There are many ways to admire the 50 shades of blue ofLake Annecy. Whether you're out for a family outing or a more challenging hike, we've put together our ten best walks in and around Annecy, overlooking our nugget of the Alps.
Pssst... with its cooler temperatures and autumnal colors that make the landscapes even more picturesque, Indian summer is undoubtedly our favorite season for hiking in and around Annecy. So...get your gear, get set, go! 🥾
The Bout du Lac Nature Reserve
The Bout du Lac Nature Reserve is a magnificent, unspoilt area near Annecy. It offers peaceful walking trails through wetlands, meadows and forests. Some of them run alongside the lake, while others take you deeper into the reserve. The main entrance is near the Plage de la Brune in Doussard.
The Bout du Lac Nature Reserve offers a unique experience in the midst of a diverse ecosystem. It's an ideal place for those looking for a quiet hike and an immersion in nature. It is also suitable for families.
Our tip: Don't forget your binoculars to get a better look at the birds and the beauty of the wilderness.
The 3 Crosses Circuit
The 3 Crosses trail is located in the Bauges massif. It's an ideal hike for beginners and those looking for a half-day in the great outdoors.
The starting point is usually near the village of Sevrier, accessible by car from Annecy. It takes between 2 and 3 hours to cover the 6 km round trip and the 380 m of ascent.
The trail begins with a gradual climb through the forest. Once you reach the Croix du Crêt, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view.
Our tip: Most of this hike is through undergrowth, so it's pleasant in hot weather.
Cascade d'Angon<
The Cascade d'Angon is a beautiful hike near Annecy that will take you to a picturesque waterfall nestled in the heart of nature with a view over Lake Annecy.
To reach the starting point, drive to the village of Angon, about 20 minutes' drive from Annecy. There is a car park nearby where you can leave your vehicle. There is also a less sporty alternative. For this, drive over the Col de La Forclaz to the car park at Le Pirraz. It's an ideal getaway for a family outing in nature.
Our advice: Wear shoes with a good sole. Rock polished by passage and humidity can make access slippery.
Semnoz
Accessible by car or on foot, the Semnoz offers numerous hiking trails with magnificent views of Lake Annecy, Lake Aix Les Bains, the Bauges, Aravis and Alps mountains.
It offers a varied hiking experience, with options for all levels of hiker. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a longer hike.
Our tip: Go early in the morning to watch the sun rise over Mont Blanc on a clear day, or in the evening to watch the sun set.
Mont Veyrier & Mont Baron
This is definitely THE hike to do if you're passing through Annecy! The path climbs gradually through the forest to the summit of Mont Veyrier, offering a majestic view of the lake. The path then takes you over a ridge to Mont Baron. The path can be a little narrower and steeper, so keep your wits about you!
The loop including the two summits is 8km long and has a positive ascent of 900m. You start from the village of Veyrier-du-Lac or from the Col des Contrebandiers, just a few minutes' drive from the centre of Annecy.
Our tip: Stay here to watch the sun set over the lake and the city. And don't forget your headlamp for the descent, which takes place in the dark.
Tournette
The La Tournette hike is one of the most popular and iconic in the Annecy region. La Tournette is the highest peak in the Bornes massif, offering spectacular panoramic views over Lake Annecy.
This is a difficult hike, requiring between 6 and 8 hours to complete the 22 km round trip. The ascent is 1500 m. The route generally starts from the Montmin car park, which is accessible by car from Annecy along the Col de la Forclaz road.
Our tip: Start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and have enough time for the hike, or in the evening to enjoy the sunset before a night under the stars.
Parmelan
The Parmelan hike is another popular excursion in the Annecy region. The Parmelan is a mountain that offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Annecy, the surrounding mountains and the valley.
As with the La Tournette hike, the starting point is the Montmin car park. In terms of difficulty, this is a fairly strenuous hike, with its 1000m D+ and 10km distance. The round trip takes between 5 and 6 hours.
Our tip: Like La Tournette, this is a popular hike, so don't hesitate to walk the paths in the cool of the day to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Col de l'Aulp
The Col de l'Aulp is located in the Bornes massif and offers panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains. This hike takes you through mountain pastures and forests to reach a pass with breathtaking views.
The starting point is usually near the Col de la Forclaz, accessible by car from Annecy along the road leading to the Col. The path then climbs through the forest and winds up the mountainside. The climb is steady but can be steep in places. This is a moderate to difficult hike, with 800D+ and a 9km round trip.
Our advice: It's best to start early in the morning to avoid the high temperatures and enjoy the peace and quiet. That way, you'll have more time to enjoy the hike and the panoramic views over Lake Annecy.
Pointe de La Sambuy
Pointe de La Sambuy is an iconic peak in the Bauges massif. The trail starts from the ski resort car park.
The path begins by climbing through the forest. The climb is steady but steep at times. As you gain altitude, the path becomes rockier and more technical.
This is a difficult hike. It is almost 14 km long and has a positive difference in altitude of almost 1100 m. Once you reach the Pointe de La Sambuy, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Our advice: If you're not afraid of heights, take Le Pas de l'Ours in dry weather to make a long loop and avoid taking the lifts.
Dents de Lanfon
Dents de Lanfon are a distinctive group of peaks in the Bornes massif. It's a tough hike, with over 1000 D+ and a 10km round trip, but a rewarding one. It leads to rocky summits offering panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
The trail starts from the Col de la Forclaz car park or from the Col de Plan Bois. The path climbs through the forest and winds up the mountainside. Be prepared for a demanding climb.
Our tip: Once at the summit, open your eyes wide for a breathtaking panorama and the ibex. And don't forget your camera to immortalise this wonderful experience above Lake Annecy.
Our Recommendations
To make the most of your outing in the great outdoors, here are a few recommendations:
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Choose a trail suited to your level of fitness and mountain experience.
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If in doubt, ask a mountain guide or the Annecy Tourist Office. Check the weather conditions. In the event of rain, the paths can be slippery and dangerous in the event of lightning.
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Let someone know you're going out, where you're going and when you'll be back.
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Wear suitable clothing and footwear, a first-aid kit, a pair of sunglasses, a cap and sun cream in fine weather.
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Don't forget your headlamp if you decide to descend after sunset, or your sleeping gear if you plan to bivouac.
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Take enough water with you for the duration of your outing, and an energy-boosting snack if you need it.
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Charge your mobile phone before you leave.
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Respect the environment by following the signposted paths and don't leave anything in nature
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Open your eyes wide and e-n-j-o-y ! 👀
See you soon on the heights of Lake Annecy! ⛰️