The best walks and hikes around Annecy

Annecy offers nearly 2000 hiking trails, catering to all levels. You'll find over 600 easy routes, more than 900 moderate options, and over 300 challenging trails for experienced hikers.

The Annecy region boasts diverse landscapes, from the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Lake Annecy to the majestic peaks of the Bauges, Bornes, and Aravis mountains. You'll encounter dense forests like those around Roc de Chère, unique limestone plateaus such as Parmelan, and dramatic natural features like the Angon Waterfall and the wild Ablon gorge. Many trails offer breathtaking panoramic views over the lake and surrounding alpine scenery.

Yes, Annecy has many trails suitable for families. Areas like Roc de Chère offer well-marked paths through woods and meadows with beautiful lake views. The Semnoz mountain also provides gentle relief and stunning panoramas, making it ideal for beginners and children. For an easy, scenic walk, consider the Plateau de Beauregard from Col de la Croix Fry, which is just under 6 km long.

Many trails in Annecy are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check local regulations, especially in nature reserves like Roc de Chère or the Regional Natural Park of Bauges, where dogs might need to be on a leash or restricted in certain areas to protect wildlife. Generally, mountain trails are accessible for well-behaved dogs.

Hikers can discover several stunning natural attractions. The Angon Waterfall is a popular spot, and the Fier Gorge offers a dramatic landscape. For panoramic views, the Col de la Forclaz provides an easily accessible vista of Lake Annecy. Other peaks like Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron also offer extensive views of the lake and the Mont Blanc massif.

Yes, many trails in Annecy are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, The Aulp chalet and the Forclaz pass via Montmin — Loop is a popular moderate circular route offering panoramic lake views. Another option is The valley of Sainte-Catherine and the trail of the Crête — Semnoz — Loop, which explores the Semnoz area.

The Annecy area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 12,500 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains, the diverse terrain catering to all skill levels, and the well-maintained trails through forests and alpine landscapes.

Absolutely. For experienced hikers, the Annecy region offers several difficult trails with significant elevation gain and alpine scenery. The trou de la Mouche - Chaîne des Aravis - Loop is a challenging 9.7 km path ascending through the Aravis mountain range. Another demanding option is Pointe Percée Normal Route, which offers a substantial climb to a high summit.

The best time for hiking in Annecy is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is milder, and most trails are free of snow, especially at lower elevations. Summer offers warm temperatures perfect for combining hikes with a dip in Lake Annecy, while spring and autumn provide vibrant foliage and fewer crowds. Higher alpine routes might still have snow early in the season.

Yes, the Annecy region is traversed by long-distance hiking routes, including a section of the GR 96. You can also find multi-day loops such as the Tournette-Aravis, Tour du Val Sulens, Tour du Lac d'Annecy, and Tour de la Sambuy, offering extended adventures through the diverse mountain landscapes.

Yes, beyond Lake Annecy, you can discover other beautiful mountain lakes. For instance, the Lac de Lessy par le Chinaillon — Loop is a challenging route that takes you to the serene Lac de Lessy. Another option is Lac de Tardevant — Chaîne des Aravis, a moderate hike leading to another picturesque alpine lake.

Yes, several higher elevation hikes in the Annecy region provide spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif on clear days. La Tournette, the highest summit around Lake Annecy, offers a 360-degree panorama that includes Mont Blanc. Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron also provide extensive views of the Mont Blanc massif, as does the Plateau des Glières.