters.
The route is dotted with refuges, gรฎtes, and guest rooms. You have the option to combine walking with lifts and public transport.
A three-day loop allows you to do the tour of the Dent d’Oche near รvian-les-Bains. The mountain peaks at 2,222 meters altitude, allowing you to admire Lake Geneva. Finally, in Chamonix, you can enjoy a beautiful hike passing through the Col du Mont Buet at 3,096 meters altitude to do the tour of the Aiguilles Rouges and enjoy the panorama of the Mont-Blanc glaciers.
Hiking video to the chalet of l’Aulp de la Tournette
Precautions for hiking
It is important to take a few precautions before departure for a mountain hike:
- Choose well-broken-in hiking shoes that provide good ankle support.
- Take a small first aid kit.
- Equip yourself with a map and a phone (the network is often weak and 4G unavailable for navigation).
- Depending on the weather, bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop quickly in the mountains.
- Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential.
- Bring enough water and food for the day.
- It is essential to inform someone close to you that you are going hiking; in case of difficulties, they can alert the rescue services.
When checking the weather before your departure, ensure that the weather is favorable for the entire duration of the hike and a little beyond in case of unforeseen events.
If you wish to be accompanied, guides or escorts are available to make your experience even richer.
Hiking clubs in Annecy
We recommend the following clubs:
- Les Randonnรฉes Savoyardes: 2550 route dโEntredozon โ 74410 Saint-Jorioz
Tel: 06.62.47.77.21 - Club Alpin Franรงais dโAnnecy: 17 Rue du Mont Blanc, 74000 Annecy
- Gums Annecy: Polyรจdre, 4 Impasse Saint-Jean, 74600 Seynod
- Touring Pรฉdestre Annรฉcien: a meeting is held from September to December on the first Thursday of the month from 5 PM to 6 PM, at the Jumel room Quai des Clarisses in Annecy.
- CAF Meythet: 4 rue de lโaรฉrodrome, Meythet, 74960 Annecy
