In autumn, the forests of the Annecy Mountains are ablaze with flamboyant colours. A great season for hikers to explore.
The Taillefer loop trail starting at Duingt is a succession of superb viewpoints. You’ll have several opportunities to admire Lake Annecy and all the autumn colours that unfurl around its banks, especially at the Roc de Chère. A shorter loop makes this walk accessible to all. At Manigod, the Andran trail offers beautiful panoramic views of the Aravis mountains. It alternates between forests, glades and mountain pastures, with fabulous views all along the way. For a complete immersion in the forest depths, head for le Danay. The multiple trails from Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, Le Grand-Bornand or Les Confins mean you can adjust the itinerary to suit your preferences. From the top of the Tête du Danay you’ll enjoy a 360° panoramic view over the Aravis mountains and the Grand-Bornand valley. Absolutely superb!
The Forest Trail from Le Grand-Bornand is an unusual walk deep in the mountain forest, with wooden sculptures and information panels to add interest to your walk! From Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, the Mésers itinerary takes you through the woods from the Chapelle du Parc to the Christ Roi panoramic viewpoint overlooking La Clusaz. The itinerary ends with a section through the lovely Mésers forest.
At the Sources of Lake Annecy, the Boucle du Facteur and Aux Environs du Château trails are both easy routes, one on the plain, the other above Faverges-Seythenex where you’ll (re)discover the Bout du Lac hamlets and the vestiges of our local heritage. If you love traditional chalets, follow the mountain habitat discovery trail from Le Grand-Bornand which leads to the hamlet of Cuillery or go and admire the chalets of Les Fours on a forest walk at the foot of Mont Lachat in Thônes.
From Thônes, the Ovine itinerary is difficult because of its length and elevation range, but it’s also extremely beautiful in autumn. When you arrive at the Col de l’Ovine your efforts will be rewarded with a panoramic view over the Glières plateau, Tournette, Mont Lachat and Roche Pénale! From Bauju, the climb from La Chapelle-Saint-Maurice to the Roc des Bœufs can also be quite a challenge, with a 700m elevation gain for 4 km. The somewhat dizzying ridge at the top offers a stunning panorama with views stretching from Lake Annecy to Mont Blanc and, beyond, Meije and the Dôme des Écrins. Remember to download the apps Virées en Aravis and ViAnnecy to guide you on your hikes in the Annecy Mountains!
