Around Annecy, the hard part isn’t finding a hike: it’s choosing one. Between the balconies overlooking the lake, the limestone plateaus of the Bornes, the summits of the Bauges and the nearby Aravis pastures, there is something for every level and every mood — from a forest walk with children to a serious climb to a peak above 2,000 metres. Here is a clear guide to help you pick your trails around Annecy, sorted by difficulty.
At Yes Conciergerie, we welcome travellers discovering the region every season: most leave surprised by how much you can do in half a day, ten or twenty minutes from the town centre. This article rounds up the best-known routes — to share with your guests if you rent out your home, or simply to plan your next outing.
Easy walks, perfect with the family
For a first outing, an after-lunch stroll or a day with young children, aim for short, well-marked, gently graded routes:
- The Crêt du Maure forest, just above Annecy: a network of very accessible shaded paths, with a small animal park nearby — ideal for a quiet, car-free morning.
- The Roc de Chère, between Talloires-Montmin and Menthon-Saint-Bernard: a protected nature reserve, an easy loop through the woods with lovely viewpoints over the lake.
- The Angon waterfall, above Talloires: a short climb leads to a balcony walkway facing the falls — spectacular and accessible to most walkers.
- The lakeside loop on foot or by bike along the Voie Verte: about 40 km of flat, safe path running alongside Lake Annecy; do as much of it as you like, out and back, with swimming stops.
- The Fier gorges and the Pont de l’Abîme, north-west of Annecy: a suspended walkway above a narrow canyon (a paid, managed site) and a dizzying bridge to see nearby.
Intermediate hikes: real elevation, still accessible
If you hike regularly and want genuine panoramas without technical commitment, these routes are local classics:
- Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron (around 1,290 m): from Veyrier-du-Lac or Annecy-le-Vieux, a climb through the woods leads to a magnificent balcony above the lake and the town. The ideal outing with friends or older children.
- The Semnoz (Crêt de Châtillon, around 1,700 m), in the Bauges massif: you can climb it on foot or drive most of the way up, then enjoy easy trails at the top with a 360° view over the lake, Mont Blanc and the Bauges. Very family-friendly along the ridges.
- The Glières plateau (around 1,440 m): a key site of the French Resistance, with a gentle plateau perfect for walks, the national monument and several discovery trails. In winter it becomes a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing area.
- The Col de la Forclaz viewpoint (Montmin): famous for its paragliding take-offs, the pass already offers an exceptional view of the lake, and short walks lead to superb viewpoints above it.
The Parmelan plateau: a case of its own
A case of its own, because this limestone summit of the Bornes massif, north-east of Annecy, deserves its own chapter: its huge lapiaz, its refuge, its two very different approaches (the gradual route from Villaz, or the steep, cabled Grand Montoir passage from Dingy-Saint-Clair) and its panorama over the entire Annecy basin make it a memorable outing — provided you respect a few precautions specific to karst terrain (fog, fissures, no water at altitude). We have devoted a full article to it: discover the Parmelan plateau.
The sportier climbs, for those who like it steep
Already have some hikes under your belt and looking for the big outing of the trip? The Annecy area opens the door to more demanding routes, for experienced, well-equipped walkers in good weather:
- La Tournette (around 2,350 m): the emblematic summit towering over the east shore of the lake. A genuine full-day mountain hike, with an exposed, cabled passage near the top. Stunning views over the lake, Mont Blanc and the Aravis — but not one to improvise.
- The summits of the Bornes and Aravis (Sous-Dine, Pointe de la Beccaz, Mont Charvin and around): varied climbs, sometimes long, in landscapes of pastures and cliffs very characteristic of Haute-Savoie.
- Long traverses: linking several passes or summits in a day, for self-reliant hikers used to reading a map and managing their effort.
When to go and how to prepare
The best period runs roughly from late spring to autumn:
- May – June: snow can still linger at altitude, but the lake balconies and mid-mountains are splendid, with meadows in bloom.
- July – August: the easiest weather, but also the busiest; start early in the morning for the cool air and the quiet.
- September – October: arguably the most beautiful season — golden light, autumn colours, quieter trails.
A few basics that make all the difference: hiking shoes with real grip (not city trainers), enough water, sun protection (the sun is stronger at altitude), a light jacket (mountain weather changes fast) and a map or reliable app. Always tell someone your route, especially on long or remote outings, and check conditions with the Grand Annecy tourist offices or local alpine clubs.
Hiking and a stay in Annecy: a great combo
Part of the charm of a hiking trip to Annecy is coming back in the evening to a comfortable place: a kitchen for a convivial meal, a terrace to unwind facing the peaks, somewhere to dry jackets and shoes. That is where a local concierge service such as Yes Conciergerie can make life easier — for travellers (check-in, good addresses, walk ideas to suit every group) and for owners (listing, hotel-grade cleaning, managing arrivals and the day-to-day). Discover our full concierge service in Annecy or our dedicated Airbnb management, and to plan a summer stay, take a look at things to do in Annecy in summer.
