The Summits of Lake Annecy

An original itinerary that takes you halfway around Lac d’Annecy via the peaks of the Aravis massif, with the Mont Blanc chain as a backdrop.

This new itinerary is a half-tour of Lake Annecy through the Aravis mountains. On the lake side or on the mountain side, you can enjoy magnificent views, always with the Mont Blanc chain in the background. On the program 3 summits including the Tournette (2351 m), very varied landscapes, and to finish a small bath in the lake!

Although the lake is well known, this hike takes place on little frequented paths and it is not uncommon to see ibex or chamois. Each day reveals a different point of view on the lake and the ascent of the summits (optional for the highest) brings a sporting dimension to the stay.

The full tour takes 6 days, but it is possible to do only part of it, thanks to transfers. So we also offer it in 5 days, and a 4 day weekend!

Free hiking – 4 to 6 days – Departure possible from June to September.

Program
Map
Practical information
Dates / prices

Program

Day 1

Meeting point 2:00 pm at the Annecy train station. Transfer to the place of departure. It is by walking on the crest of the Rochers du Roux that you will reach your gîte in Montmin (1300 m).

(4km; +400 m; 2h30 walk)

Day 2

Ascent of the Tournette (2351 m), highest point of the Tour du Lac. This summit offers a panoramic view on the lake of course, but also on the Aravis chain and the Mont Blanc massif. And it is not uncommon to meet a group of ibexes moving nimbly at the edge of the void. You go down by the alpage of Lars, it is the occasion to discover another side, wilder. Night at the same lodge as the day before.

(8km; +1050 m; – 1050 m; 6h00 of walking)

Day 3

Passage to the chalet of Aulp, the biggest mountain pasture of Haute Savoie, then climb to Lanfonnets (1768 m). Your balcony itinerary continues with the long crest of the Col des Frêtes (1645 m) where you can enjoy lying down in the grass, trying to spot “with binoculars” your path on the other side of the lake. Descent to the Bluffy pass (630 m), a bus transfer allows you to reach Veyrier from the Bluffy pass (cost : 2,50 € to be paid to the driver).

(10km; +650 m; – 1100 m; 5h00 walking)

Day 4

Crossing the Mont Veyrier (1291 m), an elegant summit from which you literally overlook the lake, guaranteed sensations! After the descent to Annecy, you walk along the waterfront to reach the old town, passing by the Imperial Park and the Gardens of Europe, a superb “lake front”! You arrive, on foot, at the station around 4:30 pm.

(13km; +650 m; – 850 m; 5h30 of walking)

Map

Practical information

Reception : The^1st day at 2:00 pm TGV station of Annecy. The cab is waiting for you on the north side of the station (underground passage to reach it). It will take you to the start of the hike.

Dispersion : the last day around 4:30 pm at the TGV station of Annecy

Difficulty : For sporty walkers. Mountain itinerary with an average altitude difference of 800 m. Experience in hiking is essential. The ascent of the Tournette (day 2) presents some passages equipped with cable and a 4 m ladder. They are not really airy, but require a lot of concentration.

Supervision: unaccompanied hiking

Luggage transport : Luggage transported by vehicle. All you need to carry is a bag containing your belongings for the day and the lunch provided, which is shared by all. During the week, we ask you to bring one piece of luggage per person, not too bulky (60 cm maximum) and weighing no more than 10 kg.

Access by car : Motorway A40 to Bellegarde sur Valserine (exit ELOISE) then N 508 to Annecy, or freeway A41 to Annecy (exit Annecy Sud). To reach the station follow “Annecy center”. To leave your car you will find two paying parking lots under the station.

Access by train: Annecy SNCF and TGV train station (timetables to be consulted with the SNCF).

Accommodation: 2 nights in a gîte d’étape, in collective rooms of 4 to 10 people, with shared sanitary facilities and hot showers. 1 night in a hotel in rooms for 4 people. First and second night: collective room in a gîte d’étape, shared sanitary facilities. Third night: rooms for 2 to 4 people in a hotel, shared bathroom facilities.

Meals: Dinners and breakfasts are prepared by the accommodation. Picnic option available.

Internal transfers: Transfer by cab day 1, included in your package. Transfer by bus (regular line) between Col de Bluffy and Veyrier (2,50 € to be paid to the driver) on day 3.

Extension: We also offer a 5-day or 6-day itinerary around Lake Annecy.