Hiking on the Col de la Forclaz above Lake Annecy

Whether you’re a keen walker or an occasional hiker, here are some routes not to be missed if you want to stretch your calves during your stay at Lake Annecy. There are routes to suit all levels: easy, medium or difficult, to satisfy everyone’s appetite! The programme includes magnificent scenery and breathtaking views of the peaks in all seasons.

Family hikes and occasional walkers on the Col de la Forclaz on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy

1 – The pointe de la Rochette

From the Col de la Froclaz, head towards the Pointe de la Rochette, where you’ll find arrows pointing the way from the car park. The walk there and back takes around 2 hours. The return journey is south-west and follows the same route as the outward journey. You can easily spend half a day taking a leisurely stroll with your family, watching the paragliders fly overhead, taking in the scenery and finishing off with a nice little meal in the refreshment bar on the pass! The route is 4 km in all.

2 – The Col de la Forclaz

A 15-minute walk, or 30-minute round trip, for groups accompanied by elderly people or small children who don’t want to go far. Also from the Col de la Forclaz car park, this path climbs up to the paragliding club, offering not only a magnificent view of Lake Annecy and the paragliders taking off, but also a picnic area and very practical toilets. It’s the perfect place for tourists looking for a nice view without getting too tired.

3 – The 7 fountains loop

This 7km walk has a gentle gradient (under 300m, 258m to be exact) and takes around 2 hours 40 minutes to complete. The walk starts at Montmin church and heads towards the Sept Fontaines monument and two hamlets (La Perrière, La Côte) and back.

4 – Prés ronds and chalet de l’Aulp

This walk takes less than 2 hours and is easy, with a total distance of 4.5 km and an ascent of 200 metres. The walk starts in Montmin and heads towards the Chalet de l’Aulp, where you can sit down to a meal before heading back the other way.

Medium-difficulty hikes

1 – Climbing the Col de la Forclaz

It starts at the end of the lake and takes around 4 hours to complete, depending on your level of fitness, over a half or full day. This 11km walk starts at the hamlet of Verthier and heads up to the top of the Col de la Forclaz, its GR markings on the ground are made up of white and red lines that give you the direction to take. Most of the walk is protected by undergrowth, which is a great advantage on hot days, even in Haute Savoie.

2 – Views of Lake Annecy

From the Col de la Forclaz car park to the Col de l’Aulp chalet before returning via the Pointe de la Rochette. This Col de la Forclaz hike offers unrivalled views of Lake Annecy. The 9.5 km walk takes around 4 hours 30 minutes with good walking shoes.

Difficult walk

The spinner

Experienced and well-equipped hikers will love this walk, which takes them to an altitude of 2,240 m: magnificent views of Lake Annecy, Mont Blanc and the mountains await them along the way. Allow 7 hours’ walking for a 13.1 km circuit starting in Montmin. The walk is a loop and the altitude difference is 1,350 m, but the panoramic views are well worth it.